**Disclosure: My family received complimentary passes to the Royal Ontario Museum for the purpose of creating an accurate review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
Wow! Just wow! I really did not know what to expect as we entered the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto during our Spring Break trip but I know that I could never have imagined what a treasure trove the awaited us inside. The Royal Ontario Museum has an impressive collection in its Gallery of Gems and Gold. In fact, you will feel like you have walked into the Queen's vault when entering. Upon reflection, I feel that the entire museum was like a vault of gems to us. The gems certainly were not isolated to the one gallery!
Before taking a look at the wonders of the museum, there are some quick things to keep in mind before visiting. Here are some tips we learned during our visit:
- ROM has late hours on Friday evenings. There is also a discount on tickets after 4:30PM. We visited on a Friday afternoon/evening and actually found the experience pleasant--not too crowded at all!
- The museum is expansive and holds vast collections. Be prepared to spend most of the day there or find a way to split up your trip.
- There is a cafe to make it easier to spend the day in the museum and have salads, sandwiches, etc., for a bite.
- Grab a map--it is easy to get turned around. Plus, you will be able to find the restrooms easier.
- Take the stairs! It may be tempting to stick to the elevators but the stairwells themselves are sites to be seen with real totem poles and beautiful ceilings.
