Offbeat museums that are must-see ’ems

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/10/2010 (5850 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

1. The Canadian Canoe Museum

Peterborough, Ont.

Pierre Berton once remarked that a true Canadian is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe without tipping it. That’s reason enough to pay homage to this piece of iconic Canadiana here.

2. Prince Edward Island Potato Museum

O’Leary, P.E.I.

This spud’s for you, if you’re a fan of the tuber. There’s plenty of potato history, artifacts and quirky trivia, plus photo ops with the giant potato out front.

3. Gopher Hole Museum

Torrington, Alta.

You won’t see this anywhere else —- stuffed gophers dressed up in wee outfits depicting professions such as hairdresser, RCMP officer and preacher, placed in 47 different scenes. Campy, freaky, fun!

4. Chatfield Park of Souvenirs Museum

Chatfield, Man.

The walking trails and a one-room school from 1907 are also here, but the star is Hankie House, home to an exhibit of more than 3,000 handkerchiefs donated by visitors around the world.

5. Museum of Contraception

North York, Ont.

On the premises of pharmaceutical giant Janssen-Ortho (makers of birth-control pills), this small museum is good for a few ewwwws, thanks to antiquated contraceptives such as crocodile dung and weasel testicles. By appointment only.

6. Canadian Spy Museum

Camp X, Oshawa, Ont.

Canada ran a top-secret spy school during the Second World War, known as Camp X. It trained spies such as James Bond creator Ian Fleming and children’s author Roald Dahl. Displays showcase cool spy gadgets (such as a button compass), weapons and photos.

7. The Bata Shoe Museum

Toronto, Ont.

Visitors love this place heart and sole. It features more than 12,500 artifacts, including celebrity footwear in the Walk of Fame, such as Elton John’s chunky platforms circa 1973 and Marilyn Monroe’s sexy red pumps.

— Postmedia News