Ontario boasts a thriving photography scene, from Toronto’s bustling contemporary spaces to Ottawa’s world-class institutions and hidden gems in smaller towns like Creemore. Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast, or just discovering fine art photography, these top photography galleries in Ontario offer exceptional exhibitions, historical collections, and innovative lens-based works. Many participate in events like the CONTACT Photography Festival, making Ontario a premier destination for photography lovers.
Here’s our curated list of the top 10 photography focused art galleries in Ontario:
1. Stephen Bulger Gallery (Toronto)
A cornerstone of Toronto’s photography community since 1994, Stephen Bulger Gallery specializes in historical and contemporary fine art photography, representing both Canadian and international artists with an inventory of over 15,000 works.
2. Corkin Gallery (Toronto, Distillery District)
Celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2025, Corkin Gallery is renowned for large-scale exhibitions of established international and Canadian photographers, championing photography as fine art.
3. Bau-Xi Gallery (Toronto)
With a dedicated focus on contemporary photography, Bau-Xi is a long-established gallery that represents prominent Canadian and international photographers, showcasing abstract, landscape, and innovative works.
4. The Image Centre (Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto)
The Image Centre is a public institution that is dedicated to photography and image culture, offering free admission, major international exhibitions, and vast archives for research and inspiration.
5. Gallery TPW (Toronto)
An artist-run centre emphasizing experimental and contemporary lens-based art, Gallery TPW supports innovative practices and emerging voices in photography.
6. The Cardinal Gallery (Toronto)
The Cardinal Gallery is a boutique space in Toronto’s West End, specializing in limited-edition fine art photography from emerging and established artists, known for its welcoming atmosphere.
7. Circuit Gallery (Toronto)
Exclusively focused on contemporary photography, Circuit Gallery presents thought-provoking exhibitions by Canadian and international artists.
8. National Gallery of Canada (Canadian Photography Institute, Ottawa)
Home to one of the world’s premier photography collections, the Canadian Photography Institute at the National Gallery of Canada is a national institution that features groundbreaking exhibitions and supports emerging Canadian talent.
9. Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography (Toronto)
Galery 44 is an artist-run centre offering exhibitions, education, and production facilities, dedicated to diverse and innovative photographic practices.
10. Peter Dušek Gallery (Creemore)
Nestled in the charming village of Creemore, Peter Dušek Gallery is a premier contemporary gallery northwest of Toronto that showcases award-winning minimalist and abstract photography by Peter Dušek with occasional works by renowned Canadian and international artists, offering a serene escape for photography enthusiasts.
These best photography galleries in Ontario highlight the province’s rich diversity in the medium. Toronto remains the epicenter, but don’t miss ventures to Ottawa or Creemore for unique experiences. Plan your visits around current exhibitions—many update seasonally—and explore peterdusek.com for more on minimalist photography and custom commissions.
Which Ontario photography gallery will you visit first?