
Highlands Cinemas and Movie Museum
A one-of-a-kind cinema and museum in Kinmount, Ontario, featuring themed theaters, a vast film history collection, and a rescued cat sanctuary.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more museum time

Highlands Cinemas and Movie Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more museum time

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A one-of-a-kind cinema and museum in Kinmount, Ontario, featuring themed theaters, a vast film history collection, and a rescued cat sanctuary.
"An amazing curiosity to visit for a cinema experience like no other."

🎯 Bring Cash for Everything
Tickets and concessions are cash-only! Come prepared to avoid any disappointment.
🕰️ Explore the Museum First
Give yourself extra time to wander through the incredible movie museum before your film starts.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 571 reviews
Type
Movie Theater
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Movie Museum
Throughout the complex
A treasure trove of film history, from vintage projectors to iconic movie memorabilia. Explore exhibits themed by decade.

The Cat Sanctuary
Outdoor enclosures
Meet and greet the adorable rescued cats that roam the grounds. A heartwarming addition to your cinema visit.

Themed Cinema Auditoriums
Individual theaters
Each theater boasts a unique theme, offering a truly immersive and nostalgic movie-going experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King!
Arrive Early for the Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Cash for Everything
Tickets and concessions are cash-only! Come prepared to avoid any disappointment.
🕰️ Explore the Museum First
Give yourself extra time to wander through the incredible movie museum before your film starts.
🐾 Say Hi to the Cats
Don't forget to visit the resident rescued cats before or after your movie – they're a highlight!
🎦 Unique Theaters
Each auditorium has its own distinct theme for a truly special movie experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Cash for Everything
Tickets and concessions are cash-only! Come prepared to avoid any disappointment.
🕰️ Explore the Museum First
Give yourself extra time to wander through the incredible movie museum before your film starts.
🐾 Say Hi to the Cats
Don't forget to visit the resident rescued cats before or after your movie – they're a highlight!
🎦 Unique Theaters
Each auditorium has its own distinct theme for a truly special movie experience.
🚗 Plan Your Drive
It's a bit off the beaten path, so map your route to this hidden gem in the Kawarthas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Highlands Cinemas and Movie Museum as a unique, quirky, and unforgettable destination. The blend of a functioning cinema, a vast movie museum, and a cat sanctuary creates a truly one-of-a-kind experience. While the cash-only policy and rural location are noted, the charm, affordability, and heartwarming atmosphere make it a highly recommended stop in the Kawarthas.
"Quirky little theatre in the kawartha’s! An amazing curiosity to visit for a cinema experience like no other. Each theatre has its own uniqueness screen and sound quality was better than expected! Standard popcorn and beverage options with candy…leave time before the shown to wander the museum of film and culture..window boxes from each decade along
With one of the largest projector collections I have ever seen! Thanks for the experience! Don’t forget to
Say hello to the cats before you go!"
CanadianJeeper57
"Saw F1 last night in tiny and packed theatre #5. The crowd was super animated and irrupted in cheering/clapping twice, which didn’t make me like the movie any more but it did add to the experience.
Highlands Cinemas is like no other theatre I’ve ever been to. It’s an incredible place and if you’re in the area you should peel yourself away from your cottage and take it all in.
This museum/cat sanctuary/movie theatre/community space feels like something that would only in the brain of lynch or waters…yet here it is."
Oliver Knutton
"Amazing place to see. Great tourist attraction. The owner Keith has a great love for cats. He rescues stray cats. He has made a fabulous outside Catio for the cats around trees and shrubs with access to the indoor buildings. The museum has soo many things to see. We saw Jurassic World at the theater. The theaters still have the old style seats it very quaint. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit!"
Donna Harrison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Highlands Cinemas is located in Kinmount, Ontario. It's a bit of a drive, often described as being in the 'middle of nowhere' but well worth the trip. Many visitors recommend mapping your route in advance as it's a destination that requires a dedicated journey.
Yes, there is parking available at the venue. Given its unique location, driving is the most common way to access the cinemas.
Public transport options are very limited for reaching Kinmount. It's best to plan for a car journey, whether your own or a ride-sharing service if available in the area.
The drive from Toronto typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, heading north towards the Kawartha Lakes region. It's a scenic drive, so enjoy the journey!
While Highlands Cinemas is a destination in itself, the surrounding Kawartha Lakes region offers various cottage rentals and small inns for overnight stays. It's a popular area for weekend getaways.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are very affordable, making it a great value experience. However, it's important to note that Highlands Cinemas is strictly cash-only for all purchases, including tickets and concessions.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular showings or weekend visits, to secure your spot. Remember to bring cash!
The cinemas typically open in the afternoon and evening, with showtimes varying daily. It's best to check their official schedule for the most up-to-date hours. The museum is usually accessible before and during movie showings.
While the primary draw is the cinema experience, visitors often spend significant time exploring the museum before their film. It's integrated into the overall visit.
The already affordable pricing is a major draw. While specific discount programs aren't widely advertised, the overall value is excellent. Remember, it's cash-only.
🎫 🎬 Onsite Experience
The museum is a vast collection of film history, featuring everything from vintage projectors to movie posters and props. Each theater also has its own unique theme, adding to the immersive experience.
The theaters retain an old-style charm with classic seats, offering a quaint and nostalgic movie-going experience. Screen and sound quality are often noted as surprisingly good.
Highlands Cinemas shows a mix of first-run films and sometimes special screenings. The selection can vary, so it's always good to check their current schedule.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to say hello to the rescued cats before or after their movie. They have a dedicated outdoor 'catio' and are a beloved part of the experience.
Absolutely! It's a unique and engaging experience for all ages. Kids often love the novelty of the themed theaters and meeting the cats.
🍽️ 🍿 Food & Dining
You'll find standard cinema concessions like popcorn and beverages, along with a selection of candy. The prices are generally considered reasonably priced.
Yes, just like the tickets, all purchases at the concession stand are cash-only. Make sure you have enough cash on hand.
Highlands Cinemas is in a more rural setting, so dining options immediately nearby are limited. It's recommended to eat before or after your visit, or pack snacks if allowed.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best practice to consume purchased concessions at the venue. The on-site options are reasonably priced.
The focus is on classic cinema fare. The unique experience comes from the venue itself and the movie selection, rather than exotic food offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, especially in the museum areas to capture the memorabilia. However, be mindful of other patrons and avoid flash photography during movie screenings.
The diverse movie museum exhibits, the unique themed theaters, and the charming cat sanctuary offer plenty of photo opportunities. Capture the vintage charm!
Yes, the cats are a popular attraction, and visitors often take photos of them. Just be gentle and respectful of their space.
For professional filming or commercial photography, it's advisable to contact the management beforehand to inquire about permissions and potential fees.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for the dimly lit theaters. For the museum, a versatile lens will help capture the details of the exhibits.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit