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Highlands Cinemas and Movie Museum

4.8
·571 reviews·Kinmount, Canada

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

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more museum time

CrowdLow
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This is a carousel horse

Highlands Cinemas and Movie Museum

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more museum time

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.8
(571 reviews)

"An amazing curiosity to visit for a cinema experience like no other."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Movie Museum

The Movie Museum

Throughout the complex

A treasure trove of film history, from vintage projectors to iconic movie memorabilia. Explore exhibits themed by decade.

TikTok+1
The Cat Sanctuary

The Cat Sanctuary

Outdoor enclosures

Meet and greet the adorable rescued cats that roam the grounds. A heartwarming addition to your cinema visit.

TikTokReddit
Themed Cinema Auditoriums

Themed Cinema Auditoriums

Individual theaters

Each theater boasts a unique theme, offering a truly immersive and nostalgic movie-going experience.

TikTokReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Cash is King!

Bring cash for your tickets and concessions, as this unique cinema and museum is cash-only. It's a small detail that can save you hassle and ensures you can fully enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience. TikTok

Arrive Early for the Museum

Don't rush straight to your movie! Allow ample time to explore the fascinating movie museum and its extensive collection of film memorabilia. It's a journey through cinematic history that's as captivating as the films themselves. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more museum time
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, community feel
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

calling all the cat lovers & museum fanatics: highlands cinemas is the ultimate movie theatre!! such a unique spot & super affordable too (cash only)🍿🎥🐈🤍⭐️ to support the rescued cats you can also donate online at the highlands cinema website :)) #thingstodoinontario #movietheatre #catsanctuary #filmmuseum #funthingstodo #highlandscinemas
@karenhastoomuchfreetime
5.9K likes • 48.5K views

🎯 Bring Cash for Everything

Tickets and concessions are cash-only! Come prepared to avoid any disappointment. TikTok

🕰️ Explore the Museum First

Give yourself extra time to wander through the incredible movie museum before your film starts. Reddit

Must visit Ontario treasure. Go to Highland Cinema’s in Kinmount Ontario. Take the kids.
@tapesandfuzz
34 likes • 760 views
Highland Cinemas in Kinmount #moviemuseum #museumtok #oldhollywood #moviehistory
@gailmcinnes1
15 likes • 1.3K views

🐾 Say Hi to the Cats

Don't forget to visit the resident rescued cats before or after your movie – they're a highlight! Reddit

🎦 Unique Theaters

Each auditorium has its own distinct theme for a truly special movie experience. TikTok

What an unforgettable visit to Highland Cinemas in Kinmount, Ontario! I had the pleasure of meeting Keith Stata, the incredible owner, who welcomed us with a hike down his private trail, introduced us to his cats and dog, and gave us a personal tour of his one-of-a-kind theatre. 🎥 Stepping inside felt like entering a time capsule with the amount of historical movie memorabilia packed into this pla...
@lifewithsarb
15 likes • 543 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Bring Cash for Everything

Tickets and concessions are cash-only! Come prepared to avoid any disappointment. TikTok

🕰️ Explore the Museum First

Give yourself extra time to wander through the incredible movie museum before your film starts. Reddit

🐾 Say Hi to the Cats

Don't forget to visit the resident rescued cats before or after your movie – they're a highlight! Reddit

🎦 Unique Theaters

Each auditorium has its own distinct theme for a truly special movie experience. TikTok

🚗 Plan Your Drive

It's a bit off the beaten path, so map your route to this hidden gem in the Kawarthas. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(571 reviews)

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

Unique cinema experience
Fascinating movie museum
Adorable cat sanctuary

What People Dislike

Cash-only policy
Rural location

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. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is parking available at the venue. Given its unique location, driving is the most common way to access the cinemas. TikTok

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. Reddit

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! TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular showings or weekend visits, to secure your spot. Remember to bring cash! TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎬 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. TikTokReddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! It's a unique and engaging experience for all ages. Kids often love the novelty of the themed theaters and meeting the cats. TikTok

🍽️ 🍿 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. Reddit

Yes, just like the tickets, all purchases at the concession stand are cash-only. Make sure you have enough cash on hand. TikTok

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. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best practice to consume purchased concessions at the venue. The on-site options are reasonably priced. Reddit

The focus is on classic cinema fare. The unique experience comes from the venue itself and the movie selection, rather than exotic food offerings. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok+1

The diverse movie museum exhibits, the unique themed theaters, and the charming cat sanctuary offer plenty of photo opportunities. Capture the vintage charm! TikTokReddit+1

Yes, the cats are a popular attraction, and visitors often take photos of them. Just be gentle and respectful of their space. TikTokReddit

For professional filming or commercial photography, it's advisable to contact the management beforehand to inquire about permissions and potential fees. TikTok

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. TikTok

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