In 1890, the Officers of the Toronto Garrison founded the Royal Canadian Military Institute with the then Governor General of Canada, The Earl Grey, as its patron. Earl Grey laid the cornerstone of the existing premises in 1907.

Today, the heritage building is well known to the public as a 'city landmark' – an Edward edifice flanked distinctively by two 19th century cannons, with substantial space devoted to Museum galleries displaying exhibits drawn from the Institute's extensive collections, and a 30,000 volume research Library whose holdings include significant collections of primary documents relating to Canada's military history – some of which are unique, alongside a curatorial workshop and small research areas for visiting scholars.

 A central element of the Institute's activities is in the area of Defence Studies, particularly on issues related to Canadian Military Heritage and Contemporary Canadian Security. We carry out extensive outreach and educational activities in this area, including a vigorous publications and events programme, and are fortunate to be located in our historic building, which has multi-purpose lecture, seminar, and conference facilities.

The Institute also provides member amenities through its Services division, a separate organization that operates on a small profit basis, and directly supports the scholarly and educational activities of the Institute. Amenities include overnight accommodation, food services and recreational events. Members of the Institute have long organized themselves into recreational and sports "clubs" to cater to all tastes and interests. These "clubs" are self-supporting, and charge separate fees. Examples of "clubs" operated by our members include : Curling, Golf, Pistol and Outdoors.

The Institute's founding President, Lieutenant Colonel William Otter went on to become one of Canada's most distinguished military figures, ending his career as General Sir William Otter KCB CMG CVO, Inspector-General of Militia of Canada. Colonel Otter set the founding objectives of the Institute, to be "the Promotion and Fostering of Military Art, Science and Literature in Canada."

The Institute has since flourished as a pre-eminent library and military museum, and an informal forum for discussion related to matters of "security and defence." For over a century, our members have formed a special community of men and women interested in military arts, science, literature and affairs, as well as the independence and success of Canada.

In keeping with our mandate and the current needs of educational and military organizations, the RCMI membership has become increasingly diverse. Today, membership of the Institute is drawn from all walks of life, including the militia, the regular forces, academia, and civilian populations across Canada and abroad. Increasingly, our new members are involved in information technology and other business affairs related to security issues.

In the new millennia, civilian opinion and involvement is critical. The threats facing Canada are no longer "over there" and we can no longer rely on others to defend us. Public debate of the security issues facing Canada is essential to ensure our place in the world, and in that regard, the work of the Institute has never been more vital.