Museums

Trains Deluxe received National Historic Designation in 2011 and is different from other railway museums. It displays complete vintage 'sets' known as 'Deluxe Hotels-On-Wheels' from the 1880s to the 1930s, filled with exotic inlaid woods, stained & bevelled glass, plush carpets & upholstery. Awards that the museum has garnered include but are not limited to: 2007 Heritage Canada's 2007 "Gold Medal Achievement Award for the restoration of the Royal Alexandra Hall; 2007 "Order of Canada" to Garry Anderson Executive Director for the development of the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel & the Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Landmark Foundation.

A world-class art encounter waits at the Vancouver Art Gallery. From historical masters to groundbreaking contemporary artists and the largest collection of works by Emily Carr, this internationally acclaimed art museum offers Vancouver's top cultural experience. 2013 Highlights include: Art Spiegelman Co-Mix: A Retrospective of Comics, Graphics and Scraps (opens Feb 16th), GRAND HOTEL: Redesigning Modern Life (opens April 13th), Persuasive Visions: 17th Century Dutch and Flemish Masterworks and Contemporary Art (opens June 15th) and Charles Edenshaw (opens Oct 26th). Be sure to save time for the locally-loved Gallery Café and fabulous Gallery Store!

Discover the history & maritime traditions of the Pacific Coast. Step back in time to 1944 on board St Roch, Canada's celebrated RCMP Arctic schooner. Wander the ship's narrow corridors where you are one of the crew on her second & most famous voyage through the treacherous Northwest Passage. Explore many exhibits such as shipwrecks, early fur trade, deep ocean exploration & more. Young at heart will entertain and experience the fun of Children's Maritime Discovery Centre & classic vessels in Heritage Harbour. Minutes from downtown at south end of Burrard St Bridge & a short stroll to Granville Island.

The Alberni Pacific Railway, located in downtown Port Alberni, is one of Vancouver Island's premiere attractions. From the fully-restored 1912 CPR Train Station, guests will board the train pulled by a 1929 Baldwin steam locomotive. The track winds through the City of Port Alberni, past the Chase & Warren Estate Winery, and through the surrounding forest for approximately 10 kms, before arriving at the McLean Mill National Historic Site, the only commercially operating steam sawmill in Canada. The trip takes 35 minutes so you'll have the opportunity to sit back & enjoy the scenery as you're serenaded by the sound of steam whistles & the clatter of steel wheels on steel rails.

A public gallery for Contemporary Aboriginal Art of the Northwest Coast named after the acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid (1920 - 1998). The Gallery showcases the permanent collection of Bill Reid alongside changing exhibitions of contemporary Northwest Coast Art. Highlights include stunning gold and silver jewelry, monumental sculptures and a towering totem pole by James Hart of Haida Gwaii. Visit the Gallery Gift Shop for a selection of original works and prints by local Northwest Coast artists, distinctive jewelry, accessories, books, cards and more. Located in the heart of downtown, just steps from the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Canada Line skytrain.

It was once the largest copper mine in the British Empire. Today, the Britannia Mine Museum opens up a little-seen world that fascinates all ages. Just like miners did, you'll climb aboard a mine train and rumble into an authentic tunnel. Entertaining guides describe the workings of drills and tools from the past century. Every visit includes gold panning with the chance to take home frequent findings. The Family Play area keeps young ones entertained. A glittering gift shop offers unique stones and giftware. To reach the Britannia Mine Museum, head north on the Sea to Sky Highway. Watch for signs mid-way to Whistler.

Appreciate nature from three breathtaking perspectives - world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, the seven bridges of Treetops Adventure & the thrilling new Cliffwalk, a heart-stopping journey along the granite cliff high above Capilano River.

The 137 m (450 ft) long, 70 m (230 ft) high Capilano Suspension Bridge has thrilled visitors since 1889. While the wobbly bridge has become a Vancouver landmark, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers an all-encompassing BC experience. History, culture & nature are presented through knowledgeable staff and interpretive signage. Seasonal events like Raptors Ridge birds of prey June to October & Canyon Lights in December enhance this year-round destination.

Built in 1986, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first full-scale Scholar garden built outside China using traditional techniques. Covered walkways & exquisite architecture make it a delight in any weather or season, with the same relaxing, serene landscape as found in the old, private gardens of China's ancient elite. This living museum promotes the understanding of cultures through daily tours, festivals, monthly art exhibitions, music concerts & unique live theatre productions in summer. One-of-a-kind finds in the Eight Treasures Shop. Located in the heart of Chinatown, a short walk from downtown Vancouver & historic Gastown, near parking & public transit.

With gold rush beginnings in 1864, Fort Steele has gone from boom town to regional centre to ghost town and is now one of the most important heritage attractions in British Columbia. The town site features over 60 buildings. Activities vary by season and include ice cream making, horse-drawn wagon tours, steam train rides, gold panning lessons, live theatre, museum displays and various demonstrations. See many varieties of heritage breed livestock. Fort Steele is perched on the western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Landsea Tours offers daily scheduled half-day & full-day mini-coach sightseeing excursions to include Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler & more - maximum of 24 guests. See it all: Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island Market, Alaska cruise ships, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain & Butchart Gardens. Combine a Victoria tour with whale watching or a floatplane flight, or a Whistler tour with the Whistler Mountaineer train by Rocky Mountaineer. Driver/guides create memorable sightseeing experiences by sharing their extensive knowledge of area history, geography & current events & in answering guests' individual questions.

Private tours and transfers are also available: SUVs, Mercedes Sprinter Vans and Mini-Coaches available.