Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Museums
Kilby Historic Site BC Heritage photo
Museums in the Vancouver Coast & Mountains region serve as lasting tributes to its rich and diverse Aboriginal, cultural, maritime, aviation, rail and farming heritage. Visitors will be fascinated by the detailed history of Vancouver at the Museum of Vancouver , as well as awed by the outstanding Aboriginal collections of the Museum of Anthropology .
Nautical history is explored at the Vancouver Maritime Museum Chilliwack Museum , Canadian Museum of Flight, the Kilby Historic Site and the West Coast Railway Heritage Park , detail the area's history of flight, rail and farming.
Chilliwack Museum The community of Chilliwack is home to the Chilliwack Museum and its extensive collection of regional artifacts.
Kilby Historic Site
The Kilby Historic Site is the only surviving edifice in what was once the thriving community of Harrison Mills.
Step back in time with costumed interpreters, as you are guided through the 1906 General Store Museum once owned by the Kilby family. A fascinating gallery of products and packaging is still displayed on the shelves that date back to the 1920s. Intriguing artifacts also await in the Heritage Post Office and Manchester House Hotel, both significant fixtures of the Harrison Mills community at the turn of the century. In the hotel, explore exhibits on the community and local First Nations.
On the farm are Jersey cows and calves, chickens, piglets, sheep, lambs, goat, rabbits, and turkeys. Children will find a terrific tree fort, teeter-totter and a variety of old fashioned games in the Orchard Playground.
West Coast Railway Heritage Park Over 70 vintage railway cars are on display at Squamish's
West Coast Railway Heritage Park , "home of the Royal Hudson” and Western Canada’s largest collection of heritage Railway equipment.
Spend some time in the country's only authentic railway post-office car. Explore cabooses, snowplows and cranes as you learn about steam, diesel and electric trains. Tour the beautifully restored 1937 Brightbill Heritage House.
Britannia Mining Museum (BC Museum of Mining)
Located roughly mid-way between Vancouver and Whistler , the Britannia Mining Museum was a working copper mine for 70 years. Today, the museum is both a National Historic Site and Provincial Historic Landmark.
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Bring the children, grandchildren, or your tourist guests to check out the largest collection of historic agricultural artifacts in Western Canada. In 2 buildings in Fort Langley - across the street from The Fort - you will find the most interesting collection of tractors, carriages, small engines as well as models. Women will love the farm kitchen, the parlor & the textile room exhibiting historic looms & sewing machines. Check out the working sawmill & the steam engine. The archival library contains thousands of manuals, magazines & other agricultural documents & pictures. A great reference source for students of all ages.
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Experience heritage. Stroll down the streets of our 1920s traditional BC electric railway tram stop community. A village has been created with both heritage & replica buildings. Period costumed townsfolk give demonstrations in the homes, businesses & shops: watch the blacksmith at forge, listen to the rhythm of the platen press, mind the teacher in the schoolhouse, help churn butter & catch an old movie in the theatre. Be sure to take in the elegance of the Interurban #1223. This mode of transportation was ahead of its time. A ride on the 1912 CW Parker Carousel is sure to please.
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Explore 150 years of Jewish culture & history in British Columbia. Interact with members of the Jewish community, past & present, through stories, objects & photographs. Learn more about Jewish history through feature exhibits & programs. Admission by donation. Program fees apply. Museum also includes the Nemetz Jewish Community Archives Reference Room for research & access to Genealogical databases such as ancestry.com & findmypast.com.
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The museum showcases over 13,000 pieces of First Nations and international artifacts. Highlights include the immense doors at the main entrance, carved by four master Gitxsan artists and the totem poles in the Great Hall.
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If you've ever been curious about the creation of electricity, a trip to the Power House at Stave Falls is a must. Interactive games and informative displays pay homage to the story of this province's relationship with the power industry.
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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 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.
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The Museum of Vancouver is located in scenic Vanier Park, set against a spectacular vista of ocean, city skyline, & mountains. The MOV creates Vancouver-focused exhibitions & programs which encourage dynamic conversations about what was, is, & can be Vancouver. Permanent exhibits tell the city’s stories from the early 1900s to the late ‘70s & are complemented by contemporary, groundbreaking feature exhibits.
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