Exploration, settlement, and industry are themes at museums in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. Step into 19th century British Columbia at Fort Langley National Historic Site, a bustling outdoor "living museum", or don 19th century garb at the historic townsite of Yale.
Ride down a dark mining tunnel at the Britannia Mine Museum, or look to the skies to see restored aircraft at the Canadian Museum of Flight. Vintage railcars are firmly rooted on the ground at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.
Visitor Centres have information on local museums and historic sites. Check the hours of operation for museums, as they may vary by season.
Vancouver Museums
Vancouver is home to many museums, such as the Museum of Anthropology, world-renowned for its collection of Aboriginal art and artifacts, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum, which uncovers Pacific maritime exploration.
Mining & Railway Museums
Discover the life of an early 20th century copper miner at the Britannia Mine Museum (at Britannia Beach between Whistler and Vancouver). Once the largest copper mine in the British Commonwealth, today its past is well preserved. Walk through the enormous Mill (a National Historic Site and the huge building seen from the highway), pan for gold or climb aboard a rattling rail car and ride deep into a mining tunnel. Wait for the lights to briefly turn off to truly understand the damp, dark conditions of a miner's workplace.
Prefer to stay above ground? Head to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park near Squamish. Hop on the miniature train, and check out large cabooses, locomotives and snowplows. There are more than 60 vintage railway cars, including the historic Royal Hudson steam locomotive.
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Fort Langley National Historic Site is the birthplace of the province and was once an active fur trading post. Now, it's a popular place to become immersed in 19th century pioneer life. There is one original building, built in 1840, several building reconstructions, and interpreters are in period costumes (and in character). Watch steel being forged, help shape a barrel, and squeeze through a warehouse chock full of authentic 1800s goods.
Gold Rush Museum
Carefully preserved gold rush relics at the Yale Museum bring Yale's colourful past into the present. Tread historic downtown with a costumed interpreter, search for that elusive glint of gold on a gold panning tour, or re-enact a typical day in the 1860s (in period costume) in the interactive show, “Yale: A Living History.”
Aviation and Electricity Museums
The Canadian Museum of Flight boasts more than 20 vintage aircraft – including the world’s only displayed Handley-Page Hampden, a World War II bomber. Watch an active plane take flight or listen as volunteer staff (many of whom worked in the aviation field) share anecdotes.
At The Power House at Stave Falls (in Mission), electricity comes to life – literally. See bright electrical arcs dance up an “electrode ladder,” adjust a small wind turbine to create electricity, and examine the powerhouse’s actual turbines (built in 1912).
Museums on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast Museum (in Gibsons) is a two-storey hodgepodge of unique local artifacts, including props from the famous long-time hit TV show “The Beachcombers,” which earned Gibsons international recognition as the show’s location.
The Powell River Historical Museum's eclectic collection includes Aboriginal basketry and masks, and even a local citizen's sand collection, which has been bottled from all around the world. Have some extra time? Amble over to the historic Patricia Theatre, Canada’s oldest continuously operating movie theatre, to catch a flick.
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