Museums
Antiques in a window (David Gluns photo)
Museums on Vancouver Island celebrate Aboriginal culture, maritime exploration, forestry, beachcombing and even fossils.
The U’mista Cultural Centre (in Alert Bay) is home to a significant First Nations potlatch collection, while the Quw’ustun’ Cultural Centre (in Duncan) brings history to life with traditional dancing demonstrations.
Learn about industries such as logging, fishing and the railway at the BC Forest Discovery Centre (in Duncan), Alberni Maritime Museum (in Port Alberni) and the Museum at Campbell River.
Prefer something that’s off the beaten path? Billy’s Museum at Echo Bay is home to a collection of random objects that have washed ashore.
Visitor Centres have information on local museums and historic sites. Check the hours of operation for museums, as they may vary by season.
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Victoria Museums
Victoria is home to the huge Royal BC Museum, which details the history of the province, while the Maritime Museum of British Columbia chronicles exploration on the Pacific Coast.
Aboriginal Museums
At the Quw’ustun Cultural Centre in Duncan, Cowichan and Coast Salish First Nations cultures come to life. Watch traditional dances, then dig into freshly barbequed salmon along the banks of the Cowichan River.
Spend hours at the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay. Tour a stunning display of potlatch items – baskets, masks and copper implements – that were banned by the government in the 1800s and have since been reclaimed. Traditional ceremonies performed in full regalia demonstrate the living culture of the Kwakwakaʼwakw First Nations.
Maritime Museums
Amble down a wooden boardwalk to the Alberni Maritime Museum, housed in a coastal lighthouse. Pictorial exhibits and artifacts tell the history of shipping on this part of the island.
For a unique (and skeletal) look at marine mammals, stop by the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove. Get up close and personal with the massive suspended skeleton of a fin whale, and handle bones while interpreters discuss the process of putting together a skeleton.
Forestry and Aviation Museums
At the Museum at Campbell River, take the helm of a boat wheel in the Fishing Gallery and see dramatically lit Aboriginal masks and totems. Walk through a replica of a wooden floathouse – often used by coastal fishermen.
At the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan, learn about forests and logging from sign posts set along an outdoor path. Scramble up to the lookout tower for a panoramic view, then hop on a historic train as it chugs along 3km/1.8mi of track and over a wooden trestle.
The Comox Air Force Museum is a reminder of a once bustling airpark. Investigate aviation artifacts, including an antique propeller and a rocket. Read about Squadron 409 (stationed here during World War II), and inspect large, aluminum aircraft.
Unique Museums
See Vancouver Island as it was 90 million years ago at the Courtenay & District Museum and Palaeontology Centre. The muddy banks of the waters surrounding Vancouver Island were home to – and eventually preserved – pre-historic creatures, some of which are on display in the museum. Book ahead to join a fossil tour and hunt for the next big discovery.
Billy’s Museum (in Echo Bay) may be a little out of the way, but it's well worth the visit. Dispay items consist of “random junk” that has washed ashore over 70 years: peer through antique translucent bottles, admire early European trading beads and glance over yellowed newspapers from the 1930s. Access to the museum is via boat or plane from Port McNeill.
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14 Museums in Vancouver Island
11 - 14 of 14 Results
11
2070 Phillips Rd
Sooke, British Columbia
V9Z 0Y3
Websitehttp://www.sookeregionmuseum.com
Toll-free866-888-4748
Phone250-642-6351
Within the museum's exhibit galleries, highlights of the region's pioneer & First Nation's history & culture are presented through artifacts, historic photographs, dioramas, displays & scale models. Fine items of clothing from the 18th century, weavings, quiltings & carvings, displays of exploration, natural history, early schools, churches, farming, forestry, mining for gold & harvesting the bounty from the sea - these items & more compete for the attention of the visitor.
We also offer special group tours & meals.
Our Gift Shop offers local art & crafts, plus books, toys, clothing & much more.
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Other businesses with Museums
12
3100 Kingsway
Port Alberni, British Columbia
V9Y 3B1
Websitehttp://www.AlberniHeritage.com
Toll-free
Phone250-723-1376
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.
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13
Websitehttp://www.vancouvertours.com
Toll-free877-669-2277
Phone604-255-7272
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.
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14
2616 Pleasant St
Victoria, British Columbia
V8T 4V3
Websitehttp://www.pointellicehouse.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-380-6506
Historic house museum built in 1861; home of the O'Reilly family for 3 generations. Original furnishings & personal effects displayed as in the 1890-1920 period. Early Victoria pioneers. Heritage garden presently being restored to original plan. Afternoon tea served on the lawn overlooking the water 5 days a week May-August. Visitors can arrive by Harbour Ferries from Inner Harbour to our dock for $5.
Admission to house & gardens is $6 (adults), $4 for students, $3 for those 6-12. Tea includes tour; $28 including tax. Site available for rentals.
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