Museums in Victoria cut a wide swath through British Columbia's history. Step back in time at the Royal BC Museum, where life-like galleries transport visitors past a woolly mammoth and down a cobbled street in Old Town. Take a lesson in nautical history at the hands-on Maritime Museum of British Columbia.
Royal BC Museum
It's easy to spend hours exploring the Royal BC Museum. Founded in 1886, Victoria’s largest museum tells the story of BC through seven million objects and documents. Highly realistic galleries range from Aboriginal culture to modern and natural history. Wander past dramatically lit Aboriginal masks, pause at an herbalist’s shop in Chinatown or climb the plank way to a replica of George Vancouver’s ship. In addition to permanent exhibits, world-class travelling exhibits are also featured.
Maritime Museum
For land-lubbers, the Maritime Museum of British Columbia is a great way to experience life on the high seas. There are more than 5,000 nautical artifacts on three floors: walk past the 150-year old Tilikum (a three-masted converted dugout canoe) or climb the ratlines to a ship’s crow’s nest. Model ships, large pictorial exhibits and artifacts relate the story of Pacific exploration, piracy and shipwrecks.
House Museums
Helmcken House – one of the oldest homes in BC – still rests on its original site. Built in 1852, it provides a snapshot of what life was like 150 years ago. Peer into Dr. Helmcken’s medical chest (left untouched since 1920) with rows of cork-topped glass bottles filled with medicine.
For a more extravagent 1800s home, head to Craigdarroch Castle (a National Historic Site). Built in 1890s for a coal baron, this impressive Edwardian-era mansion captures the affluent lifestyle of the 19th century elite in Victoria. Climb 87 stairs to the tower for a rewarding view of Victoria.
Both art and history buffs will enjoy Emily Carr House, the namesake home of one of BC’s (and Canada’s) most iconic artists. This lovingly restored Victorian villa has fine architectural details and exhibits of Canadian artists – most of whom were influenced by Emily Carr.
Museums near Victoria
Drop by the quaint Sooke Region Museum (a 45-minute drive from downtown Victoria), which evokes the area’s maritime and pioneer history. Take a tour through Moss Cottage – Sooke’s oldest building – with “Aunt Tilly” (a costumed guide re-enacting one of the cottage’s residents).
For a look at the history of flight, tour the BC Aviation Museum in Sidney (a 25-minute drive from downtown Victoria). More than 20 aircraft are on display, along with engines, models and artifacts.
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