The Ultimate Guide to Vancouver’s Maritime Museum

As history buffs and sea lovers, one of our favorite spots in the city is the Vancouver Maritime Museum. With its hands-on activities and larger-than-life displays, this place has never felt like an ordinary museum.

From historical ships to modern vessels, the museum lets you experience the area’s maritime history and how it paved the way for today’s ships.

So, if you’re fellow adventurers, come with us as we explore all the things to see and learn at the Vancouver Maritime Museum.

Charting a Course into the History of the Vancouver Maritime Museum

The Vancouver Maritime Museum, located on Vanier Park’s waterfront, focuses on the maritime history of Vancouver, British Columbia, and the Canadian Arctic. Its unique location, exhibitions, and programs offer an interactive way to learn about maritime history and culture.

The museum’s journey began with the St. Roch, a 1920s Royal Canadian Mounted Police ship. This vessel served as a floating police ship and played a pivotal role in law enforcement, transportation, and weather monitoring. In 1940, it became the second vessel to navigate the Northwest Passage. Preserved and showcased, the St. Roch now stands as a centerpiece of the Vancouver Maritime Museum.

Today, the museum houses historical archives and provides public access to important artifacts. As a registered charity affiliated with CMA, CHIN, and the Virtual Museum of Canada, it fosters connection, community, and a shared sense of belonging.

Address: 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 257 8300
Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
- Monday: Closed

Things to Do at the Vancouver Maritime Museum

1. Explore the St. Roch National Historic Site

The Vancouver Maritime Museum is home to the St. Roch, a preserved Royal Canadian Police Ship first launched in 1928. It was the first to sail through the Northwest Passage from west to east in one season and the first to circumnavigate North America. Open for self-guided tours, you can explore the vessel and its rich Arctic exploration history.

Inside, instead of windows, there are five screens playing CGI footage of what the ship’s captain might have seen. The simulation captures the sights and sounds of Canada’s Arctic, complete with wildlife encounters. You can even steer the ship with a “captain’s wheel” that turns in sync with the visuals.

2. Stroll Along Heritage Harbour

Heritage Harbour is an open-air exhibit showcasing a collection of vintage wooden vessels. Each of the 17 vessels has its own narrative rooted in the maritime legacy of the Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Arctic. Open daily, you can stroll along Vanier Park’s shores and learn about each vessel through informative signs.

3. Visit the Outdoor Exhibits

The Vancouver Maritime Museum also has numerous outdoor exhibits, displaying artifacts and treasures too large or delicate to be indoors. Relics from Pacific Coast explorations include vessel parts from shipwrecks, anchors, and a sandstone column from the Zephyr ship. Notably, the outdoor collection features Ben Franklin, a submarine used by NASA for human interaction studies.

4. Have Fun at the Children’s Gallery

For the young and young at heart, the Children’s Gallery offers a vibrant maritime playground with interactive exhibits about Vancouver’s waterfront, the city’s port, and aquatic habitats. Kids can operate cranes and ship loaders, walk through a miniature recreation of Canada’s largest port, and dress up in marine animal costumes.

Other permanent attractions include:

Across the Top of the World: Chronicles the search for a route through the Canadian Arctic.
Fireboats: Retells how a tragic fire led to the establishment of fireboats.
Lighthouses and Shipwrecks: History of shipwrecks that led to maritime safety protocols.
Tugboats: Introduction to tugboats and their importance.

Things to Remember Before Going to the Vancouver Maritime Museum

Ticket Prices:
- Seniors and Students: CA $13.13
- Adults: CA $15.75
- Family of 4: CA $47.25
- Children ages 5 to 17: CA $13.13
- Free entry for kids under 5
Booking: Tickets must be purchased online as there is no ticket booth on site.
Pro Tip: Sign up for a membership for $47.25 for unlimited access, discounts, and guest passes.
Dress for the Weather: Exhibits are located both indoors and outdoors, so layer up and consider bringing an umbrella or sunglasses.

How to Get to Vancouver Maritime Museum

By Boat: The museum is accessible via False Creek Ferries, which dock just a minute away.
By Bus: Take Bus Line 2 from downtown, getting off at WB Cornwall Ave @ Cypress Stop.
By Car: Accessible via Burrard Street Bridge or Granville Bridge. Parking costs $9.50 for 2 hours.

The Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is early mornings on weekdays between November and February, avoiding the rainy season and weekend crowds. Check the weather to maximize your trip.

Places to Eat Near the Vancouver Maritime Museum

1. LOCAL Public Eatery Kitsilano

Address: 2210 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1B5, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11 am to 12 am
- Thursday: 11 am to 1 am
- Friday: 11 am to 2 am
- Sunday: 10 am to 12 am
Specialties: Wagyu hotdog, truffle cheeseburger, craft beers

2. Radish Restaurant

Address: 1876 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1G5, Canada
Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Specialties: Breakfast risotto, curried chicken sandwich

3. Las Margaritas

Address: 1999 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M7, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11 am to 10 pm
- Sunday: 11 am to 9:30 pm
Specialties: Fajitas, burritos, Mexican hot chocolate

4. Mi Casa Mexicana

Address: 2015 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3H4, Canada
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11 am to 10 pm
- Sunday: 11 am to 8 pm
- Monday: Closed
Specialties: Guacamole, Beans, and Cheese Dip, Trio Taster

5. Peaceful Restaurant

Address: 2394 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1P1, Canada
Hours: Open daily from 11 am to 3 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm
Specialties: Hand-pulled noodles, dumplings

Places to Stay Near the Vancouver Maritime Museum

1. Granville Island Hotel

Address: 1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Specialties: Breathtaking views, cocktails, Granville Island Public Market proximity

2. Level Vancouver Yaletown – Seymour Hotel

Address: 1022 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0G1, Canada
Specialties: Comfortable suites, townhome-style accommodations, fitness centers, pool

3. Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

Address: 845 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1V1, Canada
Specialties: European-style decor, upscale shopping proximity, modern French cuisine

4. Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

Address: 845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K6, Canada
Specialties: Award-winning restaurant, heated pool, on-site Wine Merchant

5. La Grande Résidence at Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

Address: 855 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K6, Canada
Specialties: Furnished suites, personal concierge, European allure

Explore the maritime wonders of Vancouver at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and make the most of your visit with our comprehensive guide!

The Ultimate Guide to Vancouver’s Maritime Museum

Charting a Course into the History of the Vancouver Maritime Museum

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Things to Do at the Vancouver Maritime Museum