Vancouver Maritime Museum – Explore BC’s Nautical History
Located in scenic Vanier Park not far from Kitsilano Beach, the Vancouver Maritime Museum is one of the city’s top attractions. It’s obviously popular with lovers of maritime history. It’s also interesting for the general public, including children. This engaging museum highlights the Pacific Northwest and Arctic’s seafaring legacy, with interactive exhibits, historic displays, and fun for the whole family. It’s also a perfect rainy-day activity in Vancouver.
The museum sits along the waterfront just a short walk from the Museum of Vancouver and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
The star exhibit inside the building is the St. Roch, a legendary RCMP schooner and the first ship to fully navigate the Northwest Passage from west to east. Visitors can board this piece of history and explore its decks, cabins and galley. The museum also features a variety of hands-on exhibits, ship models, historical artifacts, and galleries showcasing BC’s marine heritage.
Visit vanmaritime.com for the museum’s official website.
What to Expect at the Vancouver Maritime Museum
Plan to spend 60 to 90 minutes exploring the museum, or longer if you’re a fan of model ships or historical maritime lore. Highlights of the place include the following:
- The St. Roch Ship: Step aboard this iconic Arctic exploration vessel and see it from above and below, including the dry dock level.
- Interactive Displays: Try your hand at “steering” the St. Roch on a digital simulator or explore model galleys designed for kids.
- Model Ships and Exhibits: The museum houses an impressive collection of scale models, many based on real ships that once sailed BC’s coastlines.
- Children’s Area: Young visitors can engage in interactive play areas throughout the museum.
Outdoor Exhibits and Heritage Harbour
Beyond the main building, you’ll find even more to explore outdoors. This includes the following:
- Heritage Harbour: Wander the dockside paths and admire vintage wooden boats, including RCMP patrol vessels and sailboats. You can’t board the boats, but the up-close views are free and fascinating.
- Submersible Ben Franklin: See this historic research submarine displayed just outside the museum.
- Large Anchor Installation: Another nautical artifact you can view from the entrance plaza.
Visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum‘s website for details about the attraction.
Seasonal Events at the Museum
There are a number of events held at the Vancouver Maritime Museum each year.
In the past, in December, visitors could celebrate the start of the winter holiday seasin with the museum’s Light Up the Harbour event at Heritage Harbour. There classic wooden boats were decorated with lights. Carolers from local schools performed, and there was even a choreographed boat ballet by False Creek Ferries. The event was free and family-friendly, complete with hot chocolate! In 2025, instead of that, the museum hosted a winter market. The Museum of Vancouver and Space Centre participated in that event too.
In April, the museum joins its neighbours in Vanier Park for Land, Sea, Sky — a community event celebrating Earth Day. Activities include storytelling, crafts, poetry readings, and space-themed presentations in partnership with the Museum of Vancouver and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
The above are just examples about the many events that happen at the museum. To see what’s happening soon, click Museum Events & Programs.
Summer Camps for Kids
The Vancouver Maritime Museum hosts STEAM-themed day camps for kids during the summer. Each camp blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with nautical adventures. Examples of camp themes some years include the following:
- By the Sea Shore: Explore Burrard Inlet and Coast Salish traditions.
- Deep Sea Discovery: Dive into marine ecosystems and life in the ocean depths.
- Sailor Skills: Learn knots, boat repair basics, and rigging techniques.
- Coastal Creatures: Discover the plants and animals that thrive on the BC coast.
The camps typically include a mix of indoor learning and outdoor activities.
Rentals and Private Events
The Vancouver Maritime Museum offers indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, meetings and private events. The waterfront terrace provides a stunning view of English Bay, Downtown Vancouver, and the North Shore Mountains. It’s a perfect spot for photos and gatherings.
Visit vanmaritime.com for the museum’s official website.
Other Information
In summary, the Vancouver Maritime Museum preserves and celebrates Canada’s rich maritime heritage through exhibits, artifacts and the historic RCMP ship St. Roch. The attraction offers visitors an immersive look at life at sea, Arctic exploration, and nautical innovation. With ship models, interactive displays and family-friendly programs, the museum captures the spirit of adventure and exploration that shaped the Pacific Northwest’s maritime history.
For more information about exhibitions, events and tickets, see the Vancouver Maritime Museum website.
Another attraction worth visiting in Vancouver is the Chinese Canadian Museum in Chinatown. There are lots of other great places too!