Set on the seafront overlooking English Bay, the Vancouver Maritime Museum charts Canada’s connections to the Pacific and Arctic oceans. Collections include maritime art, model ships, the Children's Maritime Discovery Centre, and St. Roch, a 1928-built Royal Canadian Mounted Police schooner that once trawled the icy Arctic.
The Basics
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is devoted to all things nautical, with exhibits chronicling Canadian seafaring in the Pacific and Arctic oceans. The main attraction is the St. Roch, the first ship to sail through the Northwest Passage from west to east. Explore the ship’s cabins, wander the decks, and tour the living quarters. Children will enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Maritime Discovery Centre, where they can try and drive their own tug and play pirate for the day.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Vancouver Maritime Museum is a must for maritime enthusiasts and families.
- There is no café or food vendor inside the museum, but the gift shop sells model ship kits, souvenirs, and books.
- All exhibits are wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the St. Roch.
How to Get There
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is situated in Vanier Park in Kitsilano. To get here, take the False Creek Ferry to the Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum Ferry Dock. From Granville Island, walk along the seafront and you’ll reach the museum in about 20 minutes.
When to Get There
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is mostly inside, making it a great cold- or rainy-day diversion. The museum is busiest in the afternoon, so arrive in the morning to get in ahead of the crowds.
Other Nautical Highlights
Situated in front of the museum is the yellow-and-white Ben Franklin submarine, a vessel designed by Swiss explorer Jacques Piccard. Originally used by research teams to monitor and map the Gulf Stream, the submersible was also of interest to NASA, which used it to observe the effects of living in close confinement.
