The best thing to do when in Vancouver, Canada, is to stuff your face with food (especially sushis and ramen) and shop till you drop. But once you’re satiated and have a brand new wardrobe, you should really hit the city’s museums. You’ll find a variety of museums with diverse collections and attractions for all ages and interests. From contemporary art galleries to interactive science exhibits, here are the best museums in Vancouver, Canada.
Photo: Dan Breckwoldt/Shutterstock
8 Museums in Vancouver for Every Type of Traveler
- Where are the best museums in Vancouver located?
- The best museums in Vancouver for Indigenous art and history
- The best museums in Vancouver to get to know the city better
- The best museums in Vancouver for science and nature
- The best museum in Vancouver for art
- Where to stay in Vancouver to be near the city’s best museums
Where are the best museums in Vancouver located?
The best museums in Vancouver for Indigenous art and history
The Museum of Anthropology
Photo: Xuanlu Wang/Shutterstock
The Museum of Anthropology, located on the campus of the University of British Columbia, is one of the finest museums in Vancouver. It houses an outstanding collection of First Nations artifacts, as well as a variety of other ethnographic objects. The museum, designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, is best known for its impressive Great Hall (currently undergoing seismic upgrades.) The hall is decorated with totem poles, carved masks, and other First Nations art. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries at their own pace, or take part in one of the many guided tours that are offered.
Address: 6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada
Hours of operation: The Museum of Anthropology is closed until late 2023 for seismic upgrades.
The Bill Reid Gallery
The Bill Reid Gallery is a public art gallery located in the city’s downtown. The gallery is dedicated to the work of Bill Reid, a master Canadian First Nations artist. The gallery hosts a small permanent collection of Bill Reid’s art and objects and photographs relating to his work. Works from contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artists are also displayed. You can also find Bill Reid’s work throughout YVR, Vancouver’s international airport and at the aforementioned Museum of Anthropology.
Address: 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2G3, Canada
Hours of operation: Wednesday to Sunday from 11 PM to 5 PM
Cost: Adults pay $10 (13 CAD); seniors (65 and older) pay $7.50 (10 CAD); students with a valid ID pay $6 (8 CAD); youth (between the ages of 13 and 17) pay $4.50 (6 CAD); children under 12 and Indigenous people enter for free.
The best museums in Vancouver to get to know the city better
The Museum of Vancouver
The Museum of Vancouver (also known as MOV) is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the city. Located in the same building as the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the museum offers a wide range of exhibits with objects, stories, and personal experience accounts about the city, from early Indigenous settlements to its foundation in 1886 and throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Objects from MOV’s permanent collection include a gold medal from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, a Salish bracelet from the 18th century, and more.
Address: Vanier Park, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 3J9, Canada
Hours of operation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Cost: Adults pay $15 (20 CAD); seniors (65 and older) pay $11 (15 CAD); students with a valid ID pay $11 (15 CAD); youth (between the ages of six and 17) pay $11 (15 CAD); children under five and Indigenous people enter for free.
The Vancouver Maritime Museum
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The Vancouver Maritime Museum tells the story of Canada’s maritime history. Located on the waterfront in the posh neighborhood of Kitsilano, the museum includes interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and a research library. Visitors can see a full-scale replica of the St. Roch, the first vessel to traverse the Northwest Passage from west to east, as well as view historic photographs and artifacts, and learn about the area’s First Nations cultures.
Address: 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3, Canada
Hours of operation: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost: Adults pay $10 (13.50 CAD); seniors (65 and older) pay $8 (11 CAD); students with a valid ID pay $8 (11 CAD); youth (between the ages of six and 18) pay $7.50 (10 CAD); children under five and Indigenous people enter for free. The Vancouver Maritime Museum does not accept cash payments.
The best museums in Vancouver for science and nature
Science World
Photo: Dan Breckwoldt/Shutterstock
Vancouver’s Science World is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Located at the end of False Creek, the geodesic dome is an iconic sight on the Vancouver skyline. Inside, visitors can experience interactive exhibits on a variety of science topics, from space exploration to DNA to how plants grow. The museum is also home to an Omnimax theater. The hands-on approach of Science World, with puzzles, games, and physical challenges, makes it a great place to learn for all ages, and the stunning setting offers breathtaking views of Vancouver.
Address: 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 3Z7, Canada
Hours of operation: Monday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost: Adults (19 and over) pay $23 (30.40 CAD); seniors (65 and older) pay $18.30 (24.30 CAD); youth (between the ages of 13 and 18) pay $18.30 (24.40 CAD); children (between the ages of three to 12) pay $15.25 (20.30 CAD); children under two enter for free. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance.
The Vancouver Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Photo: Lavinia Mazdul/Shutterstock
The Vancouver Beaty Biodiversity Museum, located on the campus of the University of British Columbia, is home to an incredible collection of specimens, ranging from fossils, shells, insects, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants from around British Columbia and the world. The museum’s highlight is Big Blue, Canada’s largest blue whale skeleton.
Address: Vancouver Campus, 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
Hours of operation: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Adults pay $10.50 (14 CAD); seniors (65 and older) pay $9 (12 CAD); students with valid ID pay $9 (12 CAD); youth (between the ages of 13 and 17) pay $9 (12 CAD); children (between the ages of five to 12) pay $7.50 (10 CAD); children under four enter for free.
The H.R MacMillan Space Centre
Photo: Lissandra Melo/Shutterstock
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is a non-profit organization that promotes the exploration and understanding of space, astronomy, and Earth science for the benefit of all. Founded in 1968, the Space Centre is named after Harold MacMillan, whose donation helped build the planetarium. The Space Centre is open to the public year-round and is located near the Vancouver Maritime Museum in Kitsilano. Visitors can experience interactive exhibits, live science demonstrations, planetarium shows, and guided tours of the facility. The Space Centre is also home to an observatory, which visitors can tour during evening visits.
Address: Vanier Park, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 3J9, Canada
Hours of operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 AM. Wednesday and Friday from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Cost: $13.50 (18 CAD). Children under five enter for free. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance.
The best museum in Vancouver for art
The Vancouver Art Gallery
Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock
The Vancouver Art Gallery is located in the heart of downtown and is a short walk from many of the city’s major hotels and attractions. The Gallery has a permanent collection of over 12,000 works of art from cultures from around the world and time periods, including an extensive collection of Indigenous art. But if you’ve visited once, don’t think you won’t see anything new by going again – temporary exhibitions featuring both local and international artists take place throughout the year. Visitors to the Vancouver Art Gallery can explore the galleries at their own pace or take part in guided tours led by knowledgeable staff.
Address: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2H7, Canada
Hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM
Cost: General admission is $22 (29 CAD). Children under 18 enter for free. Entrance is by donation on Tuesday from 5 PM to 8 PM.
Where to stay in Vancouver to be near the city’s best museums
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Luxury condo with great views in UBC
Close to both the Museum of Anthropology and the Vancouver Beaty Biodiversity Museum, this luxury condo has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and can accommodate up to four guests. The decor is modern and minimalist and the views from the large windows and the balcony are exceptional. There is a large kitchen and a washer and dryer to make guests feel entirely at home.
Townhouse in Kitsilano
Kitsilano is arguably the most quiet, scenic, and posh neighborhood in the whole of Vancouver, making it a lovely place for families who want a safe and relaxing stay in the city. This townhouse is located on the edge of Vanier Park where you’ll find the Museum of Vancouver, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the H.R MacMillan Space Centre, and just a few blocks from the beach. This townhouse can host up to four guests in two bedrooms and one bathroom. There’s an outdoor area fitted with patio furniture and a comfortable living room with a beautiful fireplace. There is no kitchen in this townhouse but the neighborhood is full of cafés and restaurants so you won’t need to cook.
Modern Downtown Condo
Located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, within walking distance to the Bill Reid Gallery and the Vancouver Art Gallery, this modern, one bedroom condo with parking included will allow you to avoid public transport and find and do everything you want on foot without exerting yourself. This beautifully decorated and cozy condo can host up to two guests and has one bathroom and one kitchen. The views from the large windows are stunning and will inspire you to get out in the city and explore.