Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Vancouver's Natural History Museum
The Beaty Biodiversity Museum, located on the beautiful UBC campus, showcases a vast collection of plants, insects, fossils, fish, and other vertebrates. Its centerpiece is the breathtaking 25-metre blue whale skeleton suspended in the main atrium.
Why Visit the Beaty Biodiversity Museum?
- See the Blue Whale: Stand in awe beneath the largest creature to have ever lived. The blue whale skeleton is one of only 21 on display in the world.
- Explore BC's Biodiversity: Discover the incredible variety of life from British Columbia and around the globe through hundreds of fascinating exhibits.
- Interactive Learning: Perfect for all ages, the museum offers hands-on activities, a discovery lab, and knowledgeable staff to answer your questions.
- Stunning Collections: With over two million specimens, the museum's collections are a vital resource for scientific research and a wonder for the public to behold.
What to See & Do
- The Blue Whale Display: The museum's most iconic exhibit is a must-see.
- Collections: Wander through six major collections: Tetrapods, Marine Invertebrates, Herbarium, Entomology, Fish, and Fossils.
- Dinosaur Trackways: See real dinosaur footprints preserved in stone.
- Special Exhibitions: Check the museum's website for current temporary exhibitions, which often feature stunning photography or unique specimens.
- Attend a Tour or Talk: The museum offers daily tours and regular public programs that provide deeper insight into the collections.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Allow Plenty of Time: Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the main exhibits.
- Check for Events: Look for special events like "Nerd Nite" or family-friendly "Sleepovers" for a unique museum experience.
- Explore UBC: Combine your visit with a walk around the scenic UBC campus, visit the nearby Museum of Anthropology, or stroll through the Nitobe Memorial Garden.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- UBC Museum of Anthropology: A world-renowned museum featuring First Nations art and artifacts from around the globe.
- Nitobe Memorial Garden: An authentic and beautiful Japanese garden, considered one of the best outside of Japan.
- Jericho Beach: A beautiful sandy beach with stunning mountain views, just a short bus ride from UBC.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesBeaty Biodiversity Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Vancouver Campus, 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
Phone: (604) 827-4955
Official Website: Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Beaty Biodiversity Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
An amazing experience! Although it was mostly rows of specemin cabinets, there were plenty of glass cabinets to look into, and lots of larger specimens on display. The drawers in the open areas can be opened, with lots of cool animal facts and preservation procedures. Most of my photos are from the mammal area, but there's entire sections on plants, coral, and invertebrates as well. Most of the skeletons were in the entrance area. My only wish is for a seated area for life drawing but that's a really niche request.
Ash3240 - a month ago
It’s a fascinating and unique place. Some people joke that it feels like a giant cemetery - a bit dark, but not entirely wrong. Many of the animal and plant specimens have been here for decades.
Each specimen feels like a teacher, quietly sharing the story of nature. They’re not just displays; they form the foundation for research and inspire both children and adults to appreciate biology.
What I especially value is how the museum explains the process of collecting, cataloguing, and preserving specimens, while also serving as the actual storage site.
I hope visitors leave with a deeper respect for nature.
Zacery Wood - 5 months ago
The Beaty Biodiversity Museum offers a truly captivating experience! From the moment you enter, you’re immersed in a world of natural wonder. Its displays are stunning and varied, featuring everything from towering skeletal reconstructions to the intricate details of preserved specimens, each telling a story about the incredible diversity of life on Earth. Adding to the appeal, the staff are exceptionally knowledgeable and approachable, which makes the visit all the more engaging. Compact yet rich in content, this museum is a must-visit for anyone with even a passing curiosity about the natural world—it’s an experience that educates, inspires, and sparks a deeper appreciation for biodiversity.
T Chan - a month ago
The Beaty Biodiversity Museum is a hidden gem in Vancouver and a must visit for nature lovers. The iconic blue whale skeleton is breathtaking, and the exhibits beautifully showcase Earth’s incredible diversity from fossils and insects to plants and marine life. Everything is well organized, informative and engaging.
A special shout out to the staff and volunteers, who are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience even more enjoyable. A peaceful, educational, and inspiring place to explore the wonders of life on our planet.
supun jayaweera - 2 months ago
We popped into the bio museum on a whim and were surprised at how much content is stored within these displays! Staff were helpful and informative, the museum was clean, interesting and filled our afternoon pleasantly. We enjoyed half of the movie about the blue whale skeleton, but my boyfriend was exhausted from learning so much about the animals, microorganisms and plants that he fell asleep and I figured I best get him out of there before his snoring disturbed the other patrons.
Courtney Z - 3 months ago
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Directions
| Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| #R4 41st Ave RapidBus | From Oakridge–41st Ave Stn | 5 Mins |
| #99 B-Line | From Broadway–City Hall Stn | 5 Mins |
How to get to Beaty Biodiversity Museum by Bus
The Beaty Biodiversity Museum is located on the main campus of the University of British Columbia (UBC). Several frequent bus routes go to the UBC Exchange bus loop.
- From downtown, take the #4 or #14 bus.
- From Broadway–City Hall Station (Canada Line), take the #99 B-Line express bus.
- From Oakridge–41st Ave Station (Canada Line), take the #R4 41st Ave RapidBus.
From the UBC Exchange bus loop, the museum is about a 5-minute walk south down the Main Mall pedestrian walkway.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: Beaty Biodiversity Museum -
Photo Credit: m ! -
Photo Credit: Juno Yoon -
Photo Credit: Sammy Lam -
Photo Credit: Jie Huang

