Vancouver Police Museum
The Vancouver Police Museum, the oldest in North America is a fascinating place to visit
Vancouver has many interesting and educational attractions, one of them being the Vancouver Police Museum which happens to be the oldest police museum in North America. The museum is set-up in a beautiful old heritage building that was built in 1932. This historic building once housed the Coroner's court, the city's morgue and the equipage for autopsies as well as the crime laboratory.
Vancouver's police museum welcomes self-guided tours making it very appealing for the fascinated and curious minds that wish to look around at their leisure, with over 20,000 artifacts, 10,000 pictures depicting the Vancouver police department's history plus many ancient documents dating back as early as the 1870s. One can take their time learning about the history of law enforcement and criminal acts in the early days.
For those wishing to hear intriguing and compelling stories about Vancouver's days of old, and/or ask questions concerning the laws in those days dealing with weapons, drugs, gambling and so on, you can book a guided tour. There is a $2.00 additional fee per person over and above the normal admission and there has to be a minimum of 10 people, so it is imperative that you book ahead.
The sins gallery has a huge collection of confiscated weapons, bogus money, illegal drugs, gambling tools plus several devises used by both the police officers and the criminals. Try challenging your memory to see how good of a witness you would be by creating a mug shot photo by recollection, or becoming the criminal yourself in the photo-op jail cell. There is even a dress up box for children to try on real police uniforms.
For the not so faint of heart, the True Crime gallery is situated in the initial city morgue. Here you will learn of real life notorious cases that have never been solved. The autopsy area has remained nearly the same since 1980, when the last autopsy was performed there (You can a picture under the Photos & Video Tab). Now this is opened to visitors. One of many displays there for educational purposes is real human organs; not for the squeamish.
Every second Tuesday of the month except for the summer months there is a movie night in the morgue. Tickets are $8.00 with a 24 hour cancellation policy.
If you are visiting during the summer months you should consider booking their Sins of the City Walking Tour, a very interesting tour that takes you beyond the museum and explores the history of the surrounding area. The tour also includes admission to the museum itself, but is restricted to ages 16 and up. You can get a taste of this tour by scrolling down to the video under the Photos & Video Tab.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesVancouver Police Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Address: 240 E Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1L3, Canada
Phone: (604) 665-3346
Official Website: Vancouver Police Museum
Vancouver Police Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5
The Vancouver Police Museum is a fascinating and unique spot to explore the city’s history. The exhibit is small but well-organized, featuring everything from old police equipment to stories of true crime in Vancouver. Perfect for anyone interested in crime history or law enforcement!
Alina Medvedeva - a month ago
The Vancouver Police Museum was a surprise hit with our family of adults and teen kids. It's a small museum but packed with unique history.
You aren't meant to take photos in what we considered to be the most interesting parts ie. the autopsy and mortuary rooms - but some of the items in these rooms are absolutely fascinating and not anything that many of us ever get to see in person. If you have an interest in such things and a few hours to spare it's well worth a visit.
Note that the museum is located in an "unsavoury" part of town. Do some research prior to your visit as you may not enjoy walking around some of the surrounding streets at night. You may like to time your visit to allow for this.
Belinda - 3 weeks ago
Fantastic museum. It is small, but it contains many relatively obscure points of knowledge. If you enjoy reading about little-known facts or history, it’s a great place to visit.
Paul Chen - 3 months ago
Probably been close to 30 years since I've been here and I have to say, it was fantastic then and the same today!
Lindsay and Christie, were both very knowledgeable and fun to chat with. Both were AMAZING AND ENTHUSIASTIC with my kids too.
Best part, my 5 yr lost his camera at the museum and the ladies were able to find it and return it to my son the following week.
Highly recommend doing some detective work while you are there, certainly adds to the experience!
Christie and Lindsay, thank you so much for your efforts and genuinely making the experience one to remember!
Bryan L - a week ago
Easily spent 3 hours here. The place is small but packed with interesting Vancouver history and specimens. I love my experience here! The staff was very friendly too
Diana G. - 4 weeks ago
Directions
| SkyTrain and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line | Granville Station or Waterfront Station | 2 Minutes |
| Canada Line | Waterfront Station | 2 Minutes |
How to get to Vancouver Police Museum by SkyTrain and Bus
Since the Vancouver Police Museum is (appropriately or inappropriately depending on how you look at it) in a bit rougher part of the city. For that reason, these directions include taking a bus that will drop you off close to the entrance.
Take either the Expo SkyTrain to either Granville or Waterfront Station; whichever is closer from your location. From Granville Station exit onto Granville Street and catch either a #4 Powell or #7 Nanaimo Station Bus going northbound. From Waterfront Station exit onto W. Cordova Street, cross over at the light and go left to the first eastbound bus stop on W Cordova. Catch either of the same two buses indicated above. Exit the bus a short distance later at Main Street and continue walking east on Cordova to the museum entrance which is just ahead.
If you are coming into downtown Vancouver on the Canada Line proceed right to Waterfront Station, exit onto Granville Street and cross the road both ways to the bus stop northbound on Granville just past Hastings. Catch the #4 or #7 bus to Main Street as above.
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Accommodations near Vancouver Police Museum:
Photo Gallery
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The old morgue inside the Vancouver Police Museum cc licensed photo by Kenny Louie -
Memorial statue outside the Vancouver Police Museum cc licensed photo by rick -
Neat stained glass window at the Vancouver Police Museum cc licensed photo by rick -
Trying on an old police officers hat cc licensed photo shared by rick
Video
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