Vancouver Maritime Museum

You should definitely visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum and see the incredible St. Roch

The magnificent St. Roch inside the Vancouver Maritime Museum
The magnificent St. Roch inside the Vancouver Maritime Museum Photo courtesy Vancouver Maritime Museum

Located a short bus ride from downtown Vancouver in Vanier Park, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, or VMM, houses a historic ship called the St. Roch that was used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to patrol the Arctic. The ship was so significant in Canadian History that it has been designated a National Historic Site.

The maiden voyage of the St. Roch began in Vancouver on June 28th 1928. Built in British Columbia, the St. Roch proved to be a remarkable vessel and holds many records. It was the first ship to navigate through the treacherous and unknown waters of the Northwest Passage in the high Artic from 1940 - 1942. It was the first ship to complete the same journey in just one season in 1944 and the first to sail around the entire continent of North America. Amazing stuff for a ship made entirely of wood. You can see this very ship first hand, but only if you visit the VMM.

There are many more exhibits for you to enjoy at the museum. You'll be amazed by incredibly detailed, intricate models of historic ships. There are outdoor exhibits that include the NASA undersea research vessel Ben Franklin and the boiler of the Beaver — the first steamship in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the permanent exhibits, temporary exhibits and films make sure the museum always has something new for you to see. If you have any interest at all in ships and and maritime history, be sure to put the VMM on your must-see list.

The VMM is also just a short walk from the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Planetarium and the Museum of Vancouver.

For complete details about the Museum of Vancouver see the official website above.

Facts For Your Visit

Official Website: Vancouver Maritime Museum

Fee: Yes

Regular 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: 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3, Canada

Phone: (604) 257-8300

Official Website: Vancouver Maritime Museum

Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5Vancouver Maritime Museum Star Rating

5 Star Rating had a fantastic experience at the Vancouver Maritime Museum! The RCMP ship, with its century-old history, sounds like a fascinating highlight. It's wonderful to know that the museum offers such an enriching experience for both children and adults, providing insights into the history of the RCMP Maritime and various aspects of maritime heritage. give it a try to discover the treasures it holds. It's indeed a must-see for those interested in maritime history and the unique stories behind these historic vessels.
Naser - 1 month ago

4 Star Rating The museum was educational just like any other. I loved it.
Laura Mckenzie - 1 month ago

5 Star Rating We didn't have any expectations of this museum, but we're surprised to find it is excellent! We loved the guided tour of the st. Roche RCMP ketch, the commentary really brought the reality of artic duty to life. The rum smuggling exhibit fascinating. The amazing models of steam ships so exact and charming. So glad we chose to visit.
Claire Green - 2 months ago

5 Star Rating What a beautiful museum! Our 2 and 4 year old kids greatly enjoyed the exhibitions and seeing pieces of history. Would love to come back again next time.
Laurice Manaligod - 9 months ago

5 Star Rating Among Vancouver's museums I feel like this one is often overlooked! What most people don't realize is that there's some really good stuff here! It's not all ships and containers (I mean those are cool too). In recent years there's an increased emphasis on Inuit and First Nations exhibits. Things are well kept and theres a lot to take in!
J Chow - 1 year ago

Accommodations near Vancouver Maritime Museum:

Directions

SkyTrain Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Expo LineBurrard Station8 Minutes

How to get to Vancouver Maritime Museum by SkyTrain

From Burrard SkyTrain Station take the Burrard Street exit and catch either the #2 or #22 Macdonald going south on Burrard Street at the stop directly in front of the station. Take either bus to the Cypress Street Stop on Cornwall Avenue (less that 10 minutes). Walk straight north up Cypress Street to the museum which is located in the A-Frame building just inside the park.

Map & Instant Route Finder

Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.

Finding Your Route - Please Wait

Photo Gallery

Video


Check out this old video footage of the historic St. Roch, the centrepiece of the Vancouver Maritime Museum
Vancouver Hotel Deals

Book Now, Pay Later
Price Matching
2,563,000+ Properties Worldwide
24/7 Support
booking.com logo
Booking.com sale banner link

Visiting Vancouver?
Here's why we use Booking.com for our hotel bookings.
Best Selection
Daily Deals
Price Matching
Pay at the Hotel
24/7 Support
Share on Pinterest
Share on Pinterest
Help us grow! Please Share
Thanks for Visiting!