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

Fee: Yes

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

Phone: (604) 257-8300

Official Website: Vancouver Maritime Museum

Vancouver Maritime Museum Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating We were walking by and hadn't planned to visit the museum but it started to rain so we thought we would check it out. We were so glad we did. My 3 year old loved it. The museum has a great play area for kids complete with dress up clothes. We were able to tour a big ship and explore the many neat exhibits. The gift shop was great and the folks at the museum were kind and helpful. If you have young kids this place is worth checking out.
L Dilley - a month ago

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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 - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating A wonderful museum. Lots to see and you can explore a real full sized ship. Great for kids and adults.
Joan Cheshuk - a week ago

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5 Star Rating We visited the Maritime museum in Vancouver in August 2023, but we are still in awe of the ship models and a kids zone, looking at the photos. We liked a real historic arctic exploration vessel that used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and its small model. We also compared a modern model of a police ship Nadon and the old police ship St. Roch. The real surprise was a tug boat BANDERA. I guess, the tug which was made in 1980, and was named in honor a famous Ukrainian fighter for Independence Stepan Bandera.
Olga Curly - 4 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating The museum was educational just like any other. I loved it.
Laura Mckenzie - 5 months ago

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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.

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