Vancouver Maritime Museum
You should definitely visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum and see the incredible St. Roch
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: YesVancouver 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 1A1, Canada
Phone: (604) 257-8300
Official Website: Vancouver Maritime Museum
Vancouver Maritime Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5
My first time here. Free admission today because of Family Day and glad we came. It is way more interesting and expansive a museum than it looks. I found it all to be very interesting. The wait to get onto the RCMP ship took a while even though we arrived only half-an-hour past opening, but it was worth it. The other display rooms past the gift shop are also worth checking out.
Sandra Chan - a month ago
When I went there, the exhibit was okay.
They didn't allow me to bring a bottle of water in. I understand if you bring coffee, cream soda or ice cream that you can damage something by spilling it.
I asked the lady if there is a water fountain, she told me no, but I can buy a bottle of water there?! Really?!
Another lady came and introduced herself, she is the manager and she agreed that I can bring the bottle with me, but I can't open it?!
If I spend for example 2 hours inside I wouldn't be able to get a sip of water.
Ridiculous!
Canadian BC - a month ago
Have a nice boat, interesting things to watch. It was cool to see a whole big boat located inside a museum. There are also lots of things included in this museum such as old Inuit style sculptures or the clothings and gears which old explorers and Inuit explorers 🧭 in Canada used to wear and use before. (About approximately 100 years ago…)
is it who - 2 months ago
Very charming little museum. Was great for some quiet exploring after being at Granville Island earlier that morning.
The main exhibit is centered around the St Roch, a historic Canadian ship that sailed the Arctic sea im the 1940s - with some pretty cool reconstitutions of the cabins.
The rest of the exhibits, including many model boats and a temporary exposition on canoes when we went, were also very interesting.
would recommend if you want to get away from the rain for an hour or two!
Laurie-Anne Palin - 9 months ago
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 year ago
Directions
| SkyTrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line | Burrard Station | 8 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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Accommodations near Vancouver Maritime Museum:
Photo Gallery
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Children love exploring the exhiibits at the Vancouver Maritime Museum Photo courtesy Vancouver Maritime Museum -
Historic St. Roch RCMP vessel at the Vancouver Maritime Museum cc licensed photo by Napa -
Exterior of the Vancouver Maritime Museum -
Photo Credit: Arbron - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Arbron - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Arbron - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: waferboard - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: waferboard - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr
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