Victoria Guide » Attractions & Activities » Museums
Victoria Attractions & ActivitiesMuseums
If you're a history buff, art aficionado, archaeology fiend, or dabbler in the sciences, our museum picks are perfect for a rainy day or afternoon excursion! Our selections center around notable collections of historical and cultural items. Many have excellent rotating displays in addition to exceptional permanent collections.
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Address: 1040 Moss St, Victoria, BC V8V 4P1
With over 15,000 pieces, this is British Columbia's largest public art collection. Highlights include one of Canada's best Asian art collections complete with an authentic Shinto shrine, and paintings by Victoria-born artist and writer Emily Carr. Youngsters and the young-at-heart will enjoy the king-sized dollhouse.
British Columbia Aviation Museum
Address: 1910 Norseman Rd, Victoria International Airport, Sidney, BC V8L 5V5
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This unique museum is dedicated to Canada's history in aviation. In addition to pictures and memorabilia, you can view over 20 restored vintage aircraft, including WWII fighters, a 1929 Eastman Flying Boat, and a Gibson Twin that was built in Victoria in 1911. Thursdays are "work days" so visit then to watch the...
Address: 5071 W Saanich Rd, Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, Victoria, BC V9E 2E7
Amusing name aside, this science center is actually quite interesting and educational. Part of the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, the centre features a number of interactive exhibits and a planetarium, and offers special theatre presentations that will engage youngsters as well as their parents. Be sure to check...
Craigflower Manor and Schoolhouse
Address: 110 Island Hwy, Craigflower Rd and Admirals Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 1M5
This early farming community was organized by a subsidiary of the Hudson's Bay Company to transform the area into a permanent settlement and to reduce the need for imports from abroad. Established in 1853 along the Victoria Gorge Waterway on the lands of the Kosapsom Nation, ancient artifacts have been found dating...
Address: 7321 Lochside Dr, (Saanich Historical Artifacts Society), Saanichton, BC V8M 1W4
A 29-acre site devoted to the display of the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society's massive collection, Heritage Acres also includes numerous trails and picnic spots. Original and replica buildings (including a school house, log cabin, blacksmith, mercantile, chapel, boat house and sawmill) depict BC life circa 1900....
Maltwood Art Museum and Gallery
Address: University Centre Lobby, University of Victoria, Box 3025 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 3P2
Located at the heart of the University of Victoria's campus, this museum houses two collections. The Maltwood Collection is an internationally renowned selection of decorative arts from the Arts and Crafts movement. The University Collection features contemporary Western Canadian art in a variety of media.
Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Address: 28 Bastion Sq, Victoria, BC V8W 1H9
Explore British Columbia's rich maritime history in this museum's extensive collection. There are 70 model ships, uniforms, weapons and artifacts that highlight the early fur trade, whaling industry, royal navy and ocean liner era. Other exhibits include a history of the BC ferry system, and an exhibit dedicated to...
Address: 649 Humboldt St, The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, BC V8W 1A7
If you happen to be in Victoria during one of its rainy spells, this is the ideal attraction to visit. Spend a couple of hours examining dozens of tiny exhibits depicting scenes from all over the globe. You'll visit the Great Canadian Railway, European castles, Olde London Towne of 1670, outer space, the Canadian...
Address: 675 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8W 9W2
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This is one of Victoria's premier attractions, and Canada's most visited museum, dedicated to teaching about the land and people of coastal British Columbia. The Natural History gallery presents BC's coastal and rainforest ecosystems from the ice age to the present, the Modern History gallery features a real frontier...
Address: 850 Caledonia Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 5J8
This museum relates the history of the oldest police force west of the Great Lakes. In fact, the police force predates the incorporation of the city of Victoria. See artifacts and learn about their fascinating 145+ year history.
