From world-class natural history collections to First Nations cultural centres and railway heritage sites — explore 40+ museums across every corner of BC.
Must-Visit
Jump directly to BC's most celebrated museums — click any card to scroll to its full listing below.
BC's premier natural history and cultural museum — home to the First Peoples Gallery, natural history dioramas, and rotating world-class exhibitions.
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One of Canada's finest anthropology museums, housing the world's largest collection of Northwest Coast First Nations art and the iconic Haida Big House.
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Vancouver's iconic geodesic dome on False Creek — interactive science exhibits, the OMNIMAX Theatre, and hands-on galleries for all ages.
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The birthplace of British Columbia — a living history fort where costumed interpreters bring the 1858 Gold Rush era to life.
Scroll to listing ↓Natural History & CultureOne of Canada's finest museums, featuring world-class exhibits on BC's natural and human history, including a stunning First Nations gallery, natural history dioramas, and rotating special exhibitions.
City HistoryExplore Vancouver's rich history from its Indigenous roots through the hippie era to today. The museum sits in Vanier Park beside the ocean with stunning views of the North Shore mountains.
First Nations & AnthropologyA world-renowned museum featuring one of Canada's finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations art and artifacts, including monumental totem poles, carved house posts, and the iconic Haida houses.
Science & TechnologyHoused in the iconic geodesic dome on False Creek, Science World offers hands-on science exhibits, an OMNIMAX theatre, and engaging programs for all ages. A Vancouver landmark.
Astronomy & SpaceExplore the universe at this beloved Vancouver institution featuring a full-dome planetarium, interactive space exhibits, and laser shows. Located in Vanier Park alongside the Museum of Vancouver.
Maritime HistoryHome to the St. Roch, the first vessel to navigate the Northwest Passage in both directions. Explore BC's rich maritime heritage with historic vessels, navigation artifacts, and interactive exhibits.
Heritage VillageStep back in time at this living history museum recreating a 1920s BC village. Costumed interpreters, a working carousel, heritage buildings, and seasonal events make this a family favourite.
Historic SiteThe birthplace of British Columbia! This restored Hudson's Bay Company fort features costumed interpreters, gold panning, blacksmithing demonstrations, and fascinating exhibits on the fur trade era.
Local HistoryDiscover Nanaimo's history from its Snuneymuxw First Nation roots through the coal mining era to the present day. Engaging exhibits on the city's colourful past including the famous Nanaimo Bar.
Industry & HeritageRide a vintage steam train through 40 hectares of forest and wetlands while learning about BC's logging heritage. Features historic logging equipment, a working sawmill, and beautiful lakeside trails.
Local HistoryHoused in a historic 1912 train station, this museum celebrates the rich history of the Cowichan Valley including Indigenous culture, early settlers, and the region's agricultural heritage.
Natural History & Local HistoryFamous for its Elasmosaur fossil — one of the most complete marine reptile skeletons ever found in Canada. Also features exhibits on the Comox Valley's Indigenous and settler history.
Maritime & Local HistoryExplore the history of Campbell River and the Discovery Islands through exhibits on First Nations culture, sport fishing heritage, and the region's logging and maritime past.
Local History & CultureA network of three museums celebrating the Okanagan's history: the Okanagan Heritage Museum, Okanagan Military Museum, and Laurel Packinghouse. Together they tell the full story of the valley.
Local HistoryDiscover the history of Penticton and the South Okanagan through fascinating exhibits on Indigenous peoples, early settlers, the fruit industry, and the region's transformation into a tourist destination.
Local HistoryExplore the history of Vernon and the North Okanagan from prehistoric times to the present. Features exhibits on the Okanagan Nation, ranching heritage, and the development of the fruit industry.
Local HistoryDiscover the history of Kamloops and the Thompson Valley through exhibits on the Secwépemc Nation, the fur trade, ranching, and the development of this Interior BC city.
First Nations CultureExperience 10,000 years of Secwépemc history at this outdoor heritage park featuring reconstructed pit houses, traditional gardens, and cultural exhibits celebrating the Indigenous peoples of the Thompson Plateau.
Local HistoryExplore the fascinating history of Nelson and the West Kootenays, from the silver mining boom of the 1890s to the heritage architecture that makes Nelson one of BC's most beautiful cities.
Railway & Local HistoryHome to one of the finest collections of restored railway cars in Canada, including the legendary Trans-Canada Limited. Explore the history of the CPR and East Kootenay region.
Local HistoryDiscover the colourful history of Fernie, from the Ktunaxa Nation to the coal mining era and the legendary Fernie Curse. Features rotating exhibits and a fascinating collection of local artifacts.
Railway & IndustryExplore over 70 pieces of railway and forestry equipment on a beautiful riverside site. Ride a miniature train, explore historic locomotives, and learn about the industries that built northern BC.
Science & Natural HistoryNorthern BC's premier museum and science centre featuring natural history exhibits, a planetarium, hands-on science gallery, and fascinating displays on the region's Indigenous cultures and natural environment.
Local HistoryHoused in a charming heritage building, this museum celebrates the history of Smithers and the Bulkley Valley, including the Wet'suwet'en Nation, early settlers, and the region's agricultural and mining heritage.
First Nations & Local HistoryExplore 10,000 years of Tsimshian culture and the history of Prince Rupert at this award-winning museum. Features stunning totem poles, canoes, and artifacts from the Northwest Coast First Nations.
Local HistoryDiscover the history of Revelstoke from the Secwépemc Nation through the railway era to the present. Features exhibits on the CPR, the 1916 avalanche disaster, and the development of this mountain community.
Local HistoryExplore the history of Salmon Arm and the Shuswap region through exhibits on the Secwépemc Nation, early settlers, the CPR, and the agricultural heritage of this beautiful lakeside community.
Railway & Local HistoryLocated in the historic NAR railway station at Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway, this museum tells the story of the Alaska Highway construction and the history of Dawson Creek and the Peace River region.
Local HistoryExplore the history of Fort St. John and the Peace River region, from the Dane-zaa Nation through the fur trade, homesteading era, and the oil and gas industry that transformed the region.
Gold Rush & Local HistoryDiscover the history of Quesnel and the Cariboo Gold Rush through fascinating exhibits on the Dakelh Nation, the Overlanders of 1862, and the development of this historic Cariboo city.
Cariboo HistoryExplore the history of Williams Lake and the Cariboo region, from the Secwépemc and Tsilhqot'in Nations through the ranching era and the famous Williams Lake Stampede.
Local HistoryDiscover the history of Hope and the Fraser Canyon, from the Nlaka'pamux Nation through the gold rush era and the construction of the Coquihalla Highway. Features chainsaw carvings and local artifacts.
Local HistoryExplore the history of Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley through exhibits on the Stó:lō Nation, early settlers, agriculture, and the military history of this important Fraser Valley community.
Local HistoryDiscover the history of Abbotsford and the Upper Fraser Valley through exhibits on the Stó:lō Nation, Mennonite settlers, agriculture, and the development of this growing city.
First Nations CultureA stunning cultural centre celebrating the living cultures of the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations. Features traditional art, artifacts, guided tours, and cultural demonstrations in a spectacular mountain setting.
Local HistoryExplore the history of Squamish and the Sea to Sky corridor, from the Squamish Nation through the logging and railway era to the outdoor adventure capital it is today.
First Nations & Natural HistoryExplore the rich culture of the Haida Nation at this world-class museum on Haida Gwaii. Features an extraordinary collection of totem poles, canoes, argillite carvings, and natural history exhibits.
Local HistoryDiscover the history of Terrace and the Skeena Valley through exhibits on the Tsimshian and Gitxsan Nations, early settlers, and the development of this northern BC community.
Mining & Local HistoryExplore the history of Kimberley and the Sullivan Mine, once the world's largest lead-zinc mine. Features exhibits on the Bavarian-themed city's unique heritage and the mining families who built it.
Doukhobor & Local HistoryExplore the unique Doukhobor heritage of Castlegar and the West Kootenays. The museum celebrates the pacifist Russian settlers who transformed this region, along with exhibits on the Columbia River and local history.
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