Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in British Columbia

"Just because Vancouver is surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning natural beauty doesn’t mean you should come to expect nothing beautiful indoors too. The city’s Art Gallery, located in downtown Vancouver, is home to over 10,000 art pieces, ranging from Canadian and British paintings to the photographic works of artists like Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Guided tours are always available, but for something both interactive and slightly different, try to make it for a FUSE event, where DJ’s and artists perform throughout the galleries from 8 pm to 1 am."

"Scope out the cool architecture (such as that of the Vancouver Public Library), check out the Vancouver Art Gallery or window shop on Robson Street (Vancouver’s version of Rodeo Drive). End your walk at Trees Organic Coffee on the edge of Gastown. It’s a great place to people watch, especially because it’s conveniently located next to an Instagrammable pink street. Not only do you get to watch people take cheesy photos, but you can take some of your own as well."

"Vancouver's best museum is studded with spectacular First Nations totem poles and breathtaking carvings – but it's also teeming with artifacts from cultures around the world, from Polynesian instruments to Cantonese opera costumes. Take one of the free daily tours (check ahead for times) for some context, but give yourself at least a couple of hours to explore on your own. It's easy to immerse yourself here. "

"Museum of Anthropology at UBC: An informative museum highlighting The First Nations of Canada. Kitsilano Beach: An excellent place to relax with scenic views of Vancouver. You can also swim here when the weather is warm."

"Go to the Museum of Anthropology to find out about the Northwest Coast First Nations people Try some candied salmon - locally caught, hot-smoked salmon glazed with maple syrup"

"Housed in the historic Wing Sang building (51 East Pender Street), which is Chinatown’s oldest building (1889), the Rennie Museum is a private collection owned by real estate mogul Bob Rennie. Local and international artists are showcased in the gallery and free tours are available to the public. Continue to 9 of 10 below."

"Hidden behind the unassuming doors of the Rennie Museum is one of Canada’s largest collections of contemporary art. Opened in 2009, the collection focuses on topics that surround identity, social commentary, injustice and appropriation. Entrance is free but the museum is only open to the public on Saturdays by appointment."

"A private museum that you have to book to get into, but definitely worth the minimal effort required. Make a story out of the exhibition, and take a main page post on the roof, it’s a win-win scenario. Definitely one of the coolest buildings you can check out in Vancouver."

"A post shared by Chimgee Anderson (@chimgeeanderson) on Oct 28, 2017 at 2:48pm PDT. LeSoleil Gallery offers fine art collections including original paintings and sculptures by French Impressionists such as Pablo Picasso, Pierre Auguste Renoir and Vincent van Gogh. The gallery also displays the artwork of established modern artists such as Johanan Herson, Elena Yampolsky and Shai Mandel."

"Posing with lovely new friends at Elan Fine Art in front of Landon Mackenzie’s “Mirror Square” painting. A post shared by ELAN FINE ART (@elanfineart) on Nov 27, 2017 at 1:14pm PST. Elan Fine Art displays historical and contemporary art of quality for art enthusiasts living across Metro Vancouver."

"2342 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6H 3G3 604 738 1077WEBSITE | MAP. The gallery showcases and promotes established and emerging Canadian talents"

"4121 Main Street, Vancouver Tel: 604-708-4121 Web: http://www.locusonmain.com/ Twitter: @locusonmain Advice: Try to snag a seat near the tree. Known for their unique décor, this popular neighborhood eatery added a new menu focus as well as an update to the…"

"This all-day breakfast joint has three locations in Vancouver, so the next time you’re hankering for a simpler and affordable stack of flapjacks, check this spot out. The Basic offers straight-up OG pancakes alongside a banana option. Address: 1031 Davie Street, VancouverPhone: 604-682-3683"

"A post shared by thebasiceats (@thebasiceats) on Mar 21, 2020 at 10:36am PDT. This Vancouver all-day breakfast and lunch diner-style spot began offering a limited menu this week. You can hit up The Baisc from Thursday to Sunday from 9 a.m."

"Kafka’s is one of the longest-standing coffee brands in Vancouver and is the oldest surviving shop that started serving pour-over coffee. This year saw them switch exclusively to a brand new pour-over device (the Espro Bloom) as well as open their third location. The new venue is a masterpiece of interior design, blending 1950’s art deco with Gastown roughness."

"As the longest-running fancy pants coffee shop in Vancouver, Kafka’s have proven time and time again that they seriously know their decaf game. They roast on the darker end of the spectrum, so you’re in for a warm and rich caramel flavour that pairs perfectly with milk. Address:Multiple Locations"

"Kafka’s new Gastown venue might be my top aesthetic pick for the whole city. It’s a mind-bending blend of 1950’s art deco curves, modern materials and Gastown brickwork. It’s truly a sight to be seen."

"The third sight-seeing location was Lighthouse Park along the coast and displayed Vancouver city in the distance. At last, our final, spur of the moment location was a view of BC Place (Vancouver’s Whitecap’s Stadium). We walked around Vancouver and ended up overlooking a gorgeous nighttime view of the cityscape. Most of Day 2 was spent with our friends, taking photos and playing tourist throughout Vancouver."

"Jericho Beach is a lovely stretch of sandy oceanfront between the Kitsilano and West Point Grey neighborhoods—but it's so much more than that. It's home to some of Vancouver's posher facilities, like the members-only Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and Jericho Tennis Club, as well as tennis courts that are open to the public. While Vancouver's beaches can be enjoyed from shore or by taking a dip in the ocean, one of the most exciting ways to experience them is to get way out in the water."

"My all-time favourite place to photograph families in Vancouver. Jericho Beach gets truly beautiful light and has multiple places we can photograph until the sun is almost down, at which point we can move to the beach. Jericho is located on Vancouver’s west side, just west of Kitsilano and a short drive from downtown."

"An activity-lover's idyll, Jericho is great if you just want to putter along the beach, clamber over driftwood and catch stunning views of downtown. It's popular with locals on summer evenings, so expect..."

"Spanish Banks is one of the Vancouver beaches that will simply amaze you!. Perhaps a favourite of locals, this beach will take you away from the busyness that you may find downtown and transport you somewhere that feels far away — even though you will still be able to see the stunning Vancouver skyline. For families, this is a great spot in the morning or early afternoon when the tide is far out, leaving extremely long stretches of sand with small tidal pools to play in."

"Set just fifteen minutes’ drive to the west of town are the scenic and serene sands of Spanish Banks Beach. Lying alongside the shores of English Bay, it has an outstanding array of outdoor activities, as well as epic views over both the nearby coastline and Vancouver in the distance. Aside from lounging on the beach and swimming in the sea, visitors can play volleyball or soccer, and there are cycle paths, picnic areas and park benches dotted about."

"Spanish Banks is nestled between Jericho and Pacific Spirit Park, near the University of British Columbia. It has both a rocky beach covered in logs, perfect for climbing on, and sandy flats accessible when the tide is out. Spanish Banks is for you if… you’re looking for a beach session out on the flats with bare feet."