Free 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."

"This Vancouver museum includes a life-size replica of a trading post, a 19th-century Canadian Pacific Railway passenger car, and an authentic dugout canoe in its many exhibits that document the history and evolution of Vancouver. The Orientation Gallery is a multi-layered timeline that uses artifacts to depict the growth and development of the region from pre-history to the heritage and culture of the First Nations to present day. A similar timeline is made with toys in a children's display."

"The Museum of Vancouver’s mission is to “inspire a deeper understanding of Vancouver through stories, objects and shared experiences.” It achieves this through exhibits on the city’s history, plus a First Nations art and artefacts collection."

"Use the False Creek ferry service to visit Vanier Park, where you'll find the Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Maritime Museum or HR MacMillan Space Centre Places to stay in Granville Island"

"The Vancouver Maritime Museum is a great outing for the entire family. Lots of opportunities to explore and learn about the sea, the ships on it and all things naval!. The kids will love being able to climb aboard the historic St. Roch, the first ship to make the west-east journey across the Northwest Passage."

"Use the False Creek ferry service to visit Vanier Park, where you'll find the Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Maritime Museum or HR MacMillan Space Centre Places to stay in Granville Island"

"For a glimpse of what the West End looked like before the apartment blocks, visit this handsome 1893 Queen Anne–style mansion, now a lovingly preserved museum. Designed by infamous architect Francis Rattenbury,... Top ChoiceGardens in Fairview & South Granville"

"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"

"This gallery, in the heart of downtown Vancouver is dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art and honours Haida artist, Bill Reid and his contribution to the art world. Bill Reid was a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor and acclaimed writer. The Bill Reid Gallery is a small, intimate museum with exhibits presented with video interviews and insights."

"Photo courtesy of Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (Facebook). Bill Reid is a national treasure and is known as a very talented Haida master goldsmith, sculptor, writer, carver and spokesman. Though his life ended in 1998, his legacy lives on in the small gallery in downtown Vancouver."

"Check out the First Nations art galleries for something beautiful to take home Find the Steam Clock and the statue of 'Gassy' Jack Deighton"

"Built into a heritage building and spread out over three generous floors, Alexander Gastown is an independent venue that is mostly known for their hip hop, trap, r&b, and funk driven club nights. Generally held down by local DJs on a weekly basis, the Alexander also hosts many live hip hop and r&b performances by artists from around the world. Where: Alexander Gastown – 91 Powell Street, Vancouver"

"Built into the same space that formerly housed the old Fox pornographic theatre, the revitalized Fox Cabaret is a local favourite for late night dance parties in the Mount Pleasant area. Specializing in performances by bands, comedy troupes, and club nights helmed by local resident DJs, the independent venue also houses a small bar in the former projection room of the theatre where guests can listen to local DJs spin vinyl while sipping on their favourite cocktails. Where: Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver"

"A post shared by Peter New (@peternew) on Jun 13, 2019 at 9:05pm PDT. The Fox Cabaret guarantees its guests of a wonderful night of great music, dancing, unparalleled entertainment, and memorable time as a whole. It is always a party at Fox Cabaret and they do it through different themed events like the Ultimate 90s Night featuring the best sounds of the decade, Turn Tuesday which is all about vinyl music, cosmo midnight which showcases the high-energy and talented Australia’s music duo, and much more."

"For a more casual vibe, we recommend a night out at the Fox Cabaret. This Main Street hotspot features various themed nights, including Turn Tuesdays, where the start of the night features Bring Your Own Vinyl. Free pizza is also provided by Ignite Pizzeria."

"A post shared by The Coffee Bar (@coffeebar_gastown) on Mar 19, 2020 at 4:42pm PDT. As it says in the name, this is the coffee bar. Stop by here for a cup of coffee, a nice pastry, and to just hang out in general."

"One of Gastown's most popular cafes serving properly pulled 49th Parallel espresso. Much of their baking is done in-house daily; other high-end items are sourced locally. Enjoy savouring your latte?"

"This popular Vancouver beach easily slots in virtually every Vancouver itinerary and gets absolutely packed in the summer – if you’re looking to do some people watching or meet some locals this is it. It’s also one of the best beaches for sports: whether you’re looking to set up a volleyball game (no net? there’s drop in games over summer from 6:30 pm) or shoot some hoops you’re guaranteed a game. Kits beach is also home to a 137 meter long swimming pool: Canada’s largest."

"One of the most sought-after beaches in Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach (known as Kits Beach to Vancouver residents) is not just a beach. There’s ample green space for sunbathers and several volleyball courts established on the sand. There’s also the Kitsilano Pool, which is Vancouver’s only saltwater swimming pool, and snack options, such as Starbucks, across the road."

"Facing English Bay, Kits Beach is one of Vancouver's favorite summertime hangouts. The wide, sandy expanse attracts buff Frisbee tossers and giggling volleyball players, and those who just like to preen while... Top ChoiceGardens in Fairview & South Granville"

"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."