Free Museums in Panorama

"If you consider your romance one great work of art, you may want to think about asking your S.O. to marry you in the hallowed halls of the Vancouver Island Ferry. It flaunts stunning architecture and an impressive collection of fine art (you’ll see everything from First Nations works to Asian contemporary pieces)."

"Finally, if you want one of the best family activities in Vancouver, visit the Vancouver Art Gallery. This museum has about 10,000 artworks, so be sure you schedule enough time to peruse each exhibition. Remember, you don’t want to rush through a museum."

"The Museum of Vancouver in Vanier Park focuses on the city’s history from the First Nations until today. It houses an extensive collection of First Nations artwork and artefacts, and permanent exhibitions include 1930s-1940s: Boom, Bust and War; 1960s-1970s: You Say You Want a Revolution; and Neon Vancouver | Ugly Vancouver. The museum’s mission is to inspire “a deeper understanding of Vancouver through stories, objects and shared experiences."

"For all things truly Vancouver; including the past, present, and future, head over to the Museum of Vancouver. Here, you can learn all there is to know about the city, starting from the ancient times and lifestyles of the Musqueam people up to present-day city life in Vancouver. Located in the scenic area of Vanier Park, the museum is easily accessible from downtown and one of the best places to see in Vancouver on a rainy day."

"There are all kinds of cool things to see at the Museum of Vancouver, a lot of it showing the history behind one of Canada’s most populated cities. The Neon Vancouver | Ugly Vancouver exhibit is the my favourite of them all, and it gives you a glimpse of Vancouver between the 1950s to 1970s. Vancouver had around 19,000 neon signs during the 1950s, which was more than Las Vegas at the time, so it’s really awesome to see!"

"Just over the bridge is Kitsilano, Vancouver’s original hippy enclave with a bustling beach, shopping thoroughfare, and attractions like the Museum of Vancouver and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Celebrating diversity and the arts, Vancouver has a festival calendar that is bursting with exciting events, and tonight, you’re going to experience one for yourself!. Whether you’re catching a documentary screening, stand-up comedy, fringe theatre, an Asian food market or a jazz performance, these events speak to our very Canadian trait of embracing our diversity."

"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"

"In the West End, visitors and residents alike will find the restored heritage house that is the Roedde House Museum. Constructed in 1893 for the city’s first bookbinder, Gustav Roedde, and his family, the late Victorian home has 11 rooms that reflect their everyday life, with period pieces (including some from the Roedde family) and artefacts, some of which guests may carefully handle. The museum also hosts various events throughout the year."

"Take a trip back in time at 1415 Barclay Street's Roedde House Museum at the 19th century home of Vancouver's first bookbinder, Gustav Roedde. the Roedde House Preservation Society has carefully restored the house to create an accurate portrayal of late Victorian family life in the West End. Shopping in Vancouver"

"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."

"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."

"On June 13, 1886, there was the Great Vancouver Fire, which took many buildings with it. The Hastings Mill Store was left untouched, leaving it to be Vancouver's oldest building. It wasn't originally at this location, but was built in Gastown and was saved from demolition and put on a barge to it's current location."

"The oldest building that is still surviving in Vancouver is the Hastings Mill Store. It was once located on the South shore of the Burrard Inlet. Built in 1865 and dedicated to Captain Edward Stamp, Hastings Mill Store was used as a sawmill company under Edward’s possession."

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

"Make certain to visit International Village Mall—formerly known as Tinseltown—after 10am since Pender Street isn’t a street you want to be walking along by yourself. By going near the opening time, you’ll be surrounded by commuters heading off to work. Pick up a bubble tea to enjoy as you wander through this double-storey mall in search of fashion-forward accessories."

"Known previously as the Presentation House Gallery, this North Van gallery is the largest non-profit photographic gallery in Western Canada. Operating since 1981, The Polygon focuses on – but is not limited to – contemporary photography with an emphasis on Canadian work. The gallery itself is a modern and bright 25.000-square-feet (2322-square-metre) building with stunning water views."

"Just steps away from the hotel, North Vancouver’s stunning new waterfront art attraction, The Polygon Gallery, truly offers a one-of-a-kind space to encounter photography and media art. The Polygon is open Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Thursday 10:00am to 8:00pm, and Friday to Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm. No appointments required to view the exhibitions."

"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."

"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."

"Make sure to stop off for a drink at Keefer Bar and Fortune Sound Club and check out Rennie Collection at Wing Sang (which offers free entry). You can also visit some of the firm-favourites such as; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the Millennium Gate."

"This highly popular green-thumbed oasis is a 22-hectare, 255,000-plant idyll that offers a strollable web of pathways weaving through specialized garden areas: the Rhododendron Walk blazes with color in spring,... Top ChoiceMuseum in Gastown & Chinatown"

"The Olympic Village was built in 2010 and is considered one of the greenest communities in the world. Located in False Creek, this is a great area to explore on foot, with plenty of benches, cute cafes and restaurants, and green spaces to keep you occupied for at least an hour or two."

"One of the city’s main tourist attractions, Vancouver Aquarium is home to an array of aquatic animals, exhibits, and ecosystems. Located within the sprawling confines of Stanley Park, the marvelous marine center is a delight to explore due to all its incredible sea creatures both large and small. First opened in 1956, the aquarium now impressively houses over 70,000 animals with seals, sea otters, and penguins on show alongside vast shoals of shimmering fish."

"In the West End, visitors and residents alike will find the restored heritage house that is the Roedde House Museum. Constructed in 1893 for the city’s first bookbinder, Gustav Roedde, and his family, the late Victorian home has 11 rooms that reflect their everyday life, with period pieces (including some from the Roedde family) and artefacts, some of which guests may carefully handle. The museum also hosts various events throughout the year."

"Take a trip back in time at 1415 Barclay Street's Roedde House Museum at the 19th century home of Vancouver's first bookbinder, Gustav Roedde. the Roedde House Preservation Society has carefully restored the house to create an accurate portrayal of late Victorian family life in the West End. Shopping in Vancouver"

"The Museum of Vancouver in Vanier Park focuses on the city’s history from the First Nations until today. It houses an extensive collection of First Nations artwork and artefacts, and permanent exhibitions include 1930s-1940s: Boom, Bust and War; 1960s-1970s: You Say You Want a Revolution; and Neon Vancouver | Ugly Vancouver. The museum’s mission is to inspire “a deeper understanding of Vancouver through stories, objects and shared experiences."

"For all things truly Vancouver; including the past, present, and future, head over to the Museum of Vancouver. Here, you can learn all there is to know about the city, starting from the ancient times and lifestyles of the Musqueam people up to present-day city life in Vancouver. Located in the scenic area of Vanier Park, the museum is easily accessible from downtown and one of the best places to see in Vancouver on a rainy day."

"There are all kinds of cool things to see at the Museum of Vancouver, a lot of it showing the history behind one of Canada’s most populated cities. The Neon Vancouver | Ugly Vancouver exhibit is the my favourite of them all, and it gives you a glimpse of Vancouver between the 1950s to 1970s. Vancouver had around 19,000 neon signs during the 1950s, which was more than Las Vegas at the time, so it’s really awesome to see!"