Free Museums in Vancouver

"Vancouver Art Gallery — one of the largest in Canada — is housed in the city’s former courthouse and is as impressive inside as it is out. An adult ticket usually costs CAD24 ($18.31), but if you come on a Tuesday evening between 5pm and 8pm you can get in for just a donation. The permanent collection boasts 11,000 items, including major works by the well-known Canadian artists Emily Carr and the Group of Seven, in addition to several rotating exhibitions."

"The Vancouver Art Gallery-or The VAG, as locals call it-is the fifth largest art gallery in all of Canada. Located in the heart of the city's downtown core, this building is an iconic landmark amongst the cityscape. The VAG has rotating exhibitions, along with its permanent collection that boasts over 9,100 items."

"Once the main courthouse for Vancouver until 1979, the building that now houses the Gallery was designed in 1905 by Francis Rattenbury, who also designed the B.C. Parliament Buildings. Named a National Historic Site of Canada, the neoclassical building features iconic columns, a central dome and ornate stonework."

"Enter the lobby of the RBC Royal Bank at the corner of Georgia and Burrard streets, and head up the escalator that's directly in front of you. At the top you'll find one of the largest First Nations artworks in Western Canada. Measuring 98ft (30m) long and 8ft (2.5m) high, the nine carved and painted red cedar panels of the spectacular 'Ksan Mural cover an entire wall of the building."

"One of the oldest and largest museums in Canada, Vancouver was established in 1894. Museums of Vancouver was founded by Art, Historical, and Scientific Association of Vancouver. If you want to know about the cultural, human and natural history of the city from ancient times to modern times you should visit this museum as it organizes a lot of exhibitions."

"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"

"Established in 1959, the Vancouver Maritime Museum specializes in maritime history from the Pacific Northwest and Canadian Arctic region. The St Roch National Historic Site exhibition highlights the former Royal Canadian Mounted Police Arctic exploration vessel known as St Roch. The museum also houses a selection of model ships, the Children’s Maritime Discovery Centre and a maritime art collection."

"Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/marianne_h/3579842317/sizes/o/. In 1944, the RCMP St Roch was in its prime and has since become a famous vessel in Canada. Its last sail found itself mooring in Vancouver, where it is now permanently on display at the Vancouver Maritime Museum."

"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"

"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. "

"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"

"If you have a love affair with Parisian cafes, Au Comptoir in Vancouver's Kitsilano doesn't disappoint. They're also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you've got options. In the morning go for the flaky pastries or the omelette with gruyere, fine herbs, and salad; with a cafe au lait, of course."

"If you have a love affair with Parisian cafes, Au Comptoir in Vancouver's Kitsilano doesn't disappoint. When the sun rises and you're feeling perfectly caffeinated, marinate over the breakfast menu. From simple options to the more involved, there are just enough items to make your decision a tough one."

"A post shared by Au Comptoir (@au_comptoir) on Aug 23, 2018 at 10:02am PDT. Reserve a table for two at this Parisian spot for a night of romance. This is the place to savour a glass of fine wine as you tuck into French classics like cassoulet before sharing one of their house-made desserts."

"A favorite among Vancouverites for sublime cuisine, fine wines and impeccable service, Les Faux Bourgeois is a popular restaurant with couples looking for an intimate, romantic spot for dinner. The French-inspired menu features signature starters of escargots de Bourgogne, country-style pork paté with homemade bread, and a variety of sweetbreads, along with entrées of mussels in white wine, canard confit, and coq au vin. The cuisine is accompanied by a range of fine wines from around the world, craft beers and local microbrews, high-end spirits, and classic cocktails."

"Les Faux Bourgeois is a favorite among Vancouverites because the food is excellent, the atmosphere is warm, and the price is right. You don't have to spend a bundle to enjoy classic French cuisine in Vancouver, making this spot a perfect place to take a date. The dishes are ample in size and most mains are under $25."

"Located on Abbott Street in the heart of Gastown, Jules Casual French Bistro is a cozy restaurant with an elegant bar and airy patio that serves French bistro classics in a quaint and romantic ambiance. Exuding a charming bistro setting reminiscent of Paris, the café serves a variety of authentic French cuisine with bold flavors and fresh ingredients in the French style of simplicity. Start with shareable appetizers like escargots with parsley and garlic butter or homemade country-style paté followed by entrées of seafood linguini and Brome Lake duck leg confit."

"is a classic French bistro close to the Goldcorp Center for the Arts on Abbott Street, the thoroughfare that runs north to south through Gastown. The menu showcases real, authentic Gallic cooking and classic dishes."

"This Gastown gem offers a chill atmosphere and delicious authentic French bistro eats, what more could one ask for?. Address: 216 Abbott Street, VancouverPhone: 604-669-0033"

"This is our sleeper pick, so don’t make us regret telling you about it. Hachibei sits in the sleepy area of Mount Pleasant, churning classic dishes day in and day out. Their tonkatsu meal is absolutely fire, as is whatever fish they’re putting on the grill that day."

"I'm thankful for places like @sushicalivan that provide decent sushi at student-friendly prices 🙏 📸: Sushi Pizza, Salmon Battera, Calamari Crunch Roll, Salmon Mountain Roll, and B.C. Roll Out of all the items here, the only one I did not like was the Salmon Battera, which had way too much rice and not enough salmon. Not pictured is the Salmon Sashimi, which I highly recommend because they give you 5 big pieces for less than $7 (half portion) 😋 What are some other good, cheap sushi places in Vancouver?"

"UDON know me well if you don't know I like the two "S"…..Seafood and Sushi – 📷: Seafood Udon & Las Vegas Roll The seafood udon has jumbo prawn, baby scallops, mussel, squid, fish balls, imitation crab meat, and vegetables. The Las Vegas Roll features yam, avo, cucumber, crabmeat, spicy mayo, masago, and teri sauce A great meal for just $15. Sushi California certainly has good value for the food."

"I actually came here for the first time a couple of years ago because one of the friends I was traveling with worked here!. LOCATION: Various locations"

"The team at Pizza Coming Soon want to be the first to tell you: It's a Japanese "snack bar" with a confusing name in Chinatown. They've got an array of dishes perfect for sharing, like braised pork belly, seasoned fries, wings, and their signature deep fried onion "bloom." Pair those with anything from natural wine to jello shooters (yep, jello shooters) and you have the makings of some irreverent fun. Address: 179 E Pender St"

"With views of the city skyline, Spanish Banks Beach is similar to Kits Beach and Jericho, but tends to be quieter due to its location in a more residential area. It's the optimal place to stake out a picnic table to host an impromptu barbecue, with unreal views over the water and of the city. With the Seawall stretching from one end of the long beach to the other, Spanish Banks is the ideal beach for a quiet stroll, set to a spectacular backdrop of squeaking seagulls and sailboats drifting along the water."

"This tree-backed public beach is a popular locals' hangout; they're the ones jogging past in Lululemon outfits. It's also a good spot to unpack a picnic and enjoy some sigh-triggering shoreline vistas. It was named after English Bay's 1792 meeting between British mariner Captain George Vancouver and his Spanish counterpart Dionisio Galiano."

"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."

"More popular by the name “Kits” this is one of the best beaches in Vancouver, Canada and the people in Vancouver often refer to it as their version of the famous ‘Venice Beach’. Known to be as one of the most glamorous beaches in Vancouver the Kitsilano Beach is home to the longest and the only saltwater pool in Vancouver and offers spectacular views of the city, mountains and the ocean. Not just that but you will find a grassy area and can be a part of some really exciting outdoor activities."

"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."

"Kitsilano Beach offers a host of dynamic and appealing reasons to visit. From the luscious white sand and gorgeous scenery, to the family friendly section outfitted with a park and outdoor swimming pool, Kitsilano beach is one you’ll want to visit. This is very much one of the Vancouver beaches most popular with the locals, and while you will find a lot of younger adults; the pool and park available for kids are top notch."