Free Museums in West Vancouver

"Located in Vancouver’s former main courthouse, the Vancouver Art Gallery is the largest art museum in Western Canada. Francis Rattenbury designed the neoclassical building in 1905, and it features marble imported from Vermont, Tennessee, and Alaska. In 1980, it became a Canadian National Historic Site."

"Combining blockbuster international shows with selections from its striking contemporary collection, the VAG is a magnet for art fans. There are often three or four different exhibitions on its public levels but... Beach in Downtown & West End"

"The Art gallery at Vancouver will take you to see the power of art. This art gallery is the most interesting and innovative visual art institution. There is no lack of culture 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."

"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."

"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."

"Boats, boats, and more boats: The Vancouver Maritime Museum is Canada's premier Pacific Coast maritime museum and home to the fully restored St. Roch, a 1928 schooner that traversed the Northwest Passage and circumnavigated North America."

"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"

"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"

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

"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."

"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."

"Home to one of Vancouver’s biggest farmers' markets every Saturday in summer, John Hendry Park buzzes with a local East Vancouver crowd. A walkway circles tranquil Trout Lake – a natural lake fronted by a small beach at the center of the park – and expansive grass fields provide the perfect park setting for outdoor concerts. Activities abound at the Trout Lake Community Centre, a civic-spirited, light-filled facility just west of the lakeshore."

"Lovingly referred to as Trout Park by locals due to the beautiful lake in the center of the park, John Hendry Park was originally the location of one of Vancouver’s first lumbering operations that ran during the 19th century. Now, the park is a vast green oasis with a wonderful community center and an expansive ice rink left over from the 2010 Winter Olympics. John Hendry Park, Kensington-Cedar Cottage, Vancouver, BC, Canada"

"Home to a robust farmers’ market on Saturdays, a small lake for swimming on one end and canine shenanigans on the other, tennis courts, a still-closed indoor ice rink and activity center, it’s got a healthy tie-dye/kilt/pierced body parts quotient and the air is often freshly scented with BC bud. People-watch and get ideas for your next—or first—tattoo, even if it’s a temporary decal."

"Surrounded by skyscrapers, this single-block park in Yaletown is an urban oasis for children and adults alike. The newer playground gives kids plenty to climb, spin and swing on while benches everywhere give weary downtown walkers a spot to rest their feet and chat up a local. Nearby Nelson Park has that laid back community feeling (and more dogs) but this park always feels like something’s happening, even if it’s just taking in the small waterfall and letting the sound drown out construction."

"Based at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park, the Teahouse in Stanley Park is a cheerful, welcoming spot that offers an array of New Canadian cuisine and fresh seafood, along with classic cocktails and fine wines. Surrounded by towering trees, the historic seaside landmark boasts a beautiful location with spectacular views, making it ideal for date night or celebrating a special occasion. Diners can enjoy exceptional cuisine and fine wines in the formal dining room or on the outdoor patio next to the fireplace against a backdrop of panoramic vistas."

"If you happen to be hungry and in Stanley Park, we recommend making a pit stop at The Teahouse Restaurant for a meal or a drink in its charming conservatory. Address: 7501 Stanley Park Drive, VancouverPhone: 604-669-3281. Facebook | Instagram"

"With towering trees in its backyard and the ocean at its front door, the breathtaking view of English Bay and the..."

"Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House is one of the very best seafood restaurants in Vancouver, and also equipped with one of the city's most desirable rooftop gardens. The second floor rooftop terrace comes with a living green wall, cozy outdoor fireplace and bustling horseshoe bar. Relaxing and friendly atmosphere, you can visit for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, as well as the 4-6pm Joe Fortes happy hour."

"Joe Fortes’s rooftop patio is one of Vancouver’s most sought after spots—and its not hard to see why. Between the cozy outdoor fireplace (for when the night turns cool), living green wall, and buzzing horseshoe bar, there’s a lot to love. Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m., during which time patrons can get pints of Molson, glasses of wine and highballs for only $5.777 Thurlow St., joefortes.ca"

"Joe Fortes, as everyone knows, is not just a Robson Streetseafood eatery, it’s an institution that rests in the very heart of Vancouver’s dining scene. So, go enjoy a satisfying meal up on their outdoor rooftop garden, that just bursts with color and life. The menu here is huge, but don’t get overwhelmed."