Best History Museum in Downtown Vancouver

"In Vanier Park near Burrard Bridge, the Museum of Vancouver is a large institution devoted to all things Vancouver. It covers the city history from the first Coast Salish communities to Japantown, Kitsilano hippie days, and urban development. Other worthwhile museums and centers are within a short walk, including the HR MacMillan Space Centre with its planetarium, an observatory, and the waterfront Maritime Museum, where splendid views capture English Bay with the North Shore mountains beyond."

"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."

"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"

"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"

"Founded in 1966, the BC Sports Hall of Fame houses a wealth of materials that shed light on and celebrate the rich history of British Columbia’s sporting world. The museum sits within BC Place in Vancouver and educates the public on British Columbia residents and their exceptional achievement in sports. Each year, a few select individuals are inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame."

"The BC Sports Hall of Fame is a must visit for sports enthusiasts visiting Vancouver. Located inside BC Place, there'd plenty to do and see inside the museum. This isn't your typical exhibition where you are not allowed to touch things, instead it's fully hands on with a rock climbing wall, virtual soccer and a host of other fun things to do."

"Sports fans can check out the BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum at BC Place. Attractions include interactive exhibits such as a rotating climbing wall, 14 meter timed running track, and bubble hockey. Other galleries focus on women in sports, the Winter Olympics of 2010, and a Hall of Champions gallery."

"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."

"Home to the HR MacMillan Space Centre, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the Museum of Vancouver, and a lively program of festivals and cultural events such as Bard on the Beach – Western Canada’s largest Shakespeare festival – Vanier Park is a beacon for arts and culture enthusiasts. But museums and festivals aren’t the only draws for this popular city park. Wide-open fields make this a great spot for kite flying, and the public boat-launching ramp is a great kickoff spot for water activities."

"Vanier Park is another underrated favourite, with lots of space to lay and get lost in the clouds, or to sit and chat with friends while watching the sun go down behind the artwork."

"With just a block separating the two, they can be viewed as one wonderful space that creates a thriving neighbourhood feel between Oak and Cambie. This is another place to work your endorfins, accessing the Heather Park’s tennis courts, or playing soccer or baseball or jogging the perimeter path at Douglas Park. A new wood-feature playground including a playhouse and tree platform at Douglas Park only adds to the appeal of this area."

"Sushi in Vancouver is du rigeur, and this happy place on Main Street offers a vast number of specialty rolls that range from the Paparazzi roll (spicy tuna with tuna tataki and onion) to the Jumpin Dessert Roll (cream cheese, fresh fruit and pop rocks). Dine in or take away."