Best 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"

"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."

"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"

"One of our favourite places to head for pasta and pizza, once you bite into the offerings here you’ll understand why there’s typically a line for tables around mealtime. The atmosphere is cozy but lively, a great place to start a night out or head for a later bite. Address: 1525 Yew Street, VancouverPhone: 604-734-0099"

" am not a great cook but a pretty good one to say the least. If a restaurant cannot do better than me”more"

"Pizzeria Barbarella offers a kid-friendly menu and environment while still boasting some amazing adult options to keep the parent’s palates pleased. The kids’ menu offers a choice of personal pizzas with three choices of toppings – plain cheese, pepperoni, or ham and pineapple. These entrees include a drink and a treat at the end, so you don’t have to worry about your kid asking for dessert."

"This East Van staple has a pizza forward menu, although you can get some great salads and desserts to make a full meal of it. They use local and organic ingredients, and of course, everything is hand-made. And they’re offering a 15% happy hour discount on pick up orders between 2-4 pm."

"A post shared by Amy Jung Shan (@amyhu803) on Feb 26, 2018 at 5:25pm PST. Head to this East Vancouver staple in the early evenings and you’ll find it chock a block full of families with kids. My latest visit saw no less than six high chairs being used."

"Lined with logs for the sun spectators, this is the place to reflect on the day and take a few photos of some of the most vibrant sunsets you’ll probably ever see in your life. Sunset Beach Park is also home to an interesting art piece called Engagement, a 30 foot sculpture of two wedding rings. These were created by world famous artist Dennis Oppenheim, as part of the Vancouver Biennale."

"Sunset Beach is a popular destination, especially in the summer, but the green space behind the beach is equally as popular with locals looking for a place to play a game of soccer, meet friends and soak up the sunshine. Grab a drink from the concession stand and spread out on the grass - on a very hot day you might see someone bringing a slip N slide for everyone to slide down the hill."

"Sunset Beach Park does not put its name to shame, and the stunning sunsets you’ll see here while chatting with a friend over a few bites or brews will be worth the wait. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Kritsada Akkhapracha (@fedexfc)"