Best Museums in Downtown Vancouver

"The Vancouver Art Gallery is the fifth largest art gallery in all of Canada. The VAG has rotating exhibitions, along with its permanent collection that boasts over 9,100 items. Art junkies will be impressed by the 200 major works by the Group of Seven, Emily Carr and Mark Chagall, which are all housed in the VAG."

"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."

"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."

"If you are looking forward to knowing about the maritime history of Vancouver then you should pay a visit to the Vancouver Maritime Museum in Canada. It is one of the oldest history museums in Vancouver and you must go through its collection. Vancouver Maritime Museum has galleries of model ships that are made of paper and cardboard."

"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."

"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"

"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."

"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."

"A post shared by Peter New (@peternew) on Jun 13, 2019 at 9:05pm PDT. The Fox Cabaret guarantees its guests of a wonderful night of great music, dancing, unparalleled entertainment, and memorable time as a whole. It is always a party at Fox Cabaret and they do it through different themed events like the Ultimate 90s Night featuring the best sounds of the decade, Turn Tuesday which is all about vinyl music, cosmo midnight which showcases the high-energy and talented Australia’s music duo, and much more."

"Previously a porn theatre, the Fox Cabaret is a hotspot for 90s hip hop nights, 80s proms, and comedy nights and this red-hot nightclub on Main Street. It's always a casual mixed crowd and is ideal for a sweaty late-night dance but be prepared for a line up on a Friday or Saturday night. Alternative club nights include the monthly Nerd Nite, a series of science-based discussions and Sunday Service, a long-form improv show."

"For a more casual vibe, we recommend a night out at the Fox Cabaret. This Main Street hotspot features various themed nights, including Turn Tuesdays, where the start of the night features Bring Your Own Vinyl. Free pizza is also provided by Ignite Pizzeria."

"3835 Main Street, Vancouver Tel: 604-569-2494 Web: www.portlandcraft.com Twitter: @Portland_Craft Advice: Sit at the communal table. Takes reservations, Walk-Ins welcome. The star of this room with its high ceilings, long communal table is its long list of craft brews many of…"

"Portland Craft is dedicated to furthering and supporting the concept of Craft in all aspects of our establishment, from kitchen to tap. We respect the artistry and workmanship that goes into beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as the farming of"

"Built into a heritage building and spread out over three generous floors, Alexander Gastown is an independent venue that is mostly known for their hip hop, trap, r&b, and funk driven club nights. Generally held down by local DJs on a weekly basis, the Alexander also hosts many live hip hop and r&b performances by artists from around the world. Where: Alexander Gastown – 91 Powell Street, Vancouver"

"Reignite the spark in your relationship with a getaway to this Forbes’ Five-Star hotel. The combination of the grandeur of the Twenties with contemporary design remains a feast for the eyes and will set the tone for a memorable romantic adventure. Located in the heart of Vancouver, there are a host of activities to take part in leaving no boring moment in sight."

"Art Deco luxury soaked in a glamorous history with some of Canada’s finest dining and cocktails. From its grand marble staircases to extensive all-Canadian art collection there’s a satisfying sense of luxury at every turn."

"Rosewood Hotel Georgia combines the grandeur of the Roaring 20's with contemporary elegance in the heart of Vancouver. Imbued with legacy and luxury, the hotel represents Vancouver's most stylish r..."

"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."

"The Vancouver Art Gallery is the fifth largest art gallery in all of Canada. The VAG has rotating exhibitions, along with its permanent collection that boasts over 9,100 items. Art junkies will be impressed by the 200 major works by the Group of Seven, Emily Carr and Mark Chagall, which are all housed in the VAG."

"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."