Best 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."

"If you’re looking for something a little less traditional and a little more diverse in style for your birthday celebrations, Remi Patisserie is definitely for you. This adorable bakery creates cakes where “you can find a little taste of France, Italy, and Asia in,” as quoted by the owner. We love his Cloud Cake but honestly, the entire menu is a must try and would work for a birthday cake, from rich Mango Sago cakes to elegant Thai Tea flavours, his cakes are almost too beautiful to eat, and the perfect gift for the birthday boy or girl in your life."

"Years ago, when he landed a summer job at a French Bistro, young and enterprising Remi Ho discovered the world of pastry making and was instantly inspired. His love for baking grew into a passion, and eventually resulted in a delightful bakery called Remi Patisserie located in Vancouver. This true success story melts our hearts, and the yummy treats Chef Remi concocts to perfection, keeps us going back for more."

"Melo is a newer entry on this list but they've sprung up as a viable option in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. This almond croissant features a good rise and a slight candied crunch to the top almond layer. The inside leaves much to be desired with only a smidgen of almond paste within."

"A post shared by Ina (@inaeatseverywhere) on Aug 3, 2019 at 1:22am PDT. For cheap Chinese beer and spicy Chinese BBQ, hit up one of Happy Tree’s two locations. They have a variety of meat and seafood skewers, but their famous lamb skewer is their specialty."

"Seasonal ingredients drive the menu of house-made pastas, risottos, antipasti, main courses, and sides at La Quercia. With so many tempting dishes—cacio e pepe, saffron and squid risotto, favas with pecorino and mint, grilled lamb shoulder, anchovy braised runner beans—you’ll want to come with friends and opt for a customized sharing menu. The extensive wine list is sure to have a perfect complement."

"The northern Italian cuisine is always on point and is sure to delight you each and every time you step in there. Seriously, La Quercia is a must-try. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5PM-10:30PM, Closed Sunday and MondayWhere: 3689 W 4th Avenue"

"The cozy and intimate room is the perfect start to a wonderfully prepared meal. Stepping into La Quercia feels like coming home. On the menu, there are a handful of dishes offered for each course; what they do, they do well."