Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver

Canada's largest civic museum is the Museum of Vancouver. It boasts an immense assortment of artifacts and oddities from the 19th and 20th centuries, amassed by Vancouver's residents. Among these treasures are a mummy from Egypt discovered during WWI, taxidermy specimens, and diaries penned by voyagers of the British Empire. Through its exhibits, the museum offers a captivating peek into Vancouver's history, its plant and animal life, and the experiences of its inhabitants spanning from the 19th century onwards.

The museum's inception dates back to 1894 when, under the auspices of the Governor-General, an exhibition was inaugurated in Alderman Dunn's edifice on Granville Street. Subsequently, in 1968, the museum relocated to its present abode in Vanier Park. The architectural vision behind the museum's edifice was conceived by Gerald Hamilton, initially meant solely for showcasing exhibits. However, thanks to a contribution from H.R. MacMillan, Hamilton expanded his original blueprint to incorporate a planetarium. The resultant dome that adorns the museum now stands as one of Vancouver's most iconic landmarks. Symbolically fashioned to resemble the woven hats worn by the First Nations peoples of Canada's northwest coast, the dome holds a distinct place in the city's collective recognition.

Why You Should Visit:
To look at the history of Vancouver, both dark and bright, and to look back at how lifestyles have changed.

Tip:
There is no café on site and you need to take a 10-minute walk back to Cornwall street.
To save you some money, a multi-attraction pass is available for Museum of Vancouver and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, plus the Maritime Museum.