British Columbia is rich in culture, history and natural beauty, and its museums reflect this diversity. From Indigenous heritage to natural wonders and artistic marvels, BC’s museums offer a glimpse into unique worlds. Here’s a list of 10 museums to explore in BC, with insights into their collections, operating hours and admission fees.
A blend of history, Indigenous culture and natural history, the Royal BC Museum is one of the province’s premier cultural institutions. Its exhibits span thousands of years and highlight BC’s Indigenous peoples and natural environment.
Hours: Daily, 10 am – 5 pm
Admission: Adults $18, youth (6-18) $11, family $36
Located at the University of British Columbia, MOA houses an impressive collection of Indigenous artifacts, especially from the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest. Known for its grand architecture and interactive exhibits, it’s a must-visit for history buffs.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm (Closed Mondays)
Admission: Adults $18, students/seniors $16, free for UBC students and children under 6
This museum offers an array of vintage aircraft and aviation artifacts that showcase the history of flight in British Columbia. With a collection that includes planes from World War II, it’s a hit among aviation enthusiasts.
Hours: Daily, 10 am – 4 pm
Admission: Adults $10, youth (13-17) $5, free for children under 12
Dedicated to the history and culture of Japanese Canadians, the Nikkei Museum highlights the community’s contributions to BC through art, artifacts, and archival materials. Temporary exhibitions often feature contemporary Japanese-Canadian artists.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
Admission: By donation
Perfect for families and science enthusiasts, Science World offers interactive exhibits, a giant OMNIMAX theatre, and live demonstrations. It’s a favourite among children and provides hands-on learning experiences in various scientific fields.
Hours: Daily, 10 am – 5 pm
Admission: Adults $28.50, youth (13-18) $23.50, children (3-12) $19
Explore the natural and cultural history of the Okanagan region with exhibits on Indigenous heritage, natural history and regional development. The museum also offers interactive exhibits that kids love.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
Admission: By donation
This gallery celebrates the legacy of Haida artist Bill Reid and features an incredible array of Indigenous art from the Northwest Coast. The gallery also hosts workshops and lectures to enhance visitors’ appreciation of Indigenous art and culture.
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm
Admission: Adults $13, seniors/students $10, youth (13-17) $6
Focusing on the social history of the Kamloops region, this museum provides a fascinating look at the lives of local pioneers and Indigenous communities. Archives are accessible for genealogy and local history research.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Admission: Adults $5, children $2.50, free for children under 6
A mix of science, history, and nature, The Exploration Place is a museum and science center all in one. It offers hands-on exhibits that are perfect for children, focusing on the natural and cultural history of northern BC.
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
Admission: Adults $10, seniors/students $7, youth (5-17) $5
This museum offers a unique collection of fully restored vintage rail cars, each a masterpiece of craftsmanship. With guided tours available, it’s a rare chance to step back in time and experience travel as it was in the early 20th century.
Hours: Thursday to Monday, 10 am – 4 pm
Admission: Adults $12, youth $8, free for children under 5
These museums each provide unique insights into British Columbia’s cultural fabric, natural wonders and innovative spirit. From hands-on experiences at Science World to the contemplative beauty of Indigenous art at the Bill Reid Gallery, there’s something for every interest.
Research for this article was done with the assistance of OpenAI.
