Nanaimo Museum
Nanaimo Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Nanaimo Museum: Discover Nanaimo’s fascinating history in our museum located in the VI Conference Centre. The main gallery offers a sense of what life was like for Nanaimo's earliest settlers and the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Our award winning replica coal mine is a popular stop. The museum also manages the Bastion, an original Hudson's Bay Company post built in 1853. Don’t miss the gift shop! Museum Hours (Fall/Winter/Spring): 10am - 4pm Tuesday to Saturday Summer Hours: Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am-4pm See our website for up-to-date COVID-19 modifications to hours and admission!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
195 reviews
Excellent
110
Very good
68
Average
12
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Joanna C
7 contributions
Aug. 2023
This small museum showcases the history of Nanaimo and includes a walk through a recreated coal mine. It is full of interesting artifacts that are beautifully displayed and described. I was especially taken by the Coast Salish peoples exhibits. Cedar was used to make not only canoes, but woven water-tight baskets, blankets and waterproof clothing. Everyday items were made artisitcally and the geometric patterns are beautiful. The staff member was very knowledgeable about the exhibits and we enjoyed our conversation with her. I would highly recommend this museum.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dunmar9
Brisbane, Australia137 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
A very well run museum with many informative displays relating to the early days of Nanaimo, the local First Nations communities and current attractions including the Bath Tub race.
Admission is by donation and they run good short tours with interesting stories about colourful characters which we would recommend
The adjacent coffee shop - Seriously Coffee - is great
The museum has very nice shop with gifts to suit all ages
We come from Australia and have visited many larger museums elsewhere but this small museum and its friendly staff have more impact for us now.
Admission is by donation and they run good short tours with interesting stories about colourful characters which we would recommend
The adjacent coffee shop - Seriously Coffee - is great
The museum has very nice shop with gifts to suit all ages
We come from Australia and have visited many larger museums elsewhere but this small museum and its friendly staff have more impact for us now.
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
828TJA
Everett, WA367 contributions
Jun. 2023
Easy to spend an hour or more there. Much information about the history of the area, well presented. Coffee shop in the museum with outside seating, too.
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joy F
Phoenix, AZ86 contributions
Aug. 2022
I loved this museum. While not rivaling the Louvre or Van Gogh museums, this is a real gem of a place.
It was a great introduction to the history of the area. The HBC played prominently in the history and development of the area, plus the mining industry - coal.
It's a "pay as you want" museum, although the posted prices were super cheap ($3 or so).
While a small museum, there are tons of artifacts, the descriptions are fantastic and the interactive experience is memorable.
The gift shop has a great assortment of items, many at very reasonable prices.
Parking nearby was also super cheap.
Would absolutely recommend this museum to anyone.
It was a great introduction to the history of the area. The HBC played prominently in the history and development of the area, plus the mining industry - coal.
It's a "pay as you want" museum, although the posted prices were super cheap ($3 or so).
While a small museum, there are tons of artifacts, the descriptions are fantastic and the interactive experience is memorable.
The gift shop has a great assortment of items, many at very reasonable prices.
Parking nearby was also super cheap.
Would absolutely recommend this museum to anyone.
Written August 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DisneyDarwin
Spring, TX1,174 contributions
Jun. 2022
They ask very little to enter, so it is worthwhile to see what catches your interest. We enjoyed the logging and coal history and the very good history of Indian tribes & peoples over the years. The info on Chief Dan George was also very good.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drinkmilkCa
ca133 contributions
Apr. 2022
When I travel I like to learn about the local area I am in. This small but inviting museum is so well done, featuring history of industry, lifestyles, the good, the bad, and the ugly. All done in an appropriate and engaging manner. I really enjoyed it - and left with a good basic knowledge of the area. The staff was very friendly!
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nabeel M
9 contributions
Apr. 2022
I'm glad I checked the reviews on this place because the visit was well worth it. It's a small museum, true, but they do manage to have a lot of things to see and in a well organised way too. Also, what they do have is incredibly interesting and varied... and if you're lucky enough to get Chris, she will share the history of some of the artifacts with you - and believe me, this is fascinating stuff. Ask about the arrow heads and the games played by indigenous groups from the area. Also the small coal mine exhibit that is good fun - and the section on internment camps in WW1 might give a perspective on refugees and racism that is not normally seen - Europe vs Europe.
All in all totally worth.
All in all totally worth.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mahengrui1
Leiden, The Netherlands14 contributions
Aug. 2020
Industry in Nanaimo is very clear, employees are kind, and, Coal Mine simulation is great, hope those workers RIP
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IrmaNova
Ottawa, Canada273 contributions
Feb. 2020 • Friends
I was sceptical but this small museum was well-curated and charming. This stop is a must while in Nanaimo for an overview of the city’s history (including a walk-through model of a coal mine) and a rotating exhibit. While we visited, the featured exhibit was on refugees, which was very well done. Local volunteers such as Les, will happily share knowledge and stories about Nanaimo to enrich your visit.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daisy M
56 contributions
Jan. 2020 • Friends
I titled this review a little gem because although 'little' the museum is an absolute gem. It is very interesting with friendly and knowledgeable staff and the exhibits are well presented and explained. A great place to take the teens, they might get inspired by the bathtub races! And the mine exhibit was a gem within the gem. Well worth the visit, very affordable and a relaxing experience.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingNANAIMO MUSEUM - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Nanaimo Museum
- Hotels near Nanaimo Museum:
- (0.22 km) Coast Bastion Hotel
- (0.07 km) Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo
- (0.18 km) Painted Turtle Guesthouse
- (0.29 km) Best Western Dorchester Hotel
- (0.22 km) Cambie Hostel Nanaimo
- Restaurants near Nanaimo Museum:
- (0.03 km) Serious Coffee VICC
- (0.03 km) Cold Front Gelato
- (0.05 km) Gabriel's Gourmet Cafe
- (0.11 km) Red's Bakery
- (0.13 km) Mambo Gourmet Pizza