THE 10 BEST Museums in Vancouver Island
Museums in Vancouver Island
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Museums
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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192 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
Rockland
Speciality Museums • Children's Museums
Downtown
Speciality Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Admission tickets from C$21
Speciality & Gift Shops • Natural History Museums
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Natural History Museums • Aquariums
Visitor Centres • History Museums
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums
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Showing results 1-30 of 192
What travellers are saying
- WestCoastRestlessCentral Oregon, OR273 contributionsWe spent a long afternoon here in the exhibits and at the Imax. The exhibits were really interesting and even kept the kids (tweens) engaged. The IMAX was fantastic. We saw the one on the Arctic one in 3D and it was beautiful, but sad (talking about the impact of climate change). Definitely don't rush through and savor the exhibits.Written January 6, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- @lawyer.traveler.dreamerSeattle, WA1,349 contributionsDiscover the Timeless Charm of Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, BC
Looking for more tips and insights about Craigdarroch Castle or other amazing destinations? Check out my IG and TT at @lawyer.traveler.dreamer for travel guides, reviews, and behind-the-scenes adventures!
Craigdarroch Castle is a must-visit destination in Victoria, British Columbia, for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a unique cultural experience. This Victorian-era mansion, perched on a hilltop, combines fascinating history with breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Why Craigdarroch Castle Should Be on Your List
1. Step Into Victorian Elegance
Explore the beautifully preserved rooms of this iconic mansion, featuring intricate stained glass windows, detailed woodwork, and elegant vintage decor. Each space offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Dunsmuir family, who once called this castle home.
2. Tower Views That Amaze
Don’t miss the castle’s tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Victoria. It’s a perfect spot for capturing stunning photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.
3. A Photographer’s Dream Location
From its ornate interiors to sweeping vistas, Craigdarroch Castle is a treasure trove for photographers. Every corner of this historic site provides an opportunity to capture something beautiful and unique.
Plan Your Visit Like a Pro
• Dedicate at least 1–2 hours to fully experience the castle’s exhibits and views.
• Bring your camera to capture the incredible architectural details and scenic surroundings.
• Visit early or during weekdays for a quieter experience.
Add Craigdarroch Castle to your Victoria itinerary and prepare to step back in time while enjoying one of Canada’s most beautiful landmarks.
#CraigdarrochCastle #VictoriaBC #HistoricSitesCanada #VictorianArchitecture #VictoriaTravelTips #TravelInspiration #LawyerTravelerDreamerWritten November 23, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - WestCoastRestlessCentral Oregon, OR273 contributionsWe visited with two tween children. The kids loved the displays, which were interesting for sure. It's a bit pricey (like $20CAD for adults), so if you decide to go, make sure you take your time enjoying the displays.Written January 6, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TERRAvelistaLondon, UK18,463 contributionsA truly magical place we really enjoyed, I would say almost on par with the amazing well known butterfly gardens located around the world:
- very helping older and super gorgeous receptionist (and my hello once again to her and her amazing lashes) detailing us where to go and see
- hard at work ants located near the reception area together with a few reptiles
- gorgeous butterflies in the main butterfly house, many large ones simply landing on you if you smell naturally sweet and have lively colours on you
- well thought arrangement with waterfalls and very happy tiny turtles, as well as pink flamingo, besides gorgeous plants and koi carp in the water
- several types of parrots, some friendlier than others, especially the green one (reminding me of the Ring neck parakeets I used to feed in Hyde Park in London, UK) who started paying attention and mimicking me in a matter of seconds: how clever is he!!!
- more tiny birds flying all directions and singing their happiness to their heart's content
- the entry fee is around 20 dollars, however groups of over 10 get discounts
- I would suspect at the weekend or summer time to be very busyWritten July 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - S FUcluelet, Canada1,186 contributionsThe non-profit catch & release Ucluelet Aquarium (UA) is something I am a total & unreserved fan of, joining a few other things I have such unbridled enthusiasm for, such as naturalist, ocean lover, writer, & broadcaster, David Attenborough; & outdoor teaching & awareness creating & learning Outward Bound to name a few.
Of course there are other things I am enthusiastic about but I am careful to only attach the notion of “unreservedly” to a few things.
UA is just finishing off its 2024 season, as its best season ever, in terms of attendance & fundraising, a success which comes hot on the heels of a very successful 2023, which ended last year as its most successful yet.
It is likely that the UA will continue to go on to ever more successful years on all fronts.
In 2024 it reached its cedar fish fin plaque fundraising goal of 20,000$, which kicked off in April 2023.
For a donation of at least 200$ one is able to get a crafted cedar fish fin plaque, which is then attached to an image of a big fish, with an inscription on it, which is limited to 26 characters.
I got one at the start of the fundraising campaign, expressing my gratitude to my Ukee family, then going on to encourage all I knew across the country to do likewise, something I did fairly successfully. Donations, of course, receive a tax credit.
After a slower start last year,, it has this year reached its 20, 000 $ goal with now circa 95 donations, but will continue the fundraiser as there is still attachment room on the fish image, which adorns the front of the inspirational designed blue building located at Ukee’s inner harbour’s edge.
So one can still, albeit it it’s initial goal is achieved, get one’s inscription up.
Its figure for seasonal visitor attendance is still to be fully tallied after it closes its doors on November30 but months, especially in the summer, were generally 20 pct up on last year, its science communications staffer told me in November, two weeks before it closed so as to enable it to clean & set up for next year’s 2025 season.
The ocean village, which locals affectionately refer to as Ukee, is invited on December 7 to come & help return the sea animals to the surrounding waters, from which they came. This it does annually.
It opens again on March 1st.
Sea animals generally spend nine months at the UA but it can be shorter for species like the Pacific Octopus, where it is better to limit their sojourn at the UA for health reasons.
The UA is extremely careful with the health of the sea creatures they catch & then release.
Its mission is to create awareness & respect for the ocean & the creatures which live in it.
This it does extremely well.
The vet has already visited & cleared the sea animals healthy so as to be returned “home”.
There are many ways to donate to this wonderful place of ocean learning. This can range from sponsoring large tanks at around 2,000! $ plus, as well as smaller ones @ around 300$ plus, or its kitchen or library etc.
I have sponsored a large tank & also cards of smaller creatures named to my family members.
Business & families are generous in their support of this Ukee gem.
Eateries such as Heartwood, & Ucluelet Brewing Company, as well as Black Rock, & the Coop, are regular sponsors, as is legendary realtor, Judy Gray.
Also many local families are regular sponsors.
Entrance visiting hours are from 10!am to circa 4pm daily, with admission inexpensive with a number of price age categories. One can also get season passes if one aims to come in regularly.
I can unreservedly recommend this Ukee gem.
Posted by S FullerWritten November 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - John A CarterLower Sackville, Canada5,673 contributionsExcellent museum with lots of unique aviation history. Some military aircraft some civilian aircraft some heavily modified aircraft. It’s quite an impressive collection. I would recommend about an hour and a half.Written January 25, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Katarina B3 contributionsWe booked onto a tour for the afternoon and it turned out that we were the only ones that were booked onto it so we got our own 'private tour'! Owen was really great showing and talking through everything in the museum and answering all our random questions. He is really knowledgeable about his field and it was great to talk about all the fun and nerdy facts that came up. It was really awesome to talk to someone who is so interested in his job and field. As part of the tour, we even got to use the tools and try to extract real fossil, just like professional do. The whole place was really awesome for both kids and adults.Written June 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MKH000Calgary, Canada262 contributionsFantastic aquarium doing great work, lovely volunteers and excellent displyas. People are very helpful, educating and sharing stories. Spot for kids for young ecologists. Lovely art area featuring local artists work and your entry can be used all day so you can come and go. Neat immersive entrance, and fantastic jellyfish. A beautiful octopus was also onsite when we visited, and we watched her move along the tunnels and aquarium.Written January 18, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- cgore13Toronto, Canada37 contributionsExcellent small museum with very nice exhibits attentive to different perspectives on city and regional history and development.Written September 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mobile8200203 contributionsMr Shockey has done an amazing job. This place has something for everyone.
Thank you for Sharing your life experience’s with us.Written January 14, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - digitalrocCalgary, Canada2,131 contributionsSome wonderful pieces of art. I came in here to look for a specific piece of art on a nearby whale affectionally known by the locals, but there was nothing. There is no cost to enter, and the gallery is located on Campbell Street in the middle of town. What I really appreciated was, the totem poles on either end of the building inside, cradling a large log beam, which was very interesting from an engineering perspective.Written September 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NEIL WWest Byfleet, UK280 contributionsSuch a great museum in fabulous location by the sea at Telegraph Cove. An absolute must if you're in the area & love whales. So much effort has gone into the exhibits. Fantastic huge skeletons of whales hanging from the ceiling. Lots of information about the orca pods in the area. The staff are so very friendly & informative. We chatted with a young lady (so sorry but can't remember her name so I've included her photo as she deserves a mention) who was just so enthusiastic about the whales. Her passion & enthusiasm was infectious. She was so helpful in showing us details of the orcas that we'd seen, along with their family groups etc. So very interesting. Such an asset to be able to visit the museum before & after the whale watching trips. You only pay once so well worth it.Written September 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- operalover939Toronto, Canada2,945 contributionsThe AGGV is not large, but it usually has at least one or two fine exhibitions. Star of the shows this time is the "In the Flesh" exhibition, featuring a wide array of sources. The smaller exhibitions are less interesting but still worthwhile.Written February 23, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- operalover939Toronto, Canada2,945 contributionsThe museum occupies a relatively small space on Humboldt Street, having left the old courthouse on Bastion Street some years ago. It does not seem to be well-funded and is closed half of the week. However, at present it has an interesting exhibition on lighthouses on the West Coast of B.C. Even more interesting is the series of small films on the sinking of the S.S. Princess Sophia in the Lynn Canal, en route from Skagway to Victoria, in October 1918. Still the most costly maritime disaster in the North West Pacific in human terms — everyone on board, some 350 people, drowned — the way it developed makes a gripping tale. There are also some very attractive models of ships that operated along the coast over the decades.Written March 7, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Joanna C9 contributionsThis 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, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.