Museums & Heritage Sites

BC’s museums and heritage sites provide a window into the foundation of a dynamic cultural landscape built into the natural surroundings of communities in every region. British Columbia’s vibrant history can be experienced in a variety of places, from the UNESCO heritage site in the Haida Gwaii, to the the gold rush town of Barkerville and refurbished fort communities hosting reenactment experiences, to local community museums housing cherished stories and artifacts, to large scale museums with elaborate displays of ancient origins.

Abbotsford | Agassiz | Aldergrove | Alert Bay | Armstrong | Barkerville | Bowen Island | Britannia Beach | Bowser | Boundary Country | Burnaby | Cache Creek | Campbell River | Castlegar | Chase | Chemainus | Chetwynd | Chilliwack | Christina Lake | Comox | Comox Valley | Cowichan Valley | Coquitlam | Courtenay | Creston | Cumberland | Dawson Creek | Delta | Duncan | Enderby | Explore Cariboo | Esquimalt | Fort Langley | Fort Nelson | Fort Steele | Fernie | Fort St. John | Gabriola Island | Galiano Island | Garden Bay | Gibsons | Golden | Gold Country | Granville Island | Grand Forks | Haida Gwaii | Halfmoon Bay | Harrison Hot Springs | Hazelton | Hope | Hornby Island | Invermere | Kaslo | Kamloops | Kitimat | Kelowna | Kimberley | Lake Country | Langley | Ladysmith | Lantzville | Lillooet | Madeira Park | Maple Ridge | Mayne Island | McBride | Merritt | Mission | Nakusp | Nanaimo | Nelson | New Westminster | Nisga’a Nation | North Vancouver | Northern Rockies | North West BC | Oak Bay | Oliver | Osoyoos | Parksville | Peachland | Pemberton | Pender Island | Penticton | Pitt Meadows | Port Alberni | Port Hardy | Port Edward | Port Moody | Powell River | Princeton | Prince Rupert | Quadra Island | Qualicum Beach | Queen Charlotte Islands | Quesnel | Revelstoke | Richmond | Salmon Arm | Salt Spring Island | Sechelt | Shuswap | Sidney | Smithers | Sooke | Southern Gulf Islands | Squamish | Sunshine Coast | Surrey | Summerland | Telegraph Cove | Terrace | Trail | Union Bay | Vancouver | Vancouver’s Chinatown | Vernon | Victoria | Wells | West Kelowna | West Vancouver | Whistler | White Rock | Williams Lake

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Audain Art Museum

Whistler
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Established in 2016, the Audain Art Museum is a leading arts organization founded upon the major philanthropic gift of Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa. Located in Whistler, British Columbia and designed by the internationally-renowned firm Patkau Architects, the AAM boasts a comprehensive Permanent Collection of the province’s most celebrated artists. Exemplifying the richness of cultural difference in Canada, the collection Read more...
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Barkerville Historic Town & Park

Barkerville
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It’s 1862. You are hand-digging through layers of soggy, worthless, frustrating gravel, hoping and praying the next shovel-stroke will expose a fortune in gold. Everyone says it’s crazy, but there’s too much at stake. Then, just when the outcome seems impossibly bleak, at a depth of 52 feet the ground begins to pay. The lead is struck, and the greatest Read more...
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BC Aviation Museum

Saanich
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The British Columbia Aviation Museum is a major attraction on Vancouver Island.  It is located next to Victoria International Airport, on the south-east corner of the airport lands (see directions).  In our Museum, there are many interesting aircraft, engines, pictures, models and artefacts. We have civilian and commercial aircraft, as well as military aircraft, all of which made contributions to British Read more...
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BC Farm Museum

Fort Langley
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Located in historic Fort Langley the BC Farm Museum has the province’s largest collection of pioneer and agricultural artifacts.  Something of interest for every age. Kids love our Scavenger Hunt (with a prize) and after Covid19, rope making, tomato and egg sorting demonstrations. Visitors learn how people lived without electricity and can see first-hand several wooden ice boxes (early refrigerators), see early windmills Read more...
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Britannia Mine Museum

Britannia Beach
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Rumble aboard The Underground train as it rolls through an historic mining tunnel. Push up your sleeves at our Gold Panning Pavilion and keep what you find! Immerse yourself in the live-action, multi-sensory experience of BOOM! on the breathtaking ground level of the historic Mill No.3 building. Learn about minerals, the copper extraction process and what life was like back Read more...
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Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site

Richmond
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Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is an authentic representation of a once-thriving community of canneries, boat yards, and residences. City of Richmond staff and dedicated volunteers work together to preserve and restore the shipyard and surrounding buildings as an active wooden boat centre and waterfront park. Tour the oldest shipyard buildings in British Columbia, you experience the history of fishing Read more...
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Cascades & Canyons Visitor Centre & Museum

Hope
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This community of Hope BC has a rich longstanding history. The story and brand all date back to the First Nations Presence – which today has made a strong impact on the area. The places you go, the things you see, all have connections to the rich soiled history through its Indigenous culture, Gold Rush, the mighty Railway and the Read more...
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Chinese Canadian Museum

Vancouver
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The Chinese Canadian Museum is located in the historic Vancouver Chinatown. Housed inside the oldest brick building in Chinatown, this museum is the first of its kind and honours the history, contributions, and heritages of Chinese Canadians while elevating and engaging with voices and communities across the country. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 A.M. to Read more...
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Coquitlam Heritage

Coquitlam
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Step back in time. Escape the modern world and get back to basics. Experience how people lived during the early 1900s, or check out one of the largest collections of vintage radios in North America. We’ll get you off the grid. Mackin House The Coquitlam Heritage Society’s Mackin House is one of the last remaining homes originally built for the Fraser Read more...
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Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

Richmond
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Built in 1894 as a salmon cannery in the fishing village of Steveston, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery was once the largest of its kind, earning it the nickname “The Monster Cannery”.  Today, interactive displays and exhibits present the history of Canada’s west coast fishing industry, where visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring a restored salmon canning line from Read more...
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Haida Gwaii Museum

Skidegate
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Saahlinda Naay – the Haida Gwaii Museum offers a fascinating look into Haida Gwaii culture from diverse perspectives where Haida knowledge, western science art and politics all blend together in a fluid and constantly changing context. We work collaboratively with communities and organizations to provide an inspiring and holistic learning experience of all things Haida Gwaii. Read more...
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Haida Heritage Centre at Qay’llnagaay

Haida Gwaii
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Haida History and culture come alive at this spectacular new Centre on Haida Gwaii, the home of the Haida people. Features of the centre include the Haida Gwaii Museum, ten standing Totem Poles, Bill Reids Haida War Canoe Lootaas, a Gift Shop, Carving Shed, Canoe House, Performing House, Bill Reid Teaching Centre and a Cafe. Parks Canada provides orientations and Read more...
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Haig Brown Heritage House

Campbell River
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Enjoy the peaceful setting of this historic farmhouse where author conservationist Roderick Haig-Brown wrote his world-renowned books. By the River… The murmur of the river can be heard from the rooms overlooking the peaceful grounds. In this unique bed and breakfast establishment, the Haig-Brown House interior and furnishings reflect the character and modest lifestyle of Roderick Haig-Brown and his family. Read more...
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Harrison Visitor Centre & Sasquatch Museum

Harrison Hot Springs
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In 2017, the Harrison Sasquatch Museum opened in the former building of the Visitor Information Centre. The Museum temporarily relocated in 2022 thanks to funding from the Community Economic Recovery and Infrastructure Program to build an accessible visitor centre. In 2024, we opened our doors at the new Harrison Visitor Information Centre + Sasquatch Museum, back at our former location. Read more...
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Historic Hat Creek Ranch

Cache Creek
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Historic Hat Creek Ranch is located on one of the few remaining sections of the original Cariboo Wagon Road still accessible to the public. The site encompasses nearly 130 hectares (320 acres) of fields and rolling hills in British Columbia’s sunny southern Interior. Many of the buildings stand as they did in 1901, with some dating back as early as Read more...
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Kamloops Museum and Archives

Kamloops
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WELCOME TO THE KAMLOOPS MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES The Kamloops Museum and Archives permanent exhibitions consistently evolve to inclusively showcase Kamloops’ culture through the voices of its many communities. Current issues, events, and ideas are explored bringing rigorous and relevant exhibitions to Kamloops. The Kamloops Museum and Archives seeks to foster pride of place and offers a unique experience for creativity and learning for all Read more...
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Kelowna Museums

Kelowna
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Come and discover the storied past of the Okanagan at the KELOWNA MUSEUMS. Visit Kelownas vibrant Cultural District and spark an adventure at our five museums. Bring the kids for a weekend craft, sip a new wine or join a guided walking tour. Come Alive with Our History! Experience fascinating displays and learn how the Okanagan Valley was formed, and Read more...
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Kitimat Museum & Archives

Kitimat
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Explore town history with the coming of Alcan’s aluminum smelter in the 1950s, early valley settlement, and Haisla traditional arts and technology. Additional displays feature regional geology, flora, and fauna. Historical Collection of videos, courtesy of Rio Tinto BC Works, showcasing the early years of the original Kitimat Project. Nechako Survey – (Historical Collection circa 1950) Prelude to Kitimat – Read more...
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Ksan Historical Village And Museum

Hazelton
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Found within Gitxsan Territory, Ksan Historical Village stands where the village of Gitanmaax has existed for centuries. It is the desire of Ksan to preserve and truthfully portray the lifestyle of the people who have always lived here. ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum are located near the ancient village of Gitanmaax,  at the confluence of the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers Read more...
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London Heritage Farm

Richmond
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London Heritage Farm is a 4 acre heritage site that overlooks the south arm of the Fraser River. The site offers a fully restored 1880s farmhouse, heritage and herb gardens, the restored Spragg family barn, vintage farm equipment and extensive lawns. Farmhouse hours: January 1 to April 19: Closed April 20 to Sept. 2: Thurs to Sun 10am-5pm and open Read more...
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Maple Ridge Museum

Maple Ridge
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The museum is open from 10am to 4pm Thursdays through Sundays. Admission is by donation. Museum staff and volunteers also provide assistance and resources to researchers, care for a large historical and archaeological collection, and have a busy schedule of taking temporary displays out into the community as part of numerous community events. In 1984, after a decade in a Read more...
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Museum at Campbell River

Campbell River
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Come and visit the award-winning Museum at Campbell River where you can see, hear, and touch the coastal history of Northern Vancouver Island. Explore the vibrant and contemporary exhibits of First Nations cultures and historic coastal lifestyles and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history. View a five-minute dramatic presentation of The Treasures of Siwidi, featuring spectacular masks and Read more...
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Museum of Northern BC

Prince Rupert
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Enter the Museum of Northern BC in Prince Rupert and experience the beauty of Northwest Coast architecture and the rich traditions of the Tsimshian First Nation. Located overlooking Prince Rupert Harbour, the Museum is renowned for its spectacular collection of timeless art, that brings to life the history and culture of the Northwest Coast. The Museum also features the dramatic Read more...
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Museum of Vancouver

Vancouver
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The hippie capital of Canada. More neon than Vegas. Indigenous knowledge, immigration and racism. Deforestation and urban development. Activism and art. Vancouver’s story begins here. The Museum of Vancouver showcases the city’s history and new exhibitions on art, design, culture and more every few months. Be sure to visit our website to stay up-to-date on the MOV’s workshops and special events too!  Visit Vancouver’s oldest Read more...
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Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo
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The Nanaimo Museum is located in downtown Nanaimo on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. It is a dynamic community facility offering diverse interpretive programming encouraging visitors to “Make a Discovery” while exploring the history and heritage of our area. The  museum entered a new era in 2008. Nanaimo’s history was given new life with the construction of Read more...
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Nisga’a Museum / Hli Goothl Wilp Adokshl Nisga’a

New Aiyansh
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Welcome to Hli Goothl Wilp-Adokshl Nisga’a, a name representing the four tribes that make up the Nisga’a Nation. The museum displays artifacts of all four peoples within its permanent exhibition,  an assemblage of 300+ art objects that left the Nass Valley in the latter part of the 19th Century and early part of the 20th Century. During the struggle for Read more...
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North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site

Port Edward
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North Pacific Cannery | National Historic Site is unique among the few surviving salmon canneries.  It was established in 1889 and is the oldest remaining intact cannery on the West Coast of North America and ran continuously for almost 100 years. Original architecture and the pristine BC wilderness set the backdrop for a unique and engaging experience. As a visitor Read more...
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Osoyoos Museum

Osoyoos
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The Osoyoos Museum Society (OMS) was established in 1963 for the express purpose of collecting, protecting, preserving and providing access to artifacts and information regarding the history of the Osoyoos area, the OMS operates the Osoyoos & District Museum and Archives to achieve this goal.  ​In 2011, the community approved a referendum to acquire an existing property on Main Street Read more...
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Pemberton and District Museum and Archives

Pemberton
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Welcome to the Pemberton Museum located in the heart of the Pemberton Valley, the traditional and unceded territory of Lil’wat Nation, who have been here since time immemorial. Nestled in downtown Pemberton, our beautiful 1-acre site is home to 9 historic buildings, the earliest built in 1897, as well as a collection of over 2,500 artifacts, 2,000 photographs and over 20 meters Read more...
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Penticton Museum & Archives

Penticton
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Explore the unique world of South Okanagan beyond its famous ‘beaches and peaches’ with tons of hands-on displays and activities for the whole family. As you enter the museum, you are welcome to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Penticton and the South Okanagan through fascinating exhibits and interactive learning spaces. The Penticton Museum & Archives also offers Read more...
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Port Moody Station Museum

Port Moody
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Located at the west end of Rocky Point Park, the Port Moody Station Museum is housed in a heritage CPR station. This live-in station was built in 1908 and features a recreated station office, parlour and kitchen. The Museum contains displays on the early history of Port Moody including its involvement in the building of the CPR, local logging and Read more...
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Princeton Museum

Princeton
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The PDMA has a wide range of historic collections reflecting Princeton’s history: Official Repository of local First Nations archaeological artifacts. A First Peoples basket display exhibiting various weaving styles and periods. an extensive range of local pioneer items providing a visual record of life in Princeton. a fossil and mineral collection of over 40,000 specimens many from local sites. a Read more...
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R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum

Salmon Arm
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R.J. Haney Heritage Village and the Museum and Archives, located at 751- Highway 97B, is a lovely place that offers a unique and authentic experience for visitors to come and explore our rich Heritage. The 40-acre site is comprised of 24 buildings that are either replicas or originals, including the original 1910 Haney House. There are over 30 exhibits, which Read more...
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Revelstoke Museum

Revelstoke
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Celebrating our history. Revelstoke Museum and Archives is a dynamic space where the community and its history is celebrated. Prepare to be surprised as you explore the two floors of exhibits, filled with amazing artifacts and captivating stories. Who knows what you will discover? Stories to discover Revelstoke Museum & Archives celebrates the history of heritage of Revelstoke and the Read more...
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Royal BC Museum

Victoria
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Discover British Columbia at the Royal BC Museum. From coastal forests to the depths of the north Pacific, explore our gallery and immerse yourself in tales of where we’ve been and where we are going. Experience authentic artifacts and highly realistic settings as you journey to the Ice Age and spot a Woolly Mammoth.  Dive under the ocean and check Read more...
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Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park

Kamloops
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Nestled in the heart of Secwépemc territory, our museum and heritage park offer a captivating journey through the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Secwépemc people. Immerse yourself in the stories, traditions, and artistry of this vibrant community as you explore our thoughtfully curated exhibits and beautifully landscaped heritage park. Our museum showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts, photographs, Read more...
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Sooke Regional Museum

Sooke
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Welcome to the Sooke Region Museum and Visitor Centre Sharing the stories of Sooke Region history. Indoor exhibits include First Nations basketry and local history featuring mining, forestry, maritime exhibits, as well as the popular All Sooke Day film. Outdoor exhibits include the Forestry Path, Servants Quarters, the Saga of the Lord Western and the Lighthouse from Triangle Island. HOURS Read more...
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Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler

Whistler
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The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is the first centre of its kind in Canada, sharing what our two Nations have in common and what makes each unique. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre showcases permanent and feature exhibit spaces, a gift shop, café, and a full catering and events department for group bookings. Guided tours are included in museum admission on the hour, every hour, with a welcome Read more...
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Steveston Museum and Post Office

Richmond
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Hours: Open Mondays-Saturdays 9:30am to 5pm, Sundays 12-4pm. Closed on statutory holidays Steveston Museum is a beloved heritage gem in the heart of Steveston Village. The 1905 building was originally Steveston’s first bank. The museum has housed the Steveston Post Office for over 40 years. The museum offers exhibits about the tragedies and triumphs of the local community, including Japanese Read more...
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Steveston Tram Museum

Richmond
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The Steveston Tram museum features Tram Car 1220, one of the original trams that ran on Richmond’s Interurban rail system. Today, the immaculately restored tram car and the building that houses it, allow visitors to experience authentic Interurban rail travel and learn about early 20th century transportation. Designed to house Tram Car 1220, the museum was built around the original tracks Read more...
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Tems Swiya Museum

Sechelt
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We are located uniquely at the centre of the Sunshine Coast.  We are a very proud museum as it is managed by our Shishalh people.  We give a in depth tour, telling our history and culture to all that enter.  The museum artifacts are found in our land, thus giving it the name Tems Swiya which translates to Our World Read more...
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The Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery

Nelson
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The Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery celebrates the creativity, the history, the vibe that is Nelson, Canada’s Best Small Art Town.  Located in a stunning 1902 heritage building in the heart of the historic downtown district, Nelsons only public museum and archives offers a friendly atmosphere in an exciting state-of-the-art facility. Visitors will learn about the region’s expansive history from Read more...
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The Reach Gallery Museum

Abbotsford
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Located on unceded Stó:lō territory, The Reach Gallery Museum is the leading resource for cultural and creative innovation in the Fraser Valley, committed to preserving and sharing the stories of our rich and diverse cultural heritage and showcasing the best in visual arts from both inside and outside the community. The Reach is a community gathering place that forges connections Read more...
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Trail Museum & Archives

Trail
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Always free admission with great hours of operation, drop by the museum at 1505 Bay Avenue in the Trail Riverfront Centre for a look into our collective past. Opened in 2018 alongside its facility partners, the new museum and archives is the latest in municipal infrastructure projects dedicated to the city’s culture and education. Boasting three galleries, an extensive archival holding, and well-stocked Read more...
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Vernon Heritage

Vernon
New
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As the oldest community in the Okanagan, when you stroll through Vernon you can’t help but sense its rich history. Reminders of its past dot the town, adding to the character of this unique and wonderful place. rom the days of its first indigenous peoples of the syilx/Okanagan Nation, to the cattle ranchers of the 1800’s, on to the industrialists, Read more...