Maritime Museum of British Columbia

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Maritime Museum of British Columbia Maritime experiences are boldly embraced, shared and lived from a cultural centre on the waterfront.

The Maritime Museum of BC first opened its doors to the public in 1955 on Signal Hill just outside the gates of the HMC Dockyard in Esquimalt. By 1965, the museum had outgrown its original location and found a new home in the former Supreme Court building in Bastion Square − the oldest surviving Courthouse in the province! The Museum closed at its Bastion Square location in 2014 and moved to Nootka Court on Humboldt Street in 2015. In August of 2021, we moved to city space at 744 Douglas Street, right next to the Victoria Conference Centre. The Maritime Museum of BC presents stories from the province's rich and vast nautical roots. The Museum also has a fleet of three very singular sailboats − Dorothy, Trekka and Tilikum − each with their own incredible story of adventure and enchantment. The Museum cares for over 35,000 unique artefacts, in excess of 40,000 historical photographs and an internationally recognized chart collection. Our interim exhibit space on Douglas Street will showcase the best of our collection and extensive library and archives. It is guaranteed to be exciting and educational to veteran sailors and landlubbers alike. To learn more about the Museum, visit our website at:
mmbc.bc.ca

In August 1914, as WWI began, the passenger steamer Prince George was rapidly transformed into a naval hospital ship.Aft...
10/19/2026

In August 1914, as WWI began, the passenger steamer Prince George was rapidly transformed into a naval hospital ship.

After arriving in Esquimalt on August 8, the ship was outfitted with surgical facilities and medical supplies. Her hull was painted white with a broad green stripe, a prominent Red Cross was painted on the central funnel, and a Red Cross flag was flown from the forward mast. The Red Cross markings were essential: a designated hospital ship flying the Red Cross flag was exempt from attack, unlike a naval tender.

On August 11, 1914, she was officially commissioned as a hospital ship. The following day, notification of her status and location was sent to the belligerent nations, making her the first hospital ship to become operational after the First World War began.

For more information, visit: https://nauticapedia.ca/vessel.php?id=42386

MMBC, P77

Ever wondered what you can and can’t bring to the museum? 🤔We've got you.From things that are a definite no to items tha...
10/17/2026

Ever wondered what you can and can’t bring to the museum? 🤔

We've got you.

From things that are a definite no to items that need a little more paperwork, here’s your friendly guide to what can (and can’t) come through our doors!

Say hello to Logan, our new Museum Assistant who has joined us for the fall. 🙂Logan is a recent graduate of the Pacific ...
10/16/2026

Say hello to Logan, our new Museum Assistant who has joined us for the fall. 🙂

Logan is a recent graduate of the Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry. He continues to study at PSII and Camosun to complete additional credentials, while working at the Maritime Museum of BC. His museum work began as a volunteer in the Natural History section of the Royal BC Museum, where he worked sharing information about animal specimens with the public.

Logan’s main interest is military history, though he also enjoys studying cultures, nations, and current events. At the Maritime Museum, he helps with research, assists with deliveries and drop offs, and shares artefacts with visitors, helping bring the museum’s collection to life.

Step aboard a 104-year-old Pacific Northwest icon!Join us for guided tours aboard the historic 73-foot wooden vessel Arg...
10/15/2026

Step aboard a 104-year-old Pacific Northwest icon!

Join us for guided tours aboard the historic 73-foot wooden vessel Argonaut II in Victoria's Inner Harbour. Explore her preserved 1930s interior on a tour hosted by owner Nicholas Verrochi (Check out his YouTube! Link below)!

🗓️ Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24, 2026
⏰ 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
📍Inner Harbour, Victoria, BC

Bonus: Every ticket directly supports the restoration of Argonaut II and public programming at the Maritime Museum of BC, plus it includes free same-day admission to the museum!

Tours are made possible by the generous support of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.

Get your tickets before tour slots fill up!
https://store.mmbc.bc.ca/collections/digital-programs/products/argonaut-ii-tours

https://www.youtube.com//featured

Good luck to all the runners taking on the Royal Victoria Marathon events this weekend! Whether you’re tackling the full...
10/10/2026

Good luck to all the runners taking on the Royal Victoria Marathon events this weekend! Whether you’re tackling the full marathon, half marathon, 8K, 5K, or cheering on the littles in the Kids Fun Run, we're wishing you speedy thoughts.

If you’re looking for a last-minute form check, please enjoy this archival shot of some Royal Canadian Navy personnel running a race. 😉

MMBC , P986.9.8

First illuminated on December 26, 1860, Race Rocks Light remains an interesting piece of local maritime history.Located ...
10/08/2026

First illuminated on December 26, 1860, Race Rocks Light remains an interesting piece of local maritime history.

Located about 17 km southwest of Victoria, it was one of the first two lighthouses built on Canada's west coast. It is also the only lighthouse on this coast constructed entirely of stone, built with granite reported to have come from Scotland as ballast and capped with sandstone from Gabriola Island, BC.

Have you seen Race Rocks Light before?

MMBC , 016.FIC.004

Looking for the perfect way to spend the day before Halloween? Join us for a special Halloween collections tour.While th...
10/07/2026

Looking for the perfect way to spend the day before Halloween? Join us for a special Halloween collections tour.

While this tour offers a look at our space housing 35,000 artefacts and maritime archives, we will also be taking a look at a few specific pieces in our collection rumored to be haunted.

Group sizes are kept small for a close-up experience. Set the mood for your Halloween weekend with a dive into the uncanny side of BC's maritime history.

Book Here: https://store.mmbc.bc.ca/collections/digital-programs/products/behind-the-scenes-collections-tours

We have another Mini Mariner Morning coming up on October 17!Step into the world below our feet and join us for a hands-...
10/06/2026

We have another Mini Mariner Morning coming up on October 17!

Step into the world below our feet and join us for a hands-on adventure into the world of fossils! Mini palaeontologists will stamp and press their way through sensory activities that uncover the hidden stories of long-ago sea and land creatures. Plus, go on a dinosaur scavenger hunt and reconstruct ancient animals during craft time!

Drop in anytime between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, but remember: storytime starts at 10:30 AM! Activities are suitable for ages 3–8.

Note: Parents and guardians must remain at the museum for the duration of the program.

Happy Monday! We decided today called for a crowd favourite.We’ve posted this before, and we’ll almost certainly post it...
10/05/2026

Happy Monday! We decided today called for a crowd favourite.

We’ve posted this before, and we’ll almost certainly post it again, but some photos are just too good to keep to ourselves. Look at that face!

MMBC , P1540.09

Address

744 Douglas Street
Victoria, BC
V8W1A4

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+1 250-385-4222

Website

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