Step Back in Time: Discover Vancouver's Historical Gems

Ready to start your historical adventure? Begin your first day at the Museum of Anthropology, perched on the beautiful UBC campus overlooking the mountains and sea. This world-renowned museum houses an incredible collection of Indigenous art and artifacts from the Pacific Northwest and around the globe. You'll find yourself face to face with towering totem poles, intricate carvings, and thousands of archaeological treasures that tell the stories of the First Nations peoples who have called this land home for millennia. The Great Hall alone will take your breath away!

Next, head to the Museum of Vancouver in Vanier Park, where the city's history comes alive. Explore the History Galleries and see how Vancouver grew with streetcar lines extending south and east, encouraging new developments. Spot the vintage toys and learn how the Great Depression, WWII, and Japanese Internment impacted the lives of Vancouverites. In the 1950s Gallery, play your favourite tune on the working jukebox. And delve into Vancouver’s activist roots, where Greenpeace was born and hippies changed the world. The Museum of Vancouver shares a building with the H.R. MacMillian Space Centre, which we also sell tickets to, and is also worth a visit.

Just steps away, the Vancouver Maritime Museum awaits to round out your first day. This waterfront gem celebrates the city's deep connection to the sea. Climb aboard the St. Roch, a real Royal Canadian Mounted Police Arctic patrol vessel that made history as the first ship to navigate the Northwest Passage in both directions. The hands-on exhibits make maritime history come alive for visitors of all ages. Can you imagine what life was like for early sailors navigating these treacherous waters without modern technology?

Day two takes you to the Burnaby Village Museum, a living history site that recreates a 1920s British Columbia community. Stroll down the boardwalks past heritage buildings, peek into the general store, and watch costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts. Kids will love the vintage carousel, while adults appreciate the authentic period details throughout the village. The vintage printing press and blacksmith demonstrations are always favourites. It's like stepping through a time portal into the past.

Continue your cultural exploration at the Chinese Canadian Museum in Chinatown. This museum tells the powerful stories of Chinese Canadians who helped shape this country. It explores the history, contributions, and experiences of Chinese Canadians, featuring exhibits on the Chinese Exclusion Act and cultural heritage. Through personal narratives, historical documents, and multimedia displays, you'll learn about the challenges and triumphs of the Chinese Canadian community. The museum occupies the historic Wing Sang Building, the oldest building in Chinatown, adding another layer of authenticity to your visit.

Your final day takes you across the water to North Vancouver. Start at MONOVA, where the history of the North Shore unfolds through interactive exhibits and archival materials. From logging and shipbuilding to the development of local communities, you'll gain a fresh perspective on the region's past. Your ticket also includes access to The Polygon Gallery, a stunning contemporary art space where you can enjoy cutting-edge exhibitions and breathtaking views of the Vancouver skyline.

End your three-day historical tour with a bang at the Britannia Mine Museum! Located along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, this National Historic Site offers an unforgettable look at British Columbia's mining heritage. Ride the underground train into the heart of the mountain, pan for gold, and watch the spectacular Mill 3 demonstration. The museum brings mining history to life in ways that will amaze and educate visitors of all ages. It's the perfect finale to your historical adventure!