Vancouver Maritime Museum (VMM), founded in 1959 as part of Vancouver’s centennial projects, is situated in Vanier Park on False Creek’s waterfront. It is a non-profit civic museum devoted to Pacific Northwest and Canadian Arctic maritime heritage.

Main Attractions & Exhibits

St. Roch schooner: The historic RCMP vessel inside the museum was the first ship to navigate west–east through the Northwest Passage and circumnavigate North America.
Model Ship Galleries: Includes detailed antique models (e.g. cardboard, bone-built) and shipwreck replicas.
Children’s Maritime Discovery Centre and interactive forecastle from Vancouver’s ship Discovery.
Heritage Harbour Estuary: Outdoor historical vessels including the submersible Ben Franklin and vintage steamship boilers.
Rotating exhibits: Cover Arctic exploration, lighthouse lore, marine art and community-curated installations.

Programs & Events

Gikumi Expedition: Guided coastal journey on a historic vessel.
Fundraising evenings (e.g. “An Evening at the Museum”).
Seasonal STEAM camps for ages 6–11, combining maritime history with hands-on activities.

Visitor Info & Practicalities

Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00; closed Dec 25.
Admission: Adults ~$18.50–22; seniors/students ~$14; children under 6 and Indigenous visitors free; family passes and discounts often available.
Tips: Visit St. Roch near closing time; book STEAM camps early; explore Heritage Harbour after the galleries.

Facility Rentals
Venues include museum interior, terrace, and waterfront harbour—with event rentals ranging from ~$500 to $5,000 ◆ weddings, meetings, seasonal events.

Assessment
VMM offers a well-rounded maritime experience blending artifacts, interactivity, and iconic vessels. Ideal for families and maritime enthusiasts. Programming is strong though some guided tours (e.g. engine room) vary in availability. The income mix of donations, grants, and rentals helps support ongoing conservation but financial sustainability depends on continued community backing.