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Museums in Victoria bring history, art, and science to life through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences. These institutions offer a deeper understanding of the world, from Indigenous heritage and maritime history to fine art collections and hands-on science displays. Visitors can explore rare artefacts, step into recreated historical settings or learn about the latest innovations shaping the future. This guide highlights some of the museums in Victoria that offer meaningful experiences, encouraging curiosity and deeper connections with history, culture, and innovation.
10 Best Museums In Victoria
Here is a carefully curated list of the ten best museums in Victoria that you must explore on your next trip for art, history, and science.
1. Royal BC Museum
Photo: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons
The Royal BC Museum is one of Canada’s most well-known cultural institutions, offering exhibits on British Columbia’s natural and human history. Visitors can walk through realistic dioramas, including a life-sized woolly mammoth display, a reconstructed old-town street, and detailed Indigenous exhibits showcasing artefacts, totem poles, and stories from First Nations communities. The museum also houses the BC Archives, a collection of historical documents and photographs, making it one of the best museums in Victoria.
Location: 675 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
How To Reach: Easily accessible by public transport; nearest bus stop is Belleville at Douglas
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
Entry Fee: Adults: $18 (approx. ₹1,100), Seniors/Students: $11 (approx. ₹670), Youth (6-18): $11 (approx. ₹670), Children under 5: Free
2. Maritime Museum Of British Columbia
Photo: Bill Beers / Wikimedia Commons
This museum highlights British Columbia’s maritime heritage, displaying artefacts from shipwrecks, models of historical vessels, and exhibits on the Royal Canadian Navy. Visitors can learn about navigational instruments, shipbuilding techniques, and stories of maritime explorers. Temporary exhibitions often focus on ocean conservation and technological advancements. Its collection includes ship logs, historical photographs, and uniforms that provide a closer look at BC’s seafaring past, making it one of the great museums in Victoria.
Location: 744 Douglas St, Victoria, BC
How To Reach: Located near Victoria’s Inner Harbour, accessible via multiple bus routes
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: Adults: $10 (approx. ₹610), Seniors/Students: $8 (approx. ₹490), Youth under 17: $5 (approx. ₹305), Children under 12: Free
3. Art Gallery Of Greater Victoria
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has an extensive collection of Canadian and Asian art, including works by the renowned Emily Carr. The gallery houses approximately 20,000 pieces, making it one of British Columbia’s most significant art museums. A Japanese garden featuring an authentic Shinto shrine adds a peaceful setting to the artistic displays. Regular exhibitions explore themes such as identity, colonial history, and environmental change, making it one of the top museums in Victoria.
Location: 1040 Moss St, Victoria, BC
How To Reach: Bus routes 11 and 14 stop nearby
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM (Thursdays until 9 PM)
Entry Fee: Adults: $13 (approx. ₹790), Seniors/Students: $11 (approx. ₹670), Youth (6-17): $2.50 (approx. ₹150), Children under 6: Free
4. Craigdarroch Castle
Photo: Steven Pavlov / Wikimedia Commons
This Victorian-era mansion offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of 19th-century coal baron Robert Dunsmuir and his family. The castle features four floors of decorated rooms with stained glass windows, period furniture, and elaborate woodwork. Informative displays explain the Dunsmuir family’s history and its impact on British Columbia’s development. Climbing to the top of the tower provides a wide view of the city. Seasonal events and reenactments bring the castle’s history to life, making it an engaging stop for visitors.
Location: 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, BC
How To Reach: Bus routes 11 and 14 stop nearby
Timings: Daily, 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: Adults: $14.85 (approx. ₹900), Seniors: $13.85 (approx. ₹840), Students: $9.25 (approx. ₹560), Children (6-12): $5.25 (approx. ₹320)
5. Miniature World
Photo: Ruocaled / Wikimedia Commons
Miniature World features more than 85 detailed dioramas that bring historical events, fairy tales, and literature to life. The exhibits include scenes from famous battles, stories from classic books, and a fully operational model train display called the Great Canadian Railway. The level of detail in each exhibit showcases impressive craftsmanship. Many of the displays include moving parts, lights, and sounds, adding to the experience.
Location: 649 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC
How To Reach: Located near the Inner Harbour, accessible via multiple bus routes
Timings: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Adults: $16 (approx. ₹975), Seniors/Students: $14 (approx. ₹855), Children (5-12): $12 (approx. ₹730), Children under 5: Free
6. Emily Carr House
Photo: Mattlapointe / Wikimedia Commons
This historic home offers a glimpse into the early life of renowned Canadian artist and writer Emily Carr. Restored to reflect the late 19th century, the house features period furnishings, personal artefacts, and exhibits detailing Carr’s influence on Canadian art and literature. Visitors can explore rooms filled with Carr’s sketches, letters, and photographs, providing insight into her creative mind. The house also offers guided tours, storytelling sessions, and seasonal exhibits, making it a meaningful stop for art and history lovers.
Location: 207 Government St, Victoria, BC
How To Reach: Bus routes 2 and 3 stop nearby
Timings: Seasonal; check the official website for details
Entry Fee: Adults: $6.50 (approx. ₹400), Seniors/Students: $5.00 (approx. ₹305), Children (6-18): $4.00 (approx. ₹245), Children under 6: Free
7. Victoria Bug Zoo
Photo: Darren Kirby / Wikimedia Commons
The Victoria Bug Zoo offers an up-close experience with live insects, arachnids, and other arthropods from around the world. Visitors can interact with creatures such as stick insects and tarantulas under the guidance of knowledgeable staff. The zoo aims to educate guests about insect conservation, biodiversity, and the importance of bugs in ecosystems. The collection includes exotic species and interactive displays, making it one of the most informative museums in Victoria.
Location: 631 Courtney St, Victoria, BC
How To Reach: Easily accessible by public transit
Timings: Monday to Friday, 11 AM – 4 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Adults: $12 (approx. ₹730), Seniors/Students: $10 (approx. ₹610), Children (5-17): $8 (approx. ₹485), Children under 5: Free
8. The Avenue Gallery
Photo: Una Laurencic / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Avenue Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery featuring works from Canadian artists across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, glass, and jewellery. The collection highlights a mix of established and emerging artists, offering a diverse range of styles and artistic expressions. Visitors can browse original paintings, intricate glasswork, handcrafted jewellery, and sculptural pieces that reflect both modern and traditional techniques. The gallery frequently hosts exhibitions and artist showcases, making it a dynamic space for art lovers looking to discover new talent or invest in fine art.
Location: 2184 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, BC
How To Reach: Located in Oak Bay, accessible by car or bus routes 2 and 8
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM – 5:30 PM; Sunday, 12 PM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: Free
9. BC Aviation Museum
Photo: cliff1066 / Wikimedia Commons
Situated close to Victoria International Airport, this museum boasts an extensive collection of aircraft and aviation artefacts covering decades of flight history. Restored vintage aircraft, flight simulators, and exhibits on Canada’s aviation pioneers are some of the attractions that visitors can see. Some of the highlights include World War II planes, early passenger aircraft, and interactive exhibits detailing the development of flight technology. Volunteers, who are mostly retired aviation experts, offer information on the aircraft on display and their historical importance.
Location: 1910 Norseman Rd, Sidney, BC
How To Reach: Located near Victoria International Airport, accessible by car or public transit
Timings: Daily, 10 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: Adults: $10 (approx. ₹610), Seniors: $8 (approx. ₹490), Youth (6-18): $5 (approx. ₹305), Children under 6: Free
10. The Sean Schuster Fine Art Gallery
Photo: SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Sean Schuster Fine Art Gallery showcases the work of award-winning Canadian photographer Sean Schuster. Specialising in landscape photography, the gallery features stunning images of Canada’s diverse natural scenery, from rugged coastlines to mountain ranges. Each piece captures the beauty of nature with remarkable detail and vibrant colours. Visitors can explore limited-edition prints, learn about Schuster’s photographic process, and even purchase artwork to take home. The gallery provides a peaceful space for those who appreciate fine art photography and the beauty of the natural world.
Location: 1005 Broad St, Victoria, BC
How To Reach: Easily accessible by public transit, a short walk from downtown Victoria
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM – 5:30 PM; Sunday, 11 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Museums in Victoria do more than showcase artefacts, they tell stories, spark curiosity, and encourage new ways of thinking. Each visit offers a chance to connect with history, experience diverse cultures, and engage with science and art. Whether you’re exploring maritime history, Indigenous traditions, or artistic masterpieces, these museums create lasting impressions. Plan your trip with TripXL and enjoy the educational experience of discovering Victoria, British Columbia, through its museums.
Cover Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons
