As the seasons move from Summer to Autumn and back to school, thoughts of the inevitable weather change also come to mind. It’s the time to take activities and adventures indoors but leave your luggage behind.
While most locals are used to the pending downpours visitors are lucky Vancouver has a host of diverse venues to learn about the area and its peoples without having to brave the elements. If doing a bit of a history crawl through any of the following local cultural institutions is on your Vancouver visit checklist, and you don’t want to lug your luggage around with you, consider checking out a Vancouver baggage locker first to store your bags and make the visit more enjoyable. Before you’ve checked in, or after check-out, of your hotel, or even for a day trip when you’ve prepared for anything and brought everything, roam baggage-free to enjoy your day.
Here’s a few suggestions to visit and explore indoors:
Museum of Vancouver
The Museum of Vancouver is Canada’s largest civic museum and Vancouver’s oldest.
Located at Vanier Park, the museum’s permanent gallery’s present a walk through evolution of the local lands, from the Indigenous villages to the urban metropolis that has grown over it. Count the rings of an ancient cedar that once towered over head, be dazzled by city’s former neon signs, caught up in the sixties counter culture before moving on to the city of glass that now towers over head.
With interesting and often interactive rotating exhibits the museum keeps fresh and engaging for visitors and locals.
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Vancouver’s history is rich with maritime history and for over 60 years, the Vancouver Maritime Museum has been sharing stories about the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic and creating experiences that build bridges between the past and future.
Full of interesting and interactive exhibits, there plenty for all members of the family to learn and enjoy. Climb aboard the St. Roch, a National Historic Site of Canada, which was the first ship to sail through the Northwest Passage from west to east, and first ship to circumnavigate North America.
Vancouver Art Gallery
Established in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery has grown to be recognized as one of North America’s most respected and innovative visual arts institutions. Featuring innovative ground-breaking exhibitions, extensive public programs bringing together historical and contemporary art of British Columbia and international centres, with special attention to the accomplishments of First Nations artists and the art of the Asia Pacific region.
Work continues to move the Gallery to new, larger, purpose-built space but in the meantime explore the current location housed in the former Vancouver Law Courts, National Historic Site near Robson Square
Tip: If your budget is limited, stop by on a Tuesday evening – admission is by donation from 5-8pm
Vancouver Police Museum
If law and order is your thing, then a visit to the Vancouver Police Museum is definitely worth it. This small but fact-packed museum, located in the old Coroner’s Court and City Analysts’ Lab, tells the stories of about some of Vancouver’s most interesting criminal cases and unsolved murder mysteries. As well, delve into the history of the Vancouver Police Department, forensic sciences and more.
From the macabre to the comical, any fans of true crime definitely shouldn’t miss this one!
Museum of Anthropology at UBC
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) is located in the lush surroundings of the campus of the University of British Columbia.
Renowned for its permanent displays of world arts and cultures, in particular works by First Nations of the Pacific Northwest, MOA’s rotating major exhibitions also offers a further glimpse into indigenous cultures from around the world.
The Arthur Erickson designed great hall is currently closed for seismic upgrades but its massive carvings have been relocated to other parts of the museum so guests won’t miss any of these works.
photo: J Minter
Beaty Biodiversity Museum
While visiting MOA, take a look at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum also at UBC to learn more about the biodiversity of British Columbia, Canada and the world. Since 2010, when UBC first opened its vast natural history collection to view over 20,000 square ft of fossils, flora and fauna from around the region, including a gigantic 26 metre long blue whale skeleton which greets guests upon entering.
The Beaty also includes the Allan Yap Theatre screening documentaries, hands-on displays, and other ever-changing exhibitions.
Science World
Science World is a great place to stimulate the minds of kids (of all ages). Housed in the iconic geodesic dome on the shores of False Creek, visitors can explore interactive, hands-on exhibits and galleries that nurture their process of discovery and inspire connection with their natural, physical and built environments. From T-Rex to Lego, there is always something to intrigue and engage the whole family at Science World. Grown ups can check out Science World After-Dark events on the third Thursday of each month for a more stimulating way to imbibe in science.
This is a sponsored post by Unbounce Luggage Storage