The Vancouver Maritime Museum at 1905 Ogden Avenue in Vanier Park, on the English Bay shore of Kitsilano in Vancouver, British Columbia, opened in 1959. Its modernist building, with a roof evoking a ship's sail, was designed to house the RCMP schooner St. Roch, built in North Vancouver in 1928. Between 1940 and 1942 the vessel sailed from Halifax to Vancouver through the Northwest Passage, and in 1944 it returned east in a faster voyage, making it the first vessel to navigate the passage in both directions. It is a National Historic Site of Canada and sits in a purpose-built gallery where visitors can step aboard and see the crew quarters, galley and engine room. Other galleries cover the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest, with ship models, navigational instruments, Indigenous canoe culture, the coastal fur trade and Captain George Vancouver's 1792 survey. The curatorial approach is chronological and thematic, with a children's area and interactive displays. The St. Roch has been conserved to stabilise its timber structure within a controlled environment. Visitors typically spend 90 minutes to two hours, admission is about CAD $14-15 for adults, and the museum is next to the Museum of Vancouver and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
| Admission | About CAD $14-15 adult (approx US$10) |
|---|---|
| Address | 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3 |
Location
1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3
Highlights
- RCMP schooner St. Roch and its Northwest Passage voyages
- Walk-aboard access to crew quarters and engine room
- Ship models and navigation instruments
- Exhibits on George Vancouver's 1792 survey
- Waterfront setting in Vanier Park
Tips for visiting
- Head to the St. Roch gallery first and join a guided tour if one is running.
- Combine with the neighbouring Museum of Vancouver and Space Centre.
- Confirm hours online; the museum generally opens Tuesday to Sunday.
- Allow 90 minutes to two hours, longer with children.
- Walk or cycle the seawall to Vanier Park for views.
Accessibility
The main galleries are generally accessible to wheelchair users, while boarding the historic St. Roch involves steps and narrow spaces; visitors with mobility needs should confirm access with the museum.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the St. Roch?
It is an RCMP schooner built in 1928 that made the first double transit of the Northwest Passage in 1940-1944.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 90 minutes to two hours.
Is the museum good for children?
Yes. There is a children's area and the walk-aboard vessel appeals to young visitors.