Maritime Museum of BC
A regional park located in East Sooke, approximately 35 km southwest of VictoriaThe Maritime Museum of British Columbia offers a fascinating journey through the province's seafaring past in a welcoming Victoria setting. This cozy museum showcases a thoughtfully curated collection of nautical treasures, from historic ship models and navigation tools to compelling stories of coastal exploration and maritime communities. Visitors can wander through exhibits highlighting Indigenous ocean traditions alongside tales of early European voyages and the evolution of BC's fishing and shipping industries.
Beyond its exhibits, the museum truly comes alive through its diverse workshop program, where visitors of all ages can get hands-on with maritime skills and crafts. Throughout the year, they host everything from traditional rope work and knot-tying sessions to model shipbuilding workshops and navigation classes. Kids particularly enjoy their family-friendly activities like treasure hunts and sea-themed art projects, while adults can dive deeper with expert-led talks on maritime history and conservation. Their popular seasonal workshops often connect to coastal traditions, offering unique experiences like historical boat restoration demonstrations and nautical chart reading. These interactive opportunities transform the museum from simply a place to view artifacts into a vibrant community space where maritime heritage becomes a living, participatory experience.
With its relaxed atmosphere and focus on the human connection to the sea, the museum provides a perfect afternoon escape where you can discover how the Pacific Ocean has shaped British Columbia's unique identity and way of life.