Royal BC Museum
Explore BC's natural wonders, rich history, and diverse cultures at this acclaimed museum, featuring dinosaurs, Old Town, and IMAX.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Royal BC Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore BC's natural wonders, rich history, and diverse cultures at this acclaimed museum, featuring dinosaurs, Old Town, and IMAX.
"A truly excellent museum with a wide variety of engaging exhibits, combining history, culture, and education beautifully."
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the exhibits. Don't rush!
🎟️ Book tickets online
Save time by purchasing your admission in advance, especially during busy periods.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Woolly Mammoth
Natural History Gallery
Stand in awe of the impressive woolly mammoth skeleton, a prehistoric giant that captivates all ages.

Old Town Diorama
Human History Gallery
Step back in time in this meticulously recreated Victorian-era street, complete with shops and homes.

Totem Poles
East Lawn
Admire the significant and beautifully carved totem poles, a powerful display of Indigenous art and culture.

Indigenous Languages Exhibit
Human History Gallery
A meaningful, though small, exhibit highlighting the rich linguistic heritage of BC's First Nations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allocate Enough Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is the Royal BC Museum still worth going to nowadays?
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the exhibits. Don't rush!
🎟️ Book tickets online
Save time by purchasing your admission in advance, especially during busy periods.
Royal BC Museum Question
Royal bc museum
🚶 Explore Old Town
This recreated street is a visitor favorite, offering a glimpse into the past.
⬆️ Don't miss the 3rd floor
Discover fascinating exhibits like the Chintz manufacturing history.
The Royal BC Museum posted a walk-through of the Old Town as it is now...
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the exhibits. Don't rush!
🎟️ Book tickets online
Save time by purchasing your admission in advance, especially during busy periods.
🚶 Explore Old Town
This recreated street is a visitor favorite, offering a glimpse into the past.
⬆️ Don't miss the 3rd floor
Discover fascinating exhibits like the Chintz manufacturing history.
🅿️ Parking options
Limited paid parking onsite; nearby street or public parking is available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Royal BC Museum is widely praised for its engaging and informative exhibits, particularly the Old Town diorama and natural history displays. Visitors appreciate the blend of history, culture, and science, though some exhibits may show their age. Occasional closures due to strikes or maintenance can impact the experience.
"A truly excellent museum with a wide variety of engaging exhibits. When I visited, there was an interactive exhibit on protest music that was fascinating, and the section on local ecology and geography was very informative. The diorama of the city in the early 1900s is top-notch and really brings the past to life.
Be sure not to miss the exhibit on native languages — although small, it’s incredibly meaningful and I wish there had been more of it. Outside, the totem poles on the East lawn are a highlight and well worth the time. Overall, a place that combines history, culture, and education beautifully."
Manik Gupta
"Employees on strike day we visited so Imax & some areas closed. Museum did not live up to the hype. Second floor natural history displays were poorly lit, hard to read and some videos not working. Disappointing. Best exhibits were on third floor, and covered history of India's manufacturing Chintz. When you see what was involved, you can't not be impressed.
Many significant totems, worth seeing.
Price of admission reasonable, worth seeing. Excellent gift store and cafe."
Roger Terry
"Oh my goodness, I haven’t been here since probably grade 5. Took my little girl here today and she absolutely loved it. Old town is my favourite part of the museum. The woolly mammoth is super cool as well. Some of the exhibits are old and some are new. The IMAX is always fun to finish off with."
brittany robbins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Royal BC Museum is centrally located in downtown Victoria, BC, at 675 Belleville Street. It's easily accessible by public transit, with many bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, there is limited paid parking directly at the museum, but ample street and public parking options are available in the surrounding downtown area.
Yes, the museum is situated in a prime downtown location, adjacent to the BC Government Buildings and the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. It's also a short walk to the Inner Harbour, making it easy to combine your visit with other Victoria sights.
If you are staying in downtown Victoria, walking to the Royal BC Museum is a pleasant and convenient option. The museum is a central landmark and easily found.
Besides walking, BC Transit buses are a great way to get around Victoria. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. For a scenic approach, consider a harbour ferry if arriving from across the water.
The museum offers limited paid parking. It's often recommended to utilize nearby public parking lots or street parking, especially during peak tourist seasons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are generally considered reasonable. It's best to check the official Royal BC Museum website for the most current pricing for adults, seniors, youth, and children. Look for 'royal bc museum price' for details.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the museum's admission desk. However, booking 'royal bc museum tickets' online in advance is recommended to save time, especially during busy periods.
The museum often offers various admission rates for different age groups, including seniors and youth. Check their website for any special promotions or group rates. Membership options may also provide benefits.
Museum hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the official 'bc museum victoria hours' or 'bc royal museum hours' on their website before your visit to confirm opening and closing times.
Typically, IMAX tickets are separate from general museum admission. You can usually purchase them as an add-on or a combined ticket. Check the 'royalbcmuseum bc ca' website for current ticketing options.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the Old Town diorama, the Woolly Mammoth skeleton, the totem poles on the East Lawn, and the Indigenous Languages exhibit. The natural history galleries are also highly informative.
Most visitors spend between 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum's diverse galleries. If you plan to see an IMAX film, allocate additional time.
Absolutely! The museum offers engaging exhibits for all ages, including interactive displays and the impressive Woolly Mammoth. The Old Town diorama is particularly captivating for children.
The Old Town exhibit is a detailed recreation of a street scene from early 20th-century Victoria, complete with shops, homes, and historical artifacts, offering an immersive glimpse into the past.
Yes, the museum features an IMAX theatre that screens a variety of educational and entertaining films. It's a popular addition to a museum visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe available for visitors. It's a convenient spot to grab a snack or a meal during your visit.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the museum galleries. It's best to consume your own food in designated areas or before/after your visit.
Being in downtown Victoria, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs within walking distance of the museum, offering a wide range of culinary choices.
While specific menus can change, museum cafes often provide a selection of options. It's advisable to check with the cafe staff upon arrival for current offerings.
Yes, the 'royal bc museum gift shop' and 'bc museum shop' are well-regarded, offering a variety of souvenirs, books, and unique items related to the museum's exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Personal photography is generally allowed in most areas of the museum for non-commercial use. However, some special exhibits may have restrictions, so always look for signage. Flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts.
The Old Town diorama, the totem poles on the East Lawn, and the Woolly Mammoth are popular subjects for photos. The architecture of the museum itself is also quite striking.
Weekday mornings often offer fewer crowds, allowing for more unobstructed shots. The natural light in some galleries can be beautiful, but be mindful of exhibit lighting conditions.
You can find many visitor-shared photos on social media platforms like Instagram by searching relevant hashtags. The museum's official website may also feature a gallery of professional images.
Tripods and selfie sticks are typically not permitted inside the museum to ensure the safety of exhibits and the comfort of other visitors. Always check the museum's current photography policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
🌿 Nature Lovers & Science Geeks
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural History Galleries
These galleries are designed to be both informative and engaging, with interactive elements that appeal to all ages. The BC Museum of Natural History aspect is particularly strong, showcasing the evolutionary journey and environmental significance of the region. It’s a fantastic place to learn about the natural wonders that surround Victoria and the rest of British Columbia, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Immersing Yourself in Human History
Beyond Old Town, these galleries explore the rich heritage of the province's Indigenous peoples, including a poignant exhibit on native languages that visitors find deeply meaningful. Other sections delve into the province's diverse immigrant histories and significant cultural movements, such as the fascinating exhibit on India's manufacturing of Chintz, which impressed many for its detailed look at craftsmanship. The displays are thoughtfully curated, providing context and stories that resonate with visitors.
The Significance of Totem Poles
Each pole tells a unique story, often depicting crests and ancestral figures. Their presence outside the museum serves as a visible and accessible testament to the enduring cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples in British Columbia. Visitors often describe them as a highlight and well worth the time to appreciate their artistry and symbolism.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit