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The Vancouver Maritime Museum is an institution dedicated to the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Visual Characteristics

The museum building is a low-profile, concrete structure with a distinctive curved roofline, designed to evoke the shape of a ship's hull. Its exterior is primarily grey concrete, with large glass windows providing natural light to the interior exhibition spaces. The building is situated within Vanier Park, adjacent to the Burrard Inlet.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is located at 1900 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3, within Vanier Park. It is approximately 4 kilometers west of the downtown Vancouver core. Access by car is via Cornwall Avenue, turning onto Ogden Avenue. Parking is available in the Vanier Park lot, which is shared with other attractions. Public transport options include TransLink bus routes 002 (MacDonald/16th Ave) and 022 (MacDonald/Queen Elizabeth Park), which stop near the park entrance on Cornwall Avenue.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Vancouver Maritime Museum was established in 1959. The current building was constructed in the 1970s. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, and exhibit artifacts and information related to British Columbia's maritime heritage, including exploration, trade, naval history, and recreational boating.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exhibits focus on the exploration of the Pacific Northwest, the history of the Royal Canadian Navy, and the development of shipping and trade in the region. A significant artifact is the original St. Roch, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police schooner that was the first vessel to circumnavigate North America. Visitors can explore the ship and its history. The museum also offers educational programs and temporary exhibitions.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the museum. Limited shaded areas are present in the surrounding park. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the vicinity. Food vendors are not typically located within the museum itself, but concessions may be available in Vanier Park during peak seasons or events.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open year-round. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded. For optimal viewing of the St. Roch, consider visiting during daylight hours. Weather in Vancouver is most temperate between May and September, though rain is possible at any time of year.

Facts & Legends

The St. Roch, housed at the museum, successfully navigated the Northwest Passage twice, first from west to east in 1940-42 and again from east to west in 1944. This feat demonstrated the vessel's capability in Arctic conditions and contributed significantly to Canada's sovereignty claims in the North.

Nearby Landmarks

• HR MacMillan Space Centre (0.1km North)
• Museum of Vancouver (0.1km North)
• Kitsilano Beach (0.8km West)
• Granville Island Market (1.5km East)
• English Bay (2.0km Southeast)