Royal British Columbia Museum

Royal British Columbia Museum Review

This excellent museum, one of Victoria's leading attractions, traces several thousand years of British Columbian history. Its First Peoples Gallery, home to a genuine Kwakwaka'wakw big house and a dramatically displayed collection of masks and other artifacts, is especially strong. The Environmental History Gallery traces B.C.'s natural heritage, from prehistory to modern-day climate change, in realistic dioramas. An Ocean Station exhibit gets kids involved in running a Jules Verne-style submarine. In the Modern History Gallery, a replica of Captain Vancouver's HMS Discovery creaks convincingly, and a re-created frontier town comes to life with cobbled streets, silent movies, and the rumble of an arriving train. Also on-site is the National Geographic Theater showing a variety of IMAX films on a six-story-tall screen.

Optional one-hour tours, included in the admission price, run roughly twice a day in summer and less frequently in winter. Most focus on a particular gallery, though the 90-minute Highlights Tour touches on all galleries. Special exhibits, usually held between April and October, often attract crowds (and higher admission prices). Skip ticket lines by booking online.

The museum complex has several more interesting sights, beyond the expected gift shop and café. In front of the museum, at Government and Belleville streets, is the Netherlands Centennial Carillon. With 62 bells, it's the largest bell tower in Canada; the Westminster chimes ring out every hour, and free recitals are played most Sunday afternoons. Behind the main building, bordering Douglas Street, are the grassy lawns of Thunderbird Park, home to 10 totem poles (replicas of originals that are preserved in the museum) and Wawadit'la, a First Nations ceremonial big house. The house is not open to the public, but you can wander among the totems. Next to Helmcken House is St. Ann's School House. Built in 1858, it's one of British Columbia's oldest schools (you can view the interior through the door).

Next door is Helmcken House, one of the oldest houses in B.C.; it was built in 1852 for pioneer doctor and statesman John Sebastian Helmcken. Inside are displays of the family's belongings, including the doctor's medical tools; admission is by donation. 10 Elliot St., V8W 1A1. June to Labor Day, daily 12-4.