3 Best Sights in Victoria, British Columbia

Volunteers passionate about the history of flight have lovingly restored several dozen historic military and civilian airplanes, and even a 1910-era flying machine, at this museum near Victoria's International Airport. A 1957 Vickers Viscount, one of the world's first commercial turbo-prop airliners, a 1970s kit-built helicopter, and a model of Leonardo da Vinci's Ornithopter are among the many aircraft displayed in the museum's two hangars. Tours take about an hour.

If you have any interest in the province's seafaring history then this museum is for you. Its current location is a temporary one while its home base in Victoria's original courthouse undergoes seismic upgrades. Although the smaller space means that many of its artifacts are in storage, and displays aren't as interactive as some museums, enthusiasts will still see a selection of model ships, weaponry, ships' wheels, and photographs that chronicle the province's seafaring history, from its early explorers to whale hunters to pirates.

Currently undergoing extensive restoration, this excellent museum—one of Victoria's leading attractions—is a shadow of its former self. Original plans called for a C$789 million investment for both structural upgrades to the building as well as the preservation of the more than 7 million artifacts and 2.1 km of archival records. As might be expected, such hefty plans are controversial in light of housing affordability and other social issues. Still, hopes are high that a totally refurbished 23,000-square-meter facility will reopen in 2030. Until then, access is limited to some of its temporary exhibits; they are part of the traveling exhibits that are touring various community museums around the province.

The museum complex still offers 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 occasionally held on Sunday afternoon. The Native Plant Garden at the museum's entrance showcases 400 indigenous plant species. Behind the main building, bordering Douglas Street, are the grassy lawns of Thunderbird Park, home to 10 totem poles (carved replicas of originals that are preserved in the museum). One of the oldest houses in BC, Helmcken House (open late May–early Sept., daily noon–4) 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. Behind it is St. Ann's School House, built in 1858. One of British Columbia's oldest schools, it is thought to be Victoria's oldest building still standing. Both buildings are part of the Royal British Columbia Museum.