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Natural History Museums in Vancouver Island

THE 5 BEST Vancouver Island Natural History Museums

Natural History Museums in Vancouver Island

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    Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
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What travelers are saying

  • Catherine H
    39 contributions
    A not to be missed experience - suitable for all ages
    The Hand of Man Museum of Natural History, Cultural Arts & Conservation represents the life work of Jim Shockey. The breadth of this collection is worthy of a Smithsonian exhibit in Washington DC. You literally drive to a former school setting in Maple Bay, BC, a rural area outside of Duncan on Vancouver Island. And there before you is this 5 star experience of a museum. Entrance is by suggested donation. Jim Shockey was there & was delightful to meet. What a vision this place represents. The displays, the use of ipads to narrate the self guided tours, the amazing displays of historical & cultural artifacts from around the globe - all work together to create mind blowing quantity & variety. We observed a family with small children who were delightful in their obvious joy in seeing the animal exhibits. We look forward to returning another time to more fully take in the breadth of the content of the exhibits.
    Review of: Hand of Man - Museum of Natural History, Cultural Arts & Conservation
    Written May 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • A&E J.
    Victoria, Canada2 contributions
    Exciting paleontology adventure!
    Such a wonderful museum all around! We booked the private fossil tour and enjoyed exploring the museum before our tour. Pat was a wonderful guide and showed us the amazing paleontology fids around the museum. At the river bed, Pat was patient and kind and so engaging. He really took time with our kids, especially our youngest who wants to be a paleontologist. Thank you so much, Pat. It is an experience we will never forget!
    Review of: Courtenay & District Museum & Paleontology Centre
    Written April 3, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dmillar4039
    Port Hardy, Canada9 contributions
    Fantastic facility!
    I am very impressed with this facility. The staff is professional and friendly. They are doing a fantastic job helping ensure the health of an important resource, and they educate the public in a way that is informative and entertaining for all ages. Two thumbs up!
    Review of: Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre
    Written September 2, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Janine B
    Northampton, England, United Kingdom410 contributions
    Worth seeking out
    This seems to be a bit of a secret, the tourist information office in Victoria didn't know much about HA. We saw the threshing set and engine from Hwy 17 on our way to Victoria from the ferry, so decided to visit the next day. I'm glad we did, there was plenty to see, the volunteers were very friendly and helpful and there was steamed corn!!! The model engines are beautiful and there are lots of them, the society has an excellent facility here. It's worth looking up to see if they have any events running whilst you are visiting the island.
    Review of: Heritage Acres
    Written September 23, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • georgib43
    British columbia122 contributions
    Excellent museum with knowledgeable volunteers
    Well worth the effort to tour this museum. the volunteers know a lot about the history of the area and make it very interesting
    Review of: Chemainus Valley Museum
    Written June 22, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sandra R
    1 contribution
    Unique hands on and informative experience
    We had such a great unique experience at Dino Lab. Our guide was very informative, providing us with lots of Dino knowledge. What a unique experience to be able to touch, hold and examine these fossils up close!
    We enjoyed learning about the process of fossil extraction and getting to try it ourselves.
    You can tell this is a passion project and that all those involved in the Dino Experience are part of it because they love dinosaurs/ fossils and sharing their expertise with others.
    Review of: Dino Lab
    Written March 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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