Looking for unique babymoon ideas? We had one at the Royall BC Museum in Victoria, BC. It was definitely one for the books as it is not the usual babymoon location most people would think. Check out this blog for more information!
This post about the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, BC, was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
As soon as I told my friends that my husband and I were spending our Babymoon in Victoria, one of their first suggestions was to check out the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, British Columbia. I hadn’t really heard of it before, so I went online to take a closer look.
I saw that they had a Mammoth exhibit going on while we were there, which was motivation enough to visit. When I saw that it was located across the street from our hotel, it felt like a sign that we must make the visit happen.
The Royal BC Museum Corporation is one of British Columbia, Canada’s greatest cultural treasures. The museum was founded in 1886, and the Archives in 1894.
In 2003, these two organizations joined to become British Columbia’s combined provincial museum and archives. They are into collecting artifacts, documents, and specimens of British Columbia’s natural and human history, safeguard them for the future, and share them with the world.
Exploring the Natural History Floor
The Museum has two exhibit floors. One focuses on Natural History (plants and animals), and another on Human History (First Nations and early BC settlers).
The special exhibit is called “Mammoths! Giants of the Ice Age” features a life-size mammoth on display. Though we were disappointed that there was only one mammoth (rather than the plural in the exhibit title), we were really impressed with the quality of the display, which featured an entire landscape.
This exhibit is in partnership with the Field Museum in Chicago. What’s really cool is that the Royal BC Museum also localized it with their own dramatic update to their Natural History gallery featuring BC’s own Ice Age.
We also explored the rest of the Natural History floor and enjoyed seeing BC animals.
Discovering Human History and First Nations
Moving upstairs, we discovered the Human History floor. I really appreciated how well thought-out the First Peoples exhibit was. We ended up entering the exhibit exit and didn’t realize our mistake until we were halfway through.
The Jonathan Hunt House was especially impressive. The house is both a museum installation and a real ceremonial house. In the potlatch system, the Chief formally presents, to an invited audience, crest images, songs, names, and other prerogatives to which he claims inherited rights.
The audience’s recognition of the Chief’s claim is its legal validation. When I was in fourth grade, my school had a Potlatch, and I was struck by how similar the set-up was. Even though I hadn’t thought about it for many years, I instantly knew it must be used for Potlatches.
There is also an extensive Modern History exhibit that features the HMS Discovery (where we were able to walk aboard and see some of the rooms) and BC’s history of mining. We were really intrigued by the detailed exhibits that showed what it was like to work in a mining cave. We were also surprised how we could be standing, looking at the exhibit, and still feel like we were underground in the claustrophobic mine.
The rest of the Modern History area reminded me a lot of the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle, which is a really good thing.
Planning Future Visits to the Royal BC Museum
My husband and I tend to do museums quickly. But it felt like we were through exploring this museum quicker than usual. We looked at the map and double-checked that we didn’t miss any exhibits.
The building seemed a lot larger, and it felt like we must have missed a floor. We had not unless you count the gift shops on the main floor.
Next time, we want to enjoy an IMAX film. I was impressed with their selection and thought most of them would be appropriate for children of all ages.
We were really bummed that none of the times worked with our schedule. We will be adding that to our list for next time. I think we’ll wait to bring our kiddos to the Museum until they are old enough to look without touching.
Some of the exhibits had fun features at toddler height, with signs saying not to touch them. We also saw several kids running through the exhibits and just didn’t want the added stress of making sure they didn’t interfere. However, when they are older, we will be bringing them here!
Update on the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, BC (July 2024)
The Royal BC Museum in Victoria, British Columbia, remains a vital cultural institution, showcasing the province’s rich natural and human history. While it has faced some changes and challenges in recent years, the museum continues to offer engaging exhibits and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
Current and Upcoming Exhibits:
- Stonehenge: Ancient Mysteries & Modern Discoveries (Opening May 10, 2024): This highly anticipated exhibit delves into the secrets of the iconic Stonehenge monument, exploring its history, construction, and cultural significance. Visitors can expect to see artifacts, interactive displays, and immersive experiences that bring this ancient wonder to life.
- Canadian Modern (Opening June 28, 2024): Celebrating Canadian creativity, this exhibit showcases modern art, design, and craft from across the country. It explores the diverse styles and themes that have shaped Canadian art in the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Our Living Languages: First Peoples’ Voices in BC: This ongoing exhibit highlights the importance of Indigenous languages in British Columbia and celebrates the ongoing efforts to revitalize and preserve them. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors can learn about the diversity of Indigenous languages and their cultural significance.
- Natural History Gallery: This permanent exhibit showcases the diverse flora and fauna of British Columbia, from coastal rainforests to interior grasslands. Visitors can explore displays on dinosaurs, marine life, mammals, birds, and more.
- Old Town, New Approach: This interactive exhibit recreates a historic Victoria street scene, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience life in the 19th century.
Changes and Renovations Inside Royal BC Museum in Victoria, British Columbia
The Royal BC Museum is undergoing a process of renewal and reimagining. Some galleries may be temporarily closed as they are updated and redesigned. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website for the latest information on current exhibitions and closures.
Looking Ahead British Columbia’s Famous Museum
The Royal BC Museum remains committed to its mission of preserving and sharing British Columbia’s natural and cultural heritage. While it faces challenges and changes, the museum continues to evolve and adapt. offering new and engaging ways for visitors to explore the province’s rich history and vibrant cultures.
To find out more about activities in Victoria, BC:
Ultimate Babymoon in Victoria, BC
Babymooning at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC
The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC
Afternoon Tea at Abkhazi Garden
Exploring Craigdarroch Castle
