Research & Library

Library

Maritime Museum of BC Library

The Maritime Museum of BC is home to Canada’s largest library of nautical archives.  The museum research library has a collection of 6,700 books plus nautical periodicals. There are also extensive files containing information on individuals and ships that have had roles in BC’s maritime development. The museum also has a collection of 40,000 photographs and 30,000 sheets of ships’ plans. Books in the library collection are catalogued using the Dewey decimal classification system.

The primary focus of the library collection is the maritime history and exploration of British Columbia. The geographical focus is British Columbia waters, salt and inland and the waters of the Northwest Coast.  The broader geographical scope includes Pacific Ocean waters north from Panamato the Arctic.  Other subjects include the exploration of the Arctic, the history of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard and other government fleets, the history of the Royal Navy in the Pacific, shipping and other marine industries in the Northeastern Pacific, global marine technology, and nautical sciences including navigation and seafaring.

The museum research library is normally open to the public Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. The museum receptionist at 250 385 4222 extension 103 can confirm that the library is open. There is no admission charge for access to the library. Books and other materials must be used in the library as items are not lent out.

To place a research request, please click here and print out our Research Request Form and either fax (250-382-2869) or mail it to:

The Maritime Museum of BC
28 Bastion Square
Victoria, BC V8W 1H9

To contact the Research Staff and Volunteers please call 250-385-4222.