Mini Mariner Mornings - The World Is Our Family!
2026-02-21 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Join us this week to talk about and celebrate families! Reflect on why you love your family and learn about families who have had to travel around the world to be safe. Make something to give to someone you love or to a new family in your community to welcome them!

This program runs every Saturday morning, with new themes each week. Drop-in anytime between 10:00am and 11:00am, but remember storytime is at 10:30am! Activities are suitable for ages 3-8 years. Parents and guardians must remain at the museum for the duration of the program.

No Registration Required- Drop-Ins Welcome!

Exhibit Deep Dive – 1858: Black Routes, Black Roots
2026-02-21 14:00 - 16:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Dive deeper into the current exhibit at the Maritime Museum of BC – 1858: Black Routes, Black Routes, which explores early Black immigration to BC. Hear from writer/researcher Madison Bridal about her experience learning and sharing about the “Pioneer Committee” and their journey to Canada on the Commodore. Then, hear from Barbra Hudlin, a descendent of these early Black immigrants and her family’s history on Vancouver Island.

About the Speakers

Madison Bridal

Madison has worked in numerous museums, on several exhibits, and previously co-led the BCMA’s IBPOC Network. Madison is recently known for her curatorship of Rooting for Reclamation at Legacy Art Galleries, and as the writer/researcher for 1858: Black Routes, Black Roots here at the Maritime Museum of BC.

Barbra Hudlin

Barbra is a black Canadian living in Victoria, BC and a direct descendent of the first Black settlers to Victoria. She is a speaker and educator deeply involved in the Black communities on Vancouver Island. She is also the founder and president of the Doug Hudlin charitable Society which is the life and legacy of the Black gentlemen empire Doug Hudlin, a board member with the BC Black History Awareness Society, and serves in the advisory of the City Of Victoria‘s international decade of people of African dissent committee.

Cost: Free with museum admission. We ask that you register in advance, but drop-ins are also welcome.

Register Here

Fabric Printmaking Workshop
2026-02-26 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-07 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-04-11 13:30 - 15:30 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Join us for an ocean-inspired printmaking workshop at the Maritime Museum of BC, where you will carve your own linocut stamp and apply it to fabric! This hands-on session invites participants to explore the history and beauty of our rich maritime heritage through creative block printing techniques. Bring your imagination and leave with a practical item for your home or to wear that celebrates the ocean!

Each participant will take home:

4×6” Linoleum block carved with a design of their creation

A cotton tea towel or tote bag, printed with their design

Participants are also welcome to bring additional fabric materials to print on if desired. Maybe you have an old pair of jeans that need some sprucing up, or a stained t-shirt that could be printed over? Feel free to bring those in to print on as well. Please note:

Lighter coloured fabrics will show your design better.

If you decide to purchase something new for the workshop, please wash and dry it before the workshop.

Smooth fabrics that do not possess a heavy texture or stretch are best for use with our inks. Cotton, linen, broadcloth and denim are examples of ideal fabrics for use. Nylon and canvas are not recommended.

Registration includes workshop, all supplies, and admission to the Maritime Museum of BC (valid for 24 hours).

Register Here

Mini Mariner Mornings - Home Sweet Home!
2026-02-28 10:00 - 11:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
There’s no place like home! This week we’re taking a closer look at two ecosystems that are home to 25% of all marine life: Coral Reefs and Kelp Forests. Join us while we explore these homes through story, dance, and craft your very own Lophelia reef!

This program runs every Saturday morning, with new themes each week. Drop-in anytime between 10:00am and 11:00am, but remember storytime is at 10:30am! Activities are suitable for ages 3-8 years. Parents and guardians must remain at the museum for the duration of the program.

No Registration Required – Drop-Ins Welcome!

Museum Closed
2026-03-01 00:00 - 2026-03-02 23:59, 2026-03-08 00:00 - 2026-03-09 00:59, 2026-03-15 00:00 - 2026-03-16 23:59, 2026-03-22 00:00 - 2026-03-23 23:59, 2026-03-29 00:00 - 2026-03-30 23:59, 2026-04-05 00:00 - 2026-04-06 23:59, 2026-04-12 00:00 - 2026-04-13 23:59, 2026-04-19 00:00 - 2026-04-20 23:59 and 1 more date
The Maritime Museum of BC is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Sensory-Friendly Hours
2026-03-03 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-03-17 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-03-24 09:30 - 12:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Explore the Maritime Museum of BC during our weekly Sensory-Friendly hours, designed for visitors who prefer a quiet and subdued environment. Enjoy low-volume surroundings, dimmed lighting, and a scent-free atmosphere. These dedicated hours provide an inclusive experience for all, ensuring everyone can engage with our exhibits comfortably and peacefully.

Sensory kits are available to borrow during your visit from the front desk during all opening hours.

Mini Mariner Mornings - Together on the Salish Sea
2026-03-07 10:00 - 11:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Discover, explore, and create this week as we learn about Coast Salish practices that connect people, animals, and nature. Our activities will be inspired by teachings of respect and stewardship, exploring natural materials and local art, languages, and territories while fostering mindfulness and community connection.

This program runs every Saturday morning, with new themes each week. Drop-in anytime between 10:00am and 11:00am, but remember storytime is at 10:30am! Activities are suitable for ages 3-8 years. Parents and guardians must remain at the museum for the duration of the program.

No registration required – Drop-ins welcome!

Mini Mariner Mornings - Whale of a Time
2026-03-14 10:00 - 11:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Dive into the world of whales through hands-on discovery! Explore fun drop-in stations where we learn about the differences between whales, paint our own, listen to whale songs, and learn how these ocean giants live, eat, and play.

This program runs every Saturday morning, with new themes each week. Drop-in anytime between 10:00am and 11:00am, but remember storytime is at 10:30am! Activities are suitable for ages 3-8 years. Parents and guardians must remain at the museum for the duration of the program.

No registration required – Drop-Ins welcome!

Mini Mariner Mornings - Spring Has Sprung!
2026-03-21 10:00 - 11:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Join us this week to explore the changing seasons in our local habitats! We will learn about the Garry Oak ecosystem, the creatures that live there, and why being different, like the biodiverse species of the Garry Oak, make us stronger!

This program runs every Saturday morning, with new themes each week. Drop-in anytime between 10:00am and 11:00am, but remember storytime is at 10:30am! Activities are suitable for ages 3-8 years. Parents and guardians must remain at the museum for the duration of the program.

No registration required- Drop-Ins welcome!

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
2026-03-21 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-26 17:30 - 19:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Join us to learn about the history and beauty of sea glass in this hands-on workshop. Design your very own stunning piece of jewelry using locally sourced sea glass. No experience necessary! You’ll leave with a unique and wearable work of art that captures the beauty of the sea.

Community Day - Seas the Break!
2026-03-26 09:30 - 16:30, 2026-03-27 09:30 - 16:30, 2026-03-28 09:30 - 16:30 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
This Spring Break, join us at the Maritime Museum of BC for three welcoming and creative Community Days, running March 26–28, centred on art, family, and hands-on fun!

Drop in and explore our exhibit ‘1858: Black Routes, Black Roots’, and participate in our craft activities designed to spark creativity for all ages!

On Thursday, March 26th you’ll find crafts, games, and books to enjoy in our gallery! Then on Friday, March 27 from 1:00–4:00 PM, make your own lino-cut stamps, carving your own spring designs to take home! Wrap up the fun with us on Saturday from 1:00–4:00PM and create colourful beaded fish, a playful craft inspired by our love for the ocean!

Come craft, create, and celebrate Spring Break with activities that bring the community together! Fun for kids, families, and everyone who loves to get a little hands-on!

Mini Mariner Mornings - Mythical Seas
2026-03-28 10:00 - 11:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Join us this week to learn about ocean legends, myths, and stories! We’ll be exploring stories from around the world, including some right in our own backyard here in Victoria! Have fun reading, crafting, and try your best to steal from the kraken’s lair! And finally, creating your own mythical creature and discover what makes a myth so interesting.

This program runs monthly on Saturday mornings (from September to May), with new themes each month. Drop-in anytime between 10:00am and 11:00am, but remember storytime is at 10:30am! Activities are suitable for ages 3-8 years. Parents and guardians must remain at the museum for the duration of the program.

No registration required – Drop-ins welcome!

Mini Mariner Mornings - Magical Magnets
2026-04-25 10:00 - 11:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Join us to explore the magical world of magnets and to learn about the cool science behind these neat tricks! Test out magnetic objects, learn navigation with a real compass, and make some art with magnets!

This program runs monthly on Saturday mornings (from September to May), with new themes each month. Drop-in anytime between 10:00am and 11:00am, but remember storytime is at 10:30am! Activities are suitable for ages 3-8 years. Parents and guardians must remain at the museum for the duration of the program.

Living History: Meet Mifflin Gibbs
2026-04-25 11:00 - 15:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
April 25th is your final opportunity to experience 1858: Black Routes, Black Roots exhibit at the Maritime Museum of BC. To bid farewell to this impactful display in style, we’re welcoming an esteemed guest all the way from 1866!

In partnership with Story Theatre and BC Black History Awareness Society, we invite you to step back in time and meet Mifflin Wistar Gibbs, the first Black person to hold elected office in British Columbia.

Through the art of historical interpretation, this “Living History” performance brings the 19th century to life. Mr. Gibbs, who served as a Victoria City Councillor for James Bay, returns to answer questions from his “constituents” and share his pivotal role in shaping Canada.

Co-created by Director Adonis Critter King and Producer Monica Ogden, this program bridges the gap between the past and the contemporary, offering audiences of all ages a chance to learn from our history to build better futures.

Join us for this special closing event:

When: April 25, 2026, 11:00am – 3:00pm with break from 11:45am-12:45pm

Admission to the museum this day will be “Pay what you can!”

Closure: Exhibit Changeover
2026-04-26 00:00 - 2026-04-30 23:59 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
The Maritime Museum of BC will be closed to the public for our exhibit changeover.

We will reopen on May 1, 2026 with our brand new exhibit:

Getting Tiddley: Navy Uniforms from Cap to Boot
