Museum Tots - Winter Solstice
2024-12-21 10:30 - 11:15 (America/Vancouver)
This weekly program introduces children ages 3 – 5 to the fun world of museum learning. Each week’s program revolves around a new theme, encouraging children to learn through crafts, play, song, and dance. There is a new maritime theme every week.

No registration required–drop-ins welcome!

For more information, please call us at 250-385-4222 or email us at programs@mmbc.bc.ca.

Please note that parents are required to stay for the duration of the program.

Workshop: Nautical Rope Wreaths
2024-12-21 14:00 - 16:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Our workshop leader will guide you step-by-step as you transform a single piece of rope into a beautiful holiday wreath.

Your registration includes the workshop, all supplies, and 24-hour admission to the Maritime Museum of BC. Wreath Workshops often sell out, so we recommend registering early!

For more information, please email us at programs@mmbc.bc.ca.

Register Here

Please note: This workshop is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. We will contact you 24 hours before the workshop, should it be cancelled due to low registration. A full refund will be issued, if the workshop does not run. For our full Refund Policy, please click here.

Sensory-Friendly Hours
2024-12-22 09:30 - 12:00, 2024-12-29 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-01-05 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-01-12 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-01-19 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-01-26 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-02-02 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.

Salty Sundays: Scrimshaw Workshop
2024-12-22 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for a hands-on scrimshaw workshop where you can explore basic scrimshaw techniques and simple carving. Participants will create their own soap scrimshaw masterpiece while learning about the history of whaling in BC and reflecting on the impact of over-consumption on our environment and natural resources. No prior experience needed—just drop in and start creating!

Note: The scrimshaw example shown is from our collection (986.004.0007) and was made from a whale tooth. Program participants will not be using this material.

Holiday Closure
2024-12-24 00:00 - 2024-12-26 23:59, 2025-01-01 08:00 - 17:00
The Maritime Museum of BC will be closed. Happy Holidays!

Museum Tots - Shipwrecks
2025-01-04 10:30 - 11:15

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
2025-01-04 14:00 - 15:15, 2025-02-08 14:00 - 15:15 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Learn about the history of sea glass in this interactive workshop and design your own piece of jewelry using locally sourced sea glass.

Salty Sundays: Collage
2025-01-05 14:00 - 16:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Join us to explore collage as an artistic medium while embracing a zero-waste philosophy. Participants can discover how to create stunning collages using recycled materials and fostering a sustainable approach to artmaking. Unleash your creativity and make art that cares for the planet!

Museum Tots - Maritime Music
2025-01-11 10:30 - 11:15

Salty Sundays: Paper Weaving Cards
2025-01-12 14:00 - 16:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Learn how to create woven designs using paper, inspired by the historical techniques used in sailmaking. Participants will learn about patterns and materials, gaining skills that connect art with the practical aspects of making sails. Participants will leave with a beautiful woven card to send to someone they love!

This program is drop-in anytime between 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and it should take you between 15-30 minutes to finish your card. You are always welcome to stay longer!

This program is recommended for ages 8+. No experience necessary!

Participation is included in admission or membership, with no extra cost.

Community Day
2025-01-15 09:30 - 16:30
The Maritime Museum of BC will be open with admission by donation all day long.

See the Pacific in Peril: Climate Change, the Warming Ocean, and How to Turn the Tide exhibit, complete an Activity Book for pirate’s treasure, and check out interactive anchor and knotmaking stations!

Museum Tots - Merfolk
2025-01-18 10:30 - 11:15

Fabric Printmaking Workshop
2025-01-18 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-01 14:00 - 15:30 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Join us for an ocean-inspired fabric 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!

All participants will bring home:

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

A cotton tea towel, 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.

Register Here

Salty Sundays: Mending Circle
2025-01-19 14:00 - 16:00
Darn it! Mend it! Wear it! Alter it! Love it! Use it forever!

Drop into a special Salty Sunday program with your latest mending project. Learn how to mend your clothes to prevent textile waste and build a sustainable wardrobe, and connect with other menders in a laid-back community circle.

No experience necessary—consult and learn new stitches from a knowledgeable facilitator, and work on your project amongst supportive new friends. Bring your favourite materials and tools; basic tools like needles and thread will also be available to use if you’re just beginning your mending journey.

Museum Tots - Explorers
2025-01-25 10:30 - 11:15

Salty Sundays: Rope Keychains
2025-01-26 14:00 - 16:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
This program invites participants to explore the art of knot making, inspired by sailors who crafted intricate designs during their leisure time at sea. In this hands-on workshop, attendees will learn essential macrame techniques to create their own unique keychains while discovering the rich maritime history being this creative pastime. By the end, participants will not only have a stylish accessory but also a deeper appreciation for the craft’s nautical roots.

This program is drop-in anytime between 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and it should take you between 15-30 minutes to finish your keychain. You are always welcome to stay longer!

This program is recommended for ages 10+.

Behind-the-Scenes Collections Tours: Arctic Navigation
2025-01-31 13:00 - 14:30 | Seymour Facility, 4000 Seymour Place, Victoria, BC, Canada
About this experience

Have you ever wondered what’s behind those Staff Only doors at your favourite museums? Now’s your chance to find out. Join us at the Maritime Museum of BC for a look behind the scenes.

This month’s guide is Bill Noon with a look at The MMBC’s collection of navigation artefacts.

About Your Guide:

Bill Noon spent 38 years in the Canadian Coast Guard, which was a career with many significant highlights, including the salvage of the cruise ship “Clipper Adventurer” in the Canadian Arctic, and as Master of CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier in the searches and subsequent discovery of the Franklin expedition ships Erebus and Terror).

Bill presently chairs the Victoria Classic Boat festival after 35 years of involvement with the festival. He is a long-standing member and past skipper of the Thermopylae Club of Victoria, named after the famous China clipper.

He is a 40-year member of the MMBC, having served previously six years on the board of trustees and is one of the MMBC Beaver Medal recipients for his contribution to maritime heritage on the BC Coast.

Bill is currently working on an ongoing 20-year project of restoring and cruising aboard the 75-year-old mission boat Messenger III.

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Participants should meet in the lobby of 4000 Seymour Place at 1 pm on Friday, Jan. 31st. The tour will take place from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

Tours are limited to six participants and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Register Here

Museum Tots - Life in the Harbour
2025-02-01 10:30 - 11:15

Snow Closure
2025-02-04 00:00 - 23:59
For the safety of staff, volunteers, and visitors, we are closed today due to inclement weather.

Closure
2025-02-06 09:30 - 13:00
The museum will be closed this morning so that all staff may participate in professional development activities.

Museum Tots - Valentine's Day
2025-02-08 10:30 - 11:15
