Salty Sundays: Rope Keychains
2025-09-14 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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+.

Museum Tots - Lighthouses
2025-09-20 10:30 - 11:15 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
This drop-in weekly program introduces children ages 3–5 to the exciting world of museum learning! Each session features a new theme, engaging little learners through crafts, play, songs, and movement.

No registration required.

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.

Fabric Printmaking Workshop
2025-09-20 13:30 - 15:30, 2025-10-18 13:30 - 15:30, 2025-11-08 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

Sensory-Friendly Hours
2025-09-21 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-28 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-05 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-12 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-19 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-28 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: Beaded Fish
2025-09-21 14:00 - 16:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Dive into this creative program inspired by the beautiful fish of British Columbia. Participants will explore the amazing diversity of native marine and freshwater fish, discover their importance to our ecosystems, and learn how to protect them. By the end, they will have a new appreciation for our fishy neighbours and a stylish beaded charm to take home.

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

This program is recommended for ages 8+.

Sound Like a Sailor Book Launch
2025-09-26 15:00 - 16:30 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
As this event is included in admission and free for members, there is no option to pre-book tickets. Simply join us in the MMBC gallery!

Returning to the Maritime Museum of BC gallery, author R. Bruce Macdonald launches Sound Like a Sailor (Harbour Publishing)! Join us on September 26 at 3 PM.

Lifelong sailor Bruce Macdonald knows a thing or two about the language of the sea and, in Sound Like a Sailor, he catalogues nautical terms and idioms that are used in the common vernacular. Delving deep into the colourful history behind each word or phrase, this alphabetical reference will help readers understand the maritime origins of our most ubiquitous expressions.

Discover how minding your p’s and q’s originates in how bartenders kept track of pints and quarts on sailors’ tabs, how “going berserk” calls up images of shirtless Vikings, and how the word “footloose” originally referred to an untethered sail flapping around like Kevin Bacon’s legs. And, as any superstitious sailor knows, it’s best to “cheat the devil” by having an arsenal of euphemisms at the ready when needed, as cursing is said to invite trouble aboard.

An essential book for boating enthusiasts and language buffs alike, Sound Like a Sailor is a windfall of fascinating linguistic information.

Museum Tots - Salmon Tales
2025-09-27 10:30 - 11:15
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.

Salty Sundays: Paper Weaving Cards
2025-09-28 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.

Museum Tots - Water Cycle
2025-10-04 10:30 - 11:15 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
2025-10-04 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-30 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-11-01 14:00 - 15:30 | 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.

Salty Sundays: Collage Bookmarks
2025-10-05 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 a bookmark that shows everyone your creativity and love for the planet!

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

Anyone of any age can join – no experience necessary!

Museum Tots - Sailor's Thanksgiving
2025-10-11 10:30 - 11:15

Salty Sundays: Watercolour Ink Workshop
2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Brush up on your local tree and forest knowledge in this educational and creative drop-in program. Participants will have the opportunity to create ink postcard paintings of misty, biodiverse coastal BC forest, while learning about these habitats and their connection to marine ecosystems.

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

Anyone of any age can join – no experience necessary!

This program is included in the price of admission and drop-in only, with no registration required.

Museum Closed
2025-10-13 00:00 - 23:59
The Maritime Museum of BC will be closed on Monday, October 13 for Thanksgiving.

We will reopen on Tuesday, October 14 at 9:30 AM.

We wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Museum Tots - All Aboard the Steamship
2025-10-18 10:30 - 11:15

Artists Aboard Showcase
2025-10-19 12:00 - 16:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
The 46th Classic Boat Festival in Victoria’s Inner Harbour is over, but it has been immortalized in maritime art by three talented local artists!

Our 2025 cohort of the Artists Aboard Program spent the Festival sketching and painting en plein air on the docks and aboard select vessels. See their work on public display on Sunday, October 19 in the Maritime Museum of BC gallery!

The showcase is included in admission and free with membership; join us at the MMBC on October 19 for a special afternoon to celebrate the artists.

Their festival works will be for sale—take home a Classic Boat memory to cherish forever.

Community Day: Spooky Sailor's Halloween
2025-10-24 08:30 - 16:30
Join us for a community day at the Maritime Museum of BC to celebrate the spooky season, Halloween, and come in from the chilly weather.

Admission to the museum will be by donation all day, from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Between 10:30am to 3:30pm that day, drop-in to celebrate Halloween and create your own spiderweb using weaving techniques and a small handmade spider! The activity takes about 15–30 minutes to complete, and all materials are provided.

No experience is needed, and all ages are welcome. You’re always welcome to stay longer. This program is free with admission.

We’ll also have a spooky scavenger hunt around the gallery, with candy prizes for everyone who takes part.

Costumes are encouraged!

Museum Tots - Spooky Sea Halloween
2025-10-25 10:30 - 11:15

Museum Tots - Artsy Animals
2025-11-01 10:30 - 11:15

Closure: Exhibit Changeover
2025-11-04 00:00 - 2025-11-06 23:59
The Maritime Museum of BC will be closed to the public for our exhibit changeover.

We will reopen on November 7 with our brand new exhibit, 1858: Black Routes, Black Roots.

Museum Tots - Remembrance
2025-11-08 10:30 - 11:15
