The Maritime Museum of BC

Fabric Printmaking Workshop
2025-06-21 13:30 - 15:30, 2025-05-10 13:30 - 15:30 (America/Vancouver) | 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

Museum Tots - Clam Gardens
2025-06-21 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.

Salty Sundays: Paper Weaving Cards
2025-06-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-11 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.

Sensory-Friendly Hours
2025-06-15 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-06-08 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-06-01 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-25 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-18 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-11 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-04 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.

Museum Tots - Steamships
2025-06-14 10:30 - 11:15 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada

Salty Sundays: Collage Bookmarks
2025-06-08 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!

Community Day
2025-06-08 09:30 - 16:30
Celebrate World Oceans Day and Ocean Week Victoria with us! The Maritime Museum of BC will be open with admission by donation all day long.

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
2025-06-07 14:00 - 15:15, 2025-05-17 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.

Museum Tots - Explore the Reef
2025-06-07 10:30 - 11:15 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada

Exhibit Opening: Travelling the Alberni Inlet
2025-06-06 00:00 - 23:59 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Before road networks reached the region in the 1950s, the Alberni Inlet served as a lifeline for communities between Port Alberni and the coast, transporting people, goods, and resources.

Travelling the Alberni Inlet highlights the enduring importance of 20th-century maritime transportation from the age of steamships to the present day. Central to the exhibit is a focus on the vessels, including the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Princess Maquinna and the 1958-built MV Frances Barkley, the latter of which continues to serve remote communities along the inlet to this day.

And that’s not all…

Also on view: Under 60 Tons, a documentary-style photo memoir by Reave Dennison that captures life aboard Pacific Northwest tugboats. Shot over nine years on 35mm film and hand-processed, these images reveal the grit, solitude, and raw beauty of coastal work.

Both exhibits run until November 2, 2025.

Closure: Exhibit Changeover
2025-06-02 00:00 - 2025-06-05 23:59
The Maritime Museum of BC will be closed to the public for our exhibit changeover.

We will reopen on 6 June, 2025 with our brand new exhibit.

Salty Sundays: Linocut Printmaking Workshop
2025-06-01 14:00 - 16:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Join us for an educational and creative drop-in program where participants can create linocut bookmark or postcard prints, while learning about Salish Sea animals and their ecosystems.

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

Anyone ages 10+ is welcome to carve a stamp, and younger participants can make a bookmark or postcard with a pre-carved stamp!

This program is included in admission or membership, and does not require registration.

Ocean Week Victoria - Family Intertidal Exploration
2025-06-01 13:00 - 14:30 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Join us to kick off Ocean Week Victoria with a casual intertidal exploration to get an up-close visit with our weird, wacky, and wonderful coastal neighbours! Then consider the complex balance between non-living and living (including humans!) in healthy ecosystems, explore the impact of weather and climate disturbances, and discuss how we, as a community, can make positive and impactful choices in our everyday lives.

Meet Your Instructor, Stephanie Chong:For over 16 years, environmental educator Stephanie Chong (she/her) has coordinated learning and education opportunities at museums and science centres in Canada and the United States. She believes strongly in encouraging curiosity, a joy of being outdoors, and a communal understanding of environmental responsibility. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her wandering around the intertidal zone looking for wiggly creatures. Stephanie is originally from the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations (“Vancouver”) and has been fortunate to call the traditional territories of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples her home for the past three years.

Register Here

Last day to see The Marine Art of John Horton: From Nine to Ninety exhibit
2025-06-01 00:00 - 23:59 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada

Museum Tots - Bird is the Word
2025-05-31 10:30 - 11:15 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada

Museum Tots - Go For Gold! (Rushes)
2025-05-24 10:30 - 11:15 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada

Salty Sundays: Rope Keychains
2025-05-18 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+.

Museum Tots - Deep Sea Discoveries
2025-05-17 10:30 - 11:15 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada

Community Day
2025-05-16 09:30 - 16:30
Start your long weekend off on the right foot by joining us at the Maritime Museum of BC for a drop-in craft – Collage Buttons! Take inspiration from the maritime scenes of John Horton’s artworks displayed in the gallery, collage a design from recycled materials, and turn it into a wearable button! You’ll make a new piece of hardware to show of your creativity and passions, along with your love of the ocean.

Materials will be provided, but if you have personal materials such as small photos, letters, or other paper material that you would like to incorporate into the collages, please bring them along. Everyone will leave with one 6cm button to attach to your favourite bag, tote or coat!

As part of our monthly Community Days, admission to the museum on May 16th , as well as participation in this program, are by donation. Drop in anytime from 10:30am to 3:30pm to make your button. The Museum is open 9:30am to 4:30pm.

Museum Tots - Sharks
2025-05-10 10:30 - 11:15 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada

Salty Sundays: Artefact Interpretation
2025-05-04 14:00 - 16:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Do you know what a lead line is? Have you ever tried using a fid? What about a 1930s compass? Join us at the Maritime Museum to see, touch and learn about all of these interesting artefacts from our collection and more! Free with admission – drop in and start learning!
