All maritime museums to visit in Canada

Set sail on a journey through maritime history at 26 maritime museums in Canada. These museums showcase the history of seafaring, shipbuilding, and naval exploration.

Are you fascinated by the sea and maritime history? These are the top maritime museums in Canada

  1. Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père1

    Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père

     Rimouski
    The Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père, located in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada, is a maritime museum that showcases 200 years of maritime history. This museum provides a comprehensive overview of the maritime past, making it an ideal destination for those interested in learning about the history of seafaring in Canada.
  2. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic2

    Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

     Halifax
    The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, situated in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest maritime museum in Canada. It boasts a vast collection of over 30,000 artifacts, providing a comprehensive insight into the maritime history of the region.
  3. Naval Museum of Québec3

    Naval Museum of Québec

     Quebec City
    The Naval Museum of Quebec, also known as the Stanislas-Déry Naval Museum, is a unique institution located in the Old Port at 170 Dalhousie Street. It is the only museum in the Quebec region dedicated to naval history, making it a distinctive destination for those interested in maritime heritage.
  4. Vancouver Maritime Museum4

    Vancouver Maritime Museum

     Vancouver
    The Vancouver Maritime Museum is a unique institution that is dedicated to showcasing the maritime history of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and the Canadian Arctic. It provides a comprehensive view of the region's maritime past, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history and maritime affairs.
  5. The Military Museums5

    The Military Museums

     Calgary
    The Military Museums in Calgary, Alberta, is a restructured version of the former Museum of the Regiments. This transformation was announced by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, on June 3, 2006. The museum now includes the former Museum of the Regiments, the relocated Naval Museum of Alberta, and an Air Force Wing.
  6. S.S. Klondike National Historic Site6

    S.S. Klondike National Historic Site

     Whitehorse
    The SS Klondike refers to two sternwheelers, with the second one now serving as a National Historic Site in Whitehorse, Yukon. These sternwheelers were used to transport freight between Whitehorse and Dawson City along the Yukon River. The second SS Klondike, which is the one tourists can visit today, is an almost exact replica of the first one and was in operation from 1937 to 1950.
  7. HMCS7

    HMCS

     Halifax
    The HMCS Sackville (K181) is a significant piece of Canadian naval history. It served as a Flower-class corvette in the Royal Canadian Navy and later as a civilian research vessel. Today, it stands as a museum ship in Halifax, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
  8. Moyie Sternwheeler-National Historic Site8

    Moyie Sternwheeler-National Historic Site

     Kaslo
    The Moyie is recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada and holds the distinction of being the world's oldest intact passenger sternwheeler. This recognition underscores the vessel's historical significance and its contribution to Canada's maritime heritage.
  9. Gulf of Georgia Cannery9

    Gulf of Georgia Cannery

     Richmond
    The Gulf of Georgia Cannery is a National Historic Site of Canada, situated in the charming town of Steveston, British Columbia. This former fish cannery, built in 1894, now serves as a fishing museum, offering a unique glimpse into the region's rich maritime history. It was once the largest cannery in British Columbia, known as the 'Monster Cannery', and in 1897, over 2.5 million cans of salmon were manually packed here.
  10. Marine Museum of the Great Lakes10

    Marine Museum of the Great Lakes

     Kingston
    The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes is a small yet significant museum that focuses on the marine history of the Great Lakes. It has been recognized as a national historic site of Canada since 1978, marking its importance in the country's cultural and historical landscape. The museum offers a unique insight into the maritime history of the region, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history, maritime affairs, or the Great Lakes themselves.
  11. Shearwater Aviation Museum11

    Shearwater Aviation Museum

     Shearwater
    The Shearwater Aviation Museum is situated at CFB Shearwater in Shearwater, Nova Scotia. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the history of Canadian maritime military aviation. The museum is dedicated to acquiring, conserving, organizing, researching, and interpreting artifacts and documents that exemplify this rich history, making it a fascinating destination for both Canadian Forces personnel and the general public.
  12. Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site12

    Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site

     Brigus
    Hawthorne Cottage is a National Historic Site situated in the picturesque town of Brigus, Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a part of the national park system and is managed by Parks Canada, the national park service. This historic site offers a unique glimpse into the past and is a significant part of Canada's cultural heritage.
  13. Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic13

    Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

     Lunenburg
    The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, located in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada, operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. This timing is crucial for tourists planning their visit to the museum. The seasonal operation ensures that visitors get the best experience, with all the museum's features and attractions fully operational.
  14. Port Burwell Marine Museum & Historic Lighthouse14

    Port Burwell Marine Museum & Historic Lighthouse

     Port Burwell
    The Port Burwell Marine Museum and Historic Lighthouse is a significant historical site located in Port Burwell, Ontario, Canada. It offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the time when Port Burwell was a thriving shipbuilding community. The museum and lighthouse are situated at the mouth of the Big Otter Creek on Lake Erie, providing a picturesque setting for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  15. Marine Museum of Manitoba15

    Marine Museum of Manitoba

     Selkirk
    The Marine Museum of Manitoba, located in Selkirk, was founded in 1972 with the aim of collecting ships, artifacts, and objects related to navigation. The museum's mission is to narrate the history of the development and use of transport on Lake Winnipeg and the Red River. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the maritime history of the region.
  16. Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site16

    Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

     St. John's
    Cape Spear, located on the Avalon Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland, holds the distinction of being the easternmost point of Canada and North America. This geographical significance makes it a unique destination for visitors who want to experience the edge of the continent. The site is conveniently located near the capital city of Saint John, making it easily accessible for tourists.
  17. Battle of Restigouche National Historic Site17

    Battle of Restigouche National Historic Site

     Listuguj
    The Battle of Restigouche holds a unique place in history as it was the last battle between British and French warships in North America during the French and Indian War. This fact adds to the historical significance of the Battle of Restigouche National Historic Site.
  18. Wallaceburg and District Museum18

    Wallaceburg and District Museum

     Wallaceburg
    The Wallaceburg and District Museum is situated in the town of Wallaceburg in Southern Ontario. It is conveniently located just a half-block away from the banks of the Sydenham River, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.
  19. Point Amour Lighthouse19

    Point Amour Lighthouse

     L'Anse Amour
    The Point Amour Lighthouse, completed in 1857, is situated on Point Amour in southern Labrador, Canada. It is conveniently located near L'Anse Amour, making it easily accessible for visitors. This historic lighthouse stands as a testament to the maritime history of the region.
  20. Canadian Canoe Museum20

    Canadian Canoe Museum

     Peterborough
    The Canadian Canoe Museum, situated in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of the culture and history of the canoe. The museum's mission is deeply rooted in the significance of the canoe in Canadian history and its influence on the nation's development. Visitors to the museum can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the canoe's role in shaping Canada's cultural and historical landscape.
  21. Peterborough Lift Lock Visitors Centre21

    Peterborough Lift Lock Visitors Centre

     Peterborough
    The Peterborough Lift Lock, located in Ontario, Canada, is a significant engineering marvel. It serves as a boat lift and Lock 21 on the Trent-Severn Waterway. The lock is designed to compensate for a height difference of 19.8 meters, making it a unique and impressive structure. It was built by Richard Birdsall Rogers and inaugurated on July 9, 1904, and at the time, it was the largest work of its kind ever accomplished.
  22. Sault Ste. Marie Museum22

    Sault Ste. Marie Museum

     Sault Sainte Marie
  23. CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum23

    CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum

     Esquimalt
    CFB Esquimalt is a comprehensive facility with a range of different areas. These include Naden (formerly HMCS Naden), His Majesty's Canadian (HMC) Dockyard Esquimalt, the Fleet Maintenance Facility – Cape Breton (FMF CB), a Fire Fighting and Damage Control School, and the Naval Officer Training Centre (NOTC) Venture. The base also provides extensive housing, including 716 married quarters for personnel, spread across nine sites such as Belmont Park, WorkPoint, and Royal Roads.
  24. 24

    The Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing

     Brockville
    The Aquatarium is a registered not-for-profit charity who’s mission it is to inspire curiosity through enriching and entertaining experiences. The AQ offers a full range of exhibits for all ages as guests are encouraged to experience life in the 1000 Islands region. Visitors will see many species of
  25. Churchill House25

    Churchill House

     Hantsport
    Churchill House, located in Hantsport, Nova Scotia, is a historic house and community centre. This well-preserved structure was built in 1860 and today serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. It's a significant part of the local history, having been built by the renowned shipbuilder Ezra Churchill for his son John Wiley Churchill.
  26. 26

    Saint-Laurent Maritime Park

     Saint-Laurent-de-l'Île-d'Orléans
    A small museum that introduces you into the traditional way of shipbuilding. It is a very friendly and inspiring place.