Are you fascinated by the sea and maritime history? These are the top maritime museums in Canada
1Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père
RimouskiThe 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. 2Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
HalifaxThe 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. 3Naval Museum of Québec
Quebec CityThe 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. 4Vancouver Maritime Museum
VancouverThe 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. 5The Military Museums
CalgaryThe 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. 6S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
WhitehorseThe 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. 7HMCS
HalifaxThe 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. 8Moyie Sternwheeler-National Historic Site
KasloThe 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. 9Gulf of Georgia Cannery
RichmondThe 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. 10Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
KingstonThe 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. 11Shearwater Aviation Museum
ShearwaterThe 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. 12Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site
BrigusHawthorne 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. 13Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
LunenburgThe 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. 14Port Burwell Marine Museum & Historic Lighthouse
Port BurwellThe 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. 15Marine Museum of Manitoba
SelkirkThe 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. 16Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
St. John'sCape 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. 17Battle of Restigouche National Historic Site
ListugujThe 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. 18Wallaceburg and District Museum
WallaceburgThe 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. 19Point Amour Lighthouse
L'Anse AmourThe 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. 20Canadian Canoe Museum
PeterboroughThe 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. 21Peterborough Lift Lock Visitors Centre
PeterboroughThe 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. 22Sault Ste. Marie Museum
Sault Sainte Marie 23CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
EsquimaltCFB 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
The Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing
BrockvilleThe 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 25Churchill House
HantsportChurchill 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
Saint-Laurent Maritime Park
Saint-Laurent-de-l'Île-d'OrléansA small museum that introduces you into the traditional way of shipbuilding. It is a very friendly and inspiring place.