What to do and see in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island: The Best Museums

Nanaimo Museum: Discover Nanaimo’s fascinating history in our museum located in the VI Conference Centre. The main gallery offers a sense of what life was like for Nanaimo's earliest settlers and the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Our award winning replica coal mine is a special treat. The museum also manages the Bastion, an original Hudson's Bay Company post built in 1853. Don’t miss the gift shop! Museum Hours (Fall/Winter/Spring): 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday Summer 2020 Hours: Open Wens-Sun 10am-4pm See our website for up-to-date COVID-19 modifications to hours and admission!

Nanaimo Art Gallery is located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The Gallery enhances the cultural environment of Vancouver Island, serving a regional population base of approximately 225,000, through exhibitions, education, and outreach that encourages active public involvement with the visual arts. The Gallery presents a program of excellent exhibitions by professional contemporary artists and dynamic public programs that explore exhibition themes in the gallery and in the community. The Gallery maintains a growing collection of art and holds works by significant artists from British Columbia. We connect with over 12,500 children across three school districts each year through TD Artists in the Schools, and operate The Gallery Store which features unique, high-quality, locally made objects, and contributes to the livelihood of artists in our region.

Golden Otter Gallery features a curated collection of art that reflects our shared Island values of conservation and respect for nature. Here one can find a place where they can support local artists in the acquisition of original, locally made artwork for their homes. The owners’ love and respect for nature comes across in their pieces, designed to be appealing to all manner of animal enthusiasts, from hikers to hunters to conservationists. Featured artists Nicholas McMaster and Kara Dee Harrison both enjoy painting animals, and recently completed a series of 1.5 by 8 feet tall pieces that greet visitors as they enter the gallery. Nick’s paintings are complimented by three dimensional busts of land and aquatic animals, some with their habitats sculpted right into the piece. Kara explores the third dimension with collage pieces featuring hand cut wooden figures, and enjoys using thick glossy finishes. She is currently preparing a series of pieces featuring sharks, fish, and other marine animals. Agnes Gnutek's insect and bone displays capture natural scenes in glass frames and globes. Watching her meticulously prepare and present her pieces is unlike anything you’ve seen.