Best Museums in Bowen Island

"Just because Vancouver is surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning natural beauty doesn’t mean you should come to expect nothing beautiful indoors too. The city’s Art Gallery, located in downtown Vancouver, is home to over 10,000 art pieces, ranging from Canadian and British paintings to the photographic works of artists like Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Guided tours are always available, but for something both interactive and slightly different, try to make it for a FUSE event, where DJ’s and artists perform throughout the galleries from 8 pm to 1 am."

"Founded in 1931, the permanent collection of the gallery consists of 11.000 artworks including over 200 works by Emily Carr, The Group of Seven, Jeff Wall, Harry Callahan and Marc Chagall. The gallery hosts regular touring exhibits and lectures, it is home to a gift shop and a cute cafe. On Tuesday evenings from 5 to 9 pm admission is by donation."

"The Vancouver Art Gallery is a small but mighty gallery filled with cool exhibits that switch up every so often. Grab some clean shots with the art deco-style interior, or snap some photos of the artwork. It’s located in downtown Vancouver, and Tuesday evenings are pay-what-you-can by donation!"

"Just over the bridge is Kitsilano, Vancouver’s original hippy enclave with a bustling beach, shopping thoroughfare, and attractions like the Museum of Vancouver and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Celebrating diversity and the arts, Vancouver has a festival calendar that is bursting with exciting events, and tonight, you’re going to experience one for yourself!. Whether you’re catching a documentary screening, stand-up comedy, fringe theatre, an Asian food market or a jazz performance, these events speak to our very Canadian trait of embracing our diversity."

"The Museum of Vancouver in Vanier Park focuses on the city’s history from the First Nations until today. It houses an extensive collection of First Nations artwork and artefacts, and permanent exhibitions include 1930s-1940s: Boom, Bust and War; 1960s-1970s: You Say You Want a Revolution; and Neon Vancouver | Ugly Vancouver. The museum’s mission is to inspire “a deeper understanding of Vancouver through stories, objects and shared experiences."

"For all things truly Vancouver; including the past, present, and future, head over to the Museum of Vancouver. Here, you can learn all there is to know about the city, starting from the ancient times and lifestyles of the Musqueam people up to present-day city life in Vancouver. Located in the scenic area of Vanier Park, the museum is easily accessible from downtown and one of the best places to see in Vancouver on a rainy day."

"If you are looking forward to knowing about the maritime history of Vancouver then you should pay a visit to the Vancouver Maritime Museum in Canada. It is one of the oldest history museums in Vancouver and you must go through its collection. Vancouver Maritime Museum has galleries of model ships that are made of paper and cardboard."

"Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/marianne_h/3579842317/sizes/o/. In 1944, the RCMP St Roch was in its prime and has since become a famous vessel in Canada. Its last sail found itself mooring in Vancouver, where it is now permanently on display at the Vancouver Maritime Museum."

"In the West End, visitors and residents alike will find the restored heritage house that is the Roedde House Museum. Constructed in 1893 for the city’s first bookbinder, Gustav Roedde, and his family, the late Victorian home has 11 rooms that reflect their everyday life, with period pieces (including some from the Roedde family) and artefacts, some of which guests may carefully handle. The museum also hosts various events throughout the year."

"Uniquely restored heritage house in the heart of the West End of Vancouver. Built in 1893, Roedde House is the former home of Gustav Roedde, the city’s first bookbinder. Tour the Museum’s eleven rooms, faithfully restored with artifacts and period pieces to reflect the day-to-day life of a middle class, immigrant family at the turn of the 19th century."

"Museum of Anthropology at UBC: An informative museum highlighting The First Nations of Canada. Kitsilano Beach: An excellent place to relax with scenic views of Vancouver. You can also swim here when the weather is warm."

"On June 13, 1886, there was the Great Vancouver Fire, which took many buildings with it. The Hastings Mill Store was left untouched, leaving it to be Vancouver's oldest building. It wasn't originally at this location, but was built in Gastown and was saved from demolition and put on a barge to it's current location."

"The oldest building that is still surviving in Vancouver is the Hastings Mill Store. It was once located on the South shore of the Burrard Inlet. Built in 1865 and dedicated to Captain Edward Stamp, Hastings Mill Store was used as a sawmill company under Edward’s possession."

"This gallery, in the heart of downtown Vancouver is dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art and honours Haida artist, Bill Reid and his contribution to the art world. Bill Reid was a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor and acclaimed writer. The Bill Reid Gallery is a small, intimate museum with exhibits presented with video interviews and insights."

"Photo courtesy of Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (Facebook). Bill Reid is a national treasure and is known as a very talented Haida master goldsmith, sculptor, writer, carver and spokesman. Though his life ended in 1998, his legacy lives on in the small gallery in downtown Vancouver."

"Check out the First Nations art galleries for something beautiful to take home Find the Steam Clock and the statue of 'Gassy' Jack Deighton"

"Lotus Seed is one of the best vegan restaurants in Vancouver thanks to its fresh and healthy menu of local and organic bites. Highlights include meatless ball sandwiches, pho, almond alfredo spaghetti, vegan benedict and vegan sushi. There’s something here for all times of the day, as well as fantastic juices."

"Location: #180 – 3665 Kingsway, Vancouver (Metrotown)Category: Asian FusianDescription: A newer restaurant in Burnaby that features healthy, fresh food. They have a smaller menu (to ensure quality & freshness) that has hearty Pho, baked burritos, sushi, Thai Curry and more.Website: www.lotusseed.ca"

"Lotus Seed Vegan is an unassuming restaurant on West Broadway near Cambie Street. Their food is simple, but homey and comforting. I like ordering their vegan pho when I want a light and healthy broth."

"The lowdown: Owners Sienna Gan and Vicki Chen opened up shop in September to long lineups ravenous for one thing: their light-as-air Japanese soufflé pancakes, which are hand-whisked with heaps of cloudy egg white and griddled in the open kitchen. Must-order: It’s all about the jiggle if you order a classic stack of three pancakes with a side of salty butter and pure maple syrup—shake that plate for a tasty Instagram boomerang of the cakes in motion. But also: If you crave savoury over sweet, visit on a weekend because that’s when the eggs benedict and smoked salmon and avocado plate (yes, both served atop pancakes) are added to the menu."

"Fufú Classic Soufflé Pancake with butter, maple syrup, and ‘fufu’ icing sugar (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive). Vancouver’s first all-souffle pancake spot had to be on our list of must-try pancake joints. Fufú offers made-to-order pancakes in sweet and savoury varieties with toppings from local purveyors and housemade sauces too."

"Fresh and jiggly, these sweet and savoury sensations are sure to please the kids!. Fufú Café is Vancouver’s first spot to exclusively feature these decadent, buttery, airy delicacy, Japanese soufflé pancakes. Dine out menus include a hot latte, fresh fruit soda, or tea, a mini strawberry sando and decadent pancake stack."

"Lined with logs for the sun spectators, this is the place to reflect on the day and take a few photos of some of the most vibrant sunsets you’ll probably ever see in your life. Sunset Beach Park is also home to an interesting art piece called Engagement, a 30 foot sculpture of two wedding rings. These were created by world famous artist Dennis Oppenheim, as part of the Vancouver Biennale."

"Sunset Beach is a popular destination, especially in the summer, but the green space behind the beach is equally as popular with locals looking for a place to play a game of soccer, meet friends and soak up the sunshine. Grab a drink from the concession stand and spread out on the grass - on a very hot day you might see someone bringing a slip N slide for everyone to slide down the hill."

"Sunset Beach Park does not put its name to shame, and the stunning sunsets you’ll see here while chatting with a friend over a few bites or brews will be worth the wait. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Kritsada Akkhapracha (@fedexfc)"