Beaty Biodiversity Museum

Getting to the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, located on the University of British Columbia campus, takes a little foresight but brings a world-class experience. Spring and fall serve up smaller crowds and a vibrant campus atmosphere, while school holidays draw more families. The striking blue whale skeleton—visibly suspended above the entrance—signals a memorable day. Lines move quickly, but it’s wise to check hours and book ahead for guided tours or educational programs.

• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings in spring or fall for fewer visitors and comfortable weather
• How to get there: Convenient access by city bus (routes 4, 14, 99 or 25) or parking in designated campus lots; cycling routes are available as well
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly building; strollers permitted (elevators to all exhibit areas)
• Average visit duration: 1.5–2 hours for main exhibits; longer if joining a tour or family activity

First impressions count, and none make more of an impact than the museum’s highlight: a 26-meter blue whale skeleton, hanging sleek and silent right above the entrance walkway. This iconic exhibit sets the stage for an immersive journey through five centuries of natural history, with collections spanning mammals, birds, plants, fossils, and more. Every room reveals a new surprise. Visitors linger at interactive stations, peer into drawers packed with specimens, and marvel at strange creatures like deep-sea fish and birds from distant islands.

• Blue Whale Skeleton: Canada’s largest blue whale exhibit, visible from inside and outside the glass atrium
• Herbarium: An immense archive of plant samples from British Columbia and beyond, open for exploration
• Curiosity Cabinets: Rows of drawers hiding rare fossils, dazzling insects, and unexpected oddities from the animal world
• Beaty Boxes: Popular with kids and adults alike, these hands-on displays offer tactile learning moments
• Photo-worthy spots: The blue whale display, the light-filled atrium, and the playful Pacific Spirit Courtyard garden
• Cultural note: The museum’s collections trace back over 100 years, first launched by early Vancouver scientists eager to document West Coast biodiversity