Robert WebbFun fact! The Vancouver Police Museum actually used to be a functioning autopsy facility! This fascinating museum offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of law enforcement in Vancouver.
Whether you’re a history buff intrigued by crime or a resident interested in learning = about the city’s law enforcement heritage, read our guide to discover what makes the Police Museum a must-visit attraction in the city.
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- How to Get to the Police Museum in Vancouver
- Where to Stay near the Police Museum in Vancouver
- Where to Eat near the Police Museum in Vancouver
- What to Do in the Police Museum in Vancouver
- Where to Shop near the Police Museum in Vancouver
- Apps to Download for a Trip to the Police Museum in Vancouver
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to the Police Museum in Vancouver is between April and October, as this is when regular tours are scheduled in the museum.
It’s not your usual touristy spot, which is nice because there aren’t crowds, allowing you to really take your time and get a better understanding and respect for Vancouver’s police force.
Things to Know
Tickets
Tickets to the Police Museum in Vancouver do not require pre-booked time-slots, so you can purchase them upon arrival at the museum. Here are the price list for admission:
| Adult | $13.50 |
| Senior (65+) | $12.00 |
| Student (w/ ID) | $12.00 |
| Youth (5-18 yrs) | $10.00 |
| Family (2 adult/2 youth) | $35.00 |
However, if you want to make sure you have guaranteed entry on a busy day, it is recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance.
Hours
The museum welcomes visitors from Thursdays to Saturdays, operating between 10am and 5pm. However, it remains closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and public holidays.
Parking
The Vancouver Police Museum is in downtown Vancouver, between Gastown and Chinatown. Now, the museum doesn’t really have its own parking lot, but there are several paid parking options nearby.
These paid parking spots are located along nearby streets, such as Powell, Cordova, Hastings, Keefer, Columbia, and E Georgia Street. To find and pay for paid parking, you can do just that through BestParking.
How to Get to the Police Museum in Vancouver
By car: head northeast on Hornby Street toward W Georgia Street and take a right onto W Hastings. From there, turn left on Granville Street and a right onto W Cordova Street. The museum would be on your right.
By public transit: Hop aboard the 007 Bus towards Nanaimo Station. Once you’re at E Cordova Street, the museum is a 1-minute walk away.
Where to Stay near the Police Museum in Vancouver
Skwachàys Lodge Indigenous Hotel
Address: 31 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1R3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-687-3589
Pricing: $$
Skwachàys Lodge Indigenous Hotel boasts stunning decor, featuring indigenous themes throughout the lobby and common areas, adorned with original artworks that captivate the eye.
Conveniently located just an 11-minute stroll from the Vancouver Police Museum, it offers easy access to cultural exploration.
You can unwind in the cozy lounge area complete with a fireplace or make use of the communal kitchen facilities. Additionally, the hotel offers a unique rooftop smudge room adorned with hand-painted murals.
The Cambie Hostel
Address: 310 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-684-6466
Pricing: $
The Cambie Gastown stands as a well-known backpackers hostel nestled in the heart of Vancouver. Offering budget-friendly accommodations, it exudes a vibrant party atmosphere, situated above a lively pub hosting events every night.
Given its affordability and prime location, The Cambie Gastown is often regarded as the most economical hostel option in the city.
Delta Hotels by Marriott
Address: 550 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-689-8188
Pricing: $$
Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites is conveniently situated near the beach, offering guests easy access to the vibrant Downtown Vancouver area.
The rooms here have custom beds and all the basics. But if you upgrade to a suite, you get access to the club lounge and free breakfast. Inside, there’s an informal restaurant, lounge, fitness center, and meeting rooms.
Victorian Hotel
Address: 514 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2V6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-681-6369
Pricing: $
The Victorian Hotel offers a truly unique accommodation experience right in the heart of Vancouver. Dating back to its construction in 1898, the property seamlessly blends historical charm with modern amenities.
The original brickwork adds character to the hotel, while the rooms feature cozy sitting areas, providing an inviting space to relax and unwind.
Situated in a prime location, the hotel offers convenient access to the downtown core, with most attractions and amenities within walking distance.
St. Regis Hotel
Address: 602 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1Y6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-681-1135
Pricing: $
Nestled in Vancouver’s vibrant business district, The St. Regis Hotel is a boutique gem housed within a heritage building. Each room exudes an artistic flair, boasting art-deco inspired decor and furnishings.
The hotel serves as a perfect home base for exploring downtown Vancouver on foot. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast included in the room rates and indulge in a satisfying meal at the reasonably priced pub located downstairs.
Where to Eat near the Police Museum in Vancouver
The Mackenzie Room
Address: 415 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1G7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-253-0705
Pricing: $$$
Nestled in the heart of Railtown, the Mackenzie Room stands as a modern farm-to-table restaurant, offering delectable American cuisine in a rustic-chic setting.
One standout dish we highly recommend is the “Char Char binks,” a cleverly named arctic char dish. It’s truly a culinary delight, boasting exceptional flavor and incredibly tender texture.
Ask For Luigi
Address: 305 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1C4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-428-2544
Pricing: $$
At Ask For Luigi, you’ll discover a cozy and inviting Italian-inspired restaurant, renowned for its fresh, handmade pasta dishes.
The burrata is an absolute standout, offering an exquisite culinary experience. While we initially felt too full to indulge in the recommended accompanying focaccia, we couldn’t resist, and we’re glad we didn’t.
PiDGiN
Address: 350 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-620-9400
Pricing: $$$
PiDGiN is a delightful Asian-French fusion restaurant renowned for its innovative takes on both cuisines, paired with expertly crafted cocktails. With a Michelin recommendation, it’s no surprise that it’s garnered acclaim.
For those opting for individual dishes, we can’t recommend the scallop and bison dish highly enough! While the prices may lean towards the higher end, we firmly believe it’s worth every penny and the wait.
Pizza Coming Soon
Address: 179 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-558-4900
Pricing: $$
Pizza Coming Soon offers a delightful fusion of Japanese bar culture in a vibrant and contemporary setting. With draft beer, whisky, and sake on offer, it’s the perfect spot for a memorable evening.
From the moment you step inside, the eclectic and colorful decor captivates, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
We were particularly impressed with their special sashimi dish, as well as their classic butter yaki Udon—both highly recommended choices for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Kissa Tanto
Address: 263 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T8, Canada
Phone: +1 778-379-8078
Pricing: $$$
Nestled in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighborhood, Kissa Tanto offers a unique fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisines, all set within the ambiance of a Japanese jazz club, complete with a neon sign to beckon guests inside.
The menu at Kissa Tanto boasts a tantalizing array of flavors and textures, but our standout favorite was the charcoal pasta paired with duck breast. The pasta exhibited a delightful bounce, while the duck was incredibly tender.
What to Do in the Police Museum in Vancouver
Discover Canada’s Sherlock Holmes
Address: 240 E Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1L3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-665-3346
This exhibit features John Fleming Cullen Brown Vance, often dubbed as Canada’s Sherlock Holmes. He dedicated 42 years to forensic work, unraveling some of the most notorious murders of 20th-century Canada.
His techniques proved so successful that he faced multiple assassination attempts. It’s a fascinating peek into 1930s Vancouver, a time marked by high unemployment, poverty, and rampant crime.
Learn about Vancouver’s Most Notorious Crimes
Address: 240 E Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1L3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-665-3346
In one of the museum’s standout exhibits, True Crime, you get to delve into the chilling cases that have gripped Vancouver over the years.
Here, you’ll encounter original crime scene evidence, rare photographs, and comprehensive details about each event, including the investigative techniques employed to solve them.
It’s a captivating journey through Vancouver’s darker history, offering insight into the city’s past crimes and the efforts to bring justice to those affected.
Explore the History of Guns
Address: 240 E Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1L3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-665-3346
This exhibit delves into the complexities surrounding the use and depiction of guns in media, movies, and the press. It offers a fascinating exploration of how shifting cultural and political movements have shaped society’s perceptions of firearms.
We found the exhibit particularly intriguing, as it provides valuable insights into the evolving attitudes towards guns and the impact of these changes on societal norms.
Look at the Life of Those Who Served
Address: 240 E Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1L3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-665-3346
The “Never Forgotten” exhibit is a tribute to Vancouver’s municipal police force, honoring the fallen officers and service dogs who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Within this exhibit, you get to encounter carefully curated artifacts that illustrate how the legacies of these individuals endure, transcending time. It’s a powerful reminder of their service and sacrifice.
Take a Peek at the Historic 1912-1913 Mugshot Book
Address: 240 E Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1L3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-665-3346
This exhibit offers a captivating journey into Vancouver’s past, showcasing one of the city’s oldest mugshot books dating back to 1912-1913.
You’ll have the chance to explore some of the city’s earliest crimes and uncover stories rarely found in conventional histories.
Additionally, the exhibit sheds light on how mugshots were utilized in early criminal investigations. As a unique interactive feature, you can even take their own selfie mugshot.
Where to Shop near the Police Museum in Vancouver
Mounted Police Post
Address: 767 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6C 3S1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-605-5557
The Mounted Police Post proudly houses a remarkable collection of over 3,000 cloth badges and patches, gathered diligently over the course of 13 years.
This extensive assortment includes contributions from various parks, police departments, sports organizations, and more, spanning locations across the globe.
Foo Hung Curios
Address: 168 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-225-0055
Foo Hung Curios is a treasure trove of home goods, stationery, art, and jewelry, offering a modern twist on traditional items while spotlighting Chinese Canadian brands.
This boutique gift shop boasts a distinctive collection of Asian products. From plushies resembling Asian candies to bao steamers, candles evoking scents familiar to Asian households, and card games with Asian themes.
Canadian Crafts
Address: 1023 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-684-6629
Canadian Crafts stands as the longest-standing family-run souvenir gift shop along Robson Street, proudly offering an exclusive array of items that celebrate the vibrant culture of Canada.
Their shelves are stocked with a diverse range of Canadian souvenirs, including maple tea, maple syrup, maple cookies, wild salmon packages, and much more.
District Factory Outlet
Address: 620 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3K4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-688-8613
District Factory Outlet, situated near the bustling Robson Street shopping area, offers a wide variety of affordable souvenirs, making it a popular destination for budget-conscious shoppers.
From 5 t-shirts for CAD 20 to mugs, keychains, and even factory rejects sold at discounted prices, the store provides an array of options for purchasing gifts and mementos.
017 Shop
Address: 100-535 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2Z4, Canada
Phone: +1 778-379-1017
If you’re searching for unique urban streetwear pieces, look no further than 017 Shop. Offering collections for both men and women, the store is a haven for fashion-forward individuals.
You can elevate your wardrobe with the latest trends in bags, shoes, and jewelry sourced from Asia and beyond.
Apps to Download for a Trip to the Police Museum in Vancouver
PayByPhone: pay for parking spots in the city.
Transit: real-time information and updates about bus times, bus capacity predictions, and real time vehicle locations.
Uber: book a ride anywhere in Vancouver. Let’s you track the driver’s location in real-time on the app and provide an estimated time of arrival.
iOs | Android
Street Food Vancouver App: locate the best food trucks in Vancouver near you.
iOs | Android
