Reviews of Vancouver Island Military Museum (Museum)

Bruce Ward

Wasn't even aware that this Museum before taking a wrong turn down a street while in Nanaimo . So glad we did . This is a must see for Military ( ex and current) members and family's as well as the general public . It has a rich volume of history current and pass .

Meghan Jacques

The museum is a hidden jem in Nanaimo and a good stop for anyone interested in Canadian military history. The exhibits aim to connect general history with the personal stories of veterans from the west coast of Canada, which makes for a unique experience that can really make the history feel more accessible.

Emma D.

We were impressed! The museum looks small from the outside but it has a great display of the Canadian military history. The staff members are all volunteers. They were very friendly and knowledgeable. I wish the museum had a little gift shop.

Gary Phillips

Staffed by friendly volunteer veterans - excellent museum

Ana Gajic Duric

You have to see this gem if you are in Nanaimo. Mr. Greg walked my family and me through the war history that we were more than impressed. But he wasn't giving us the dates of battles; Mr. Greg was explaining us little things like: why cork helmets, why wide Navy pants, what Navy Blue or White bow on the Navy uniform means etc. Absolutely fantastic! Thanks to Mr. Greg and all volunteers!!!

Sparsic

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. The amount of historical artifacts and donated items make for an interesting tour.

Julian Worker

A fine museum. There is so much information to take in. I learned a lot including the reason for the Dieppe raid during WWII, the name of the man on whom Ian Fleming based James Bond, and that a Canadian took part in The Charge of the Light Brigade in 1854.

Albert Luk

For tourists it’s $4 entrance fee. Small but densely packed. Worthwhile visit. Could take about 1.5 hours if you read everything or 5 mins if you have ADD.

Kendra I.

The lawn was full of garbage. Told a wprker and he shrugged saying not his job

JEET BAIDWAN

Great

Ed B

(Translated) Undiscovered gem! Abundance of information and real military stuff! Real weapons, real rifles, military uniforms, decorations, flags, ammunition, etc. No replicas - all real !!! Including Canadian, US, British, Soviet, German Nazi things. Highly, highly recommend. If you look at Nanaimo, this is this museum! A very interesting place for lovers of military history. A bunch of medals, photos, military uniforms, weapons, real letters from the war. Yes, probably not to list everything! There is even a Christmas card signed by Hitler. The museum is small in area, but there are a lot of unique things in it. If not for the children, I would probably spend half a day there. And so I spent an hour. And still they missed a lot. The museum has war veterans, experienced army veterans who themselves went through all the hardships and vicissitudes of military service. By the way, admission for former military personnel is free. I, as a former soldier of the Soviet army, went completely free. And for the rest of the family he paid a ridiculous amount. (Original) Undiscovered gem! Abundance of information and real military stuff! Real weapons, real rifles, military uniforms, decorations, flags, ammunition, etc. No replicas - all real!!! Including Canadian, US, British, Soviet, German Nazi things. Highly, highly recommend. Если уж что и посмотреть в Нанаймо, так это именно этот музей! Очень интересное место для любителей военной истории. Куча медалей, фотографий, военная форма, оружие, настоящие письма с войны. Да наверное все и не перечислить! Есть даже рождественская открытка подписанная Гитлером. Музей небольшой по площади, но уникальных вещей в нем великое множество. Если бы не дети, я бы наверное там полдня провел бы. А так ме час потратили. И все равно очень много пропустили. В музее работают ветераны войны, опытные армейские ветераны, которые сами прошли через все невзгоды и перипетии военной службы. Кстати, вход для бывших военнослужащих бесплатный. Я, как бывший солдат советской армии прошел совсем бесплатно. А за всю остальную семью заплатил смехотворную сумму.

Chris Istace

Absolutely amazing curation of Canada’s historical past in regards to all military involvement including peacekeeping and the RCMP. Our guide Brian was extremely knowledgeable and a terrific storyteller. He captivated us the whole time and after almost two hours we needed longer to see and learn all there was offered. We discovered so much of what Vancouver Island and local residents did to affect the outcome of past conflicts. This is must visit

Wilson Chiu

I was extremely impressed with this museum. Greg is the keeper and a knowledgeable tour guide that will take his time to bestow his knowledge of our military, our role in the famous wars and it’s history, as well as all of the items on display. The items are a collection of post war artifacts from both sides of the battle. You will find Japanese, German and of course, weapons of the Allied forces. There is a massive collection of medals that were once the possession of the heros of our nation. Don’t rush through and set more time aside to look at the displays in detail. There’s a story behind each display.

Melvin Lucas

Lots of history here... great pace to hang out while waiting to go back to the lower mainland

Dereck Paul

I have been to the museum just once.. And I enjoyed the experience

Mike Rickerby

I took a veteran there his name is Bill Clark he was absolutely thrilled about the museum. He told me it was one of the most complete places he's seen and he's seen quite a few, we both loved it and will return again and again. Thank you ????

alanah napper

Amazing! A must see of Nanaimo! Give yourself time to enjoy, it is very extensive. The "staff" aka volunteers running it are incredibly nice and very informative!

Jason Moody

Very impressed by the knowledge of our volunteer tour guide. There are a lot of artifacts, regalia, and uniforms to check out.

Eric Caron

Can spend hours here! So much to see and learn and the staff is very friendly!

Mk C

Very impress with amount of detail provided by the museum staff

Bryson Beute

An impressive and organized collection that honors our past.

Cusa

Two sailing wait on the ferry? What to do in Nanaimo with family? Go to the Military Museum and get blown away with the amazing welcome from the volunteer Canadian heart of heroes we met. All artifacts donated from real time experiences. Such a wealth of culture and history! Definitely a jewel to Nanaimo's many treasures :) Short walk to restaurants and food amenities, and in the heart of the city. A stones throw away from other go to activities such as the Theater and the Marina.

Al Maxwell

While I thoroughly enjoyed my brief visit to the VIMM, I was disheartened to see yet again that no mention was made of the Gumboot Navy. Nanaimo, of all places, I thought, would have some commemorative piece. Fishermen from this town enlisted in that service. 80 years ago, my father spent his youth on patrol in the roughest waters of the world on small boats, in winter, protecting Canada from a Japanese invasion. I understand that this is politically insensitive, knowing as I do that many of the Japanese internees were shepherded away by the Fishermen's Reserve (under orders), but lives were lost in defense of Canada in this naval organization as they were in others depicted in the museum. Is it not time to acknowledge these people?

Ivan Parra

Very friendly staff. Gave us a personalized tour. They knew a lot of interesting facts besides what is already there for you to read.

peter mckechnie

Super interesting! So many great displays. Well organized . Thanks for the tour Lee.

William Miller

Excellently done museum! Very informative and packed full of Canadian Military History! Staff are great too!

Ron Long

Lots of history and a good presentation.

piaman sediq

Brilliant display of Canadian military history. Thank you for preserving the history for future generations to understand the sacrifices that were made.

Dean Marvel

Good place

Barry Packham

Great exhibition, complimented by very knowledgeable volunteers who add a lot of context to the exhibits. Particular thanks go to Greg Devenish.

Devin Blaney

Great experience! For $4 admission I was given an hour long guided tour be a veteran. They have an extensive collection of artifacts from conflicts dating back to before the war of 1812. I was very pleasantly surprised at how much there was too this museum. 10/10, would recommend.

Matthew Boudot

very cool

Carol Hannibal

This military museum is just amazing from start to finish. We were greeted warmly at the entrance by volunteers, veterans of Canada's armed forces. One of them was kind enough to check in with us as we browsed the exhibits and point out interesting things about them. There is simply so much to see that I will simply say it's a "can't miss" stop if you're on Vancouver Island. Just wonderful.

Russell Whitford

Very well researched and presented collection. On par with the National museum in Ottawa, with artifacts and displays connected to pre and post confederation Canadian military history........and the Friday Staff are outstanding!!

Tim Kinstlers

Outstanding museum! A great collection of Canadian military memorabilia from WWI to Afghanistan. Great volunteer staff! Highly recommend a visit here.

noel vickers

Great display of our military history. All the staff were friendly and very knowledgeable. Thank you again Pat, for making my son's week!

Robert Pate

Curators very helpful and enthusiastic

doug richards

Well organized, informative.

Jeremy Hannaford

So much history in such a little place. Very happy we stopped by here

Miles A

An absolute must-see if you're in the area! Volunteer staff is amazing, and very quick to provide insights into the artifacts you're looking at. Definitely one of the best parts of my trip to Nanaimo

Trevor Wall

Lovely little museum, lots to see!

040mobil

Super friendly fellows. They have many great stories to tell about their experiences in the service. The knowledge they possess about every section of the museum is mind boggling. If you are into Canadian military history or the like, this is an absolute must see. I was blown away by some the items they had. The fact that some of these things can be seen 70 years later outside of Europe is astonishing. Where else can you see a Christmas card from Hitler? Signed no less! 4.00 admission is too little in my opinion, so left an extra 40.00 in the donation box when I left. The tour was an hour and half! Bless the lovely guys that keep this alive!

Matt de Boer

Most incredible experience. The staff here are full of knowledge, stories, and experience. Go often.

Joe Morrison

Love museums, and this is no exception. Also some cool geocache's in here.

George Salmins

Knowledgable and very friendly staff, very good exhibits. Displays focus on Canada's role in WWII

Lianne Scragg

My Husband, myself and two sons visited the museum summer of 2019. What an amazing experience we had. The staff showed us around and shared amazing stories. We felt so welcome. Definitely a highlight of our trip.

Annie Song

I could have many histories about the wars on the displays of visual informations. Especially my husband and two sons were interested in them. My husband contributed the military services in South Korea so that the administration fee was free for him.

bonnie gibb

We spent an interesting and information 2 hours here!! Could not believe how quickly it went. Our guide was most knowledgeable and friendly. Would certainly recommend a visit.

Lance

For only $4 per adult, this is an excellent, highly informative museum that consists almost entirely of items donated by the community and provides rich insights into the history of Canada's various military branches and their participation in the 20th century's major conflicts. Depending on how much reading you want to do, you probably won't be here for much more than an hour. I would highly recommend this stop over to anyone in the Nanaimo area who has an interest in Canadian military history.

James Brown

Excellent work mounting my metals, very fast, very willing to help, offered to come in on a day off to get it done in time, museum volunteers very knowledgeable and willing to share their knowledge.

Chris Bush

Really well displayed and managed Military museum.

Catherine Simoneau

The people volunteering there are incredibly welcoming and a wealth of knowledge. It was a wonderful experience

Grandad Pop

Good museum, friendly staff.

E M

You will need 2-3 hours to really take in the exhibits and history. I took spent 90 mins and hurried some parts. I will be returning.

Gregory Devenish

Great place to see a wonderful display of artifacts, weapons, uniforms and displays of Canada's participation from War of 1812 to the present.

Ipo Cole

Lots of information in a little space!

Maritza Matheson

Great little museum. Give yourself lots of time, so much to see here and the volunteers are full of knowledge and stories

Wayne McClay

Great place, fantastic volunteers

Chih Tsai

An in-depth history of the Canadian Arm Forces from the colonial times to the current peace keeping missions. Staff on site ( Canadian military veterans ) are very courteous and informative. Highly recommended for those who are interested in the military history of Canada.

Chris Rawlings

Excellent museum, lots to see, very informative plus free if you're a veteran...although it's only $4 entrance anyways, so just pay

Laura Adams

Very educational

k s

Best park in town!

Robert Johnson

Magnificent display, something the volunteers should be proud of

AJ

Superb, both Staff and displays.

Lora H

A hidden gem in downtown Nanaimo. The Military museum is run by volunteer veterans who have fascinating first-hand stories of their military experiences. The museum is full of interesting artifacts and displays, but for me, what makes this place unforgettable is having the opportunity to learn the facts from actual veterans. I also appreciated that the museum covered Canada's military history beyond just WW1 & WW2 by including more recent historical events. I think the Military museum is a very unique place to visit!

B L

The veterans that work in the museum are very lovely and incredibly knowledgeable. I’d definitely recommend talking to them, this is a place you’d likely need to visit multiple times to appreciate everything it holds.

Ken McDonald

So well set up for tours. Excellent staff. Wonderful displays.

Elite Tech Holding

Very friendly staff and lots of history to learn from.