This is, hands down, one of the world’s best regional museums, and a terrific way to learn about the peoples of coastal British Columbia. Although the museum has a serious research-and-education mandate, it’s designed to be fun for the whole family. Kids will love the interactive features and super-cool dioramas, especially the one of the massive woolly mammoth in the second-floor Natural History Gallery. Don’t miss the First Peoples Gallery, a remarkable display of First Nations rare artifacts including totem poles, masks, sculptures, and a full-size re-creation of a longhouse. The museum also welcomes a number of traveling shows: In 2014, for instance, it became the first North American stop for the fascinating Vikings exhibition comprising hundreds of rare artifacts that are traveling outside Scandinavia for the first time ever. The museum also has an IMAX theater, a First Nations carving shed in Thunderbird Park outside, a carillon bell tower, a cafe for a quick bite, and a fantastic gift shop. Plan to spend at least 2 hours.