Arts & Culture

Galleries & museums

4.5

Blue Whale

Overview

4.5

Curious by nature? Fall in love with the diversity of life as you discover over 500 exhibits, and stare through the jaws of the largest creature ever to live on Earth—the blue whale.

Explore the University of British Columbia’s rich biological collections of birds, insects, fish, fossils, plants and more in Vancouver's natural history museum.

With hands-on activities and entertainment for all ages, we invite you on a journey to discover the interconnectedness of all life on Earth, and our role in preserving these delicate systems.

Accessibility
  • Accessible parking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Accessible washroom
AccessibilityAccessible attributes checklist, developed by Destination BC
  • Accessible parking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Accessible washroom
Vision
Overall Space
Audible alarm and/or public service system
Customer service staff have been trained, and prepared to verbally describe rooms, menus, business amenities and contracts/waivers in detail
Staff are available to accompany guests through the venue as a guide, and to describe the sights
Audio description headsets available for presentations, films or movies
General
Emergency Plan
Emergency plan includes staff trained to provide in-person assistance for people with mobility, visual, and hearing requirements
Service Dogs
Staff have been trained on guide and service dog policies
Hearing
Overall Space
Business has a visual warning (alarm) system
Hearing loop technology available
Mobility
Parking
Designated accessible parking near an accessible entrance that is specifically marked
Activities & Transportation
Key activities are accessible to guests using mobility devices
Information displays (if applicable) at a lower height
Accessible spaces have clear views of the main activity (i.e. stage, viewing area)
Pathways are hard packed surfaces with a maximum slope 5%
Entrance
Entrance has no steps or if there are one or more steps, there is non-slip ramp with a maximum of 5% slope
Entry route has a door that is at minimum 815 mm wide
One or more entry points are automated
Restroom in Public Area
Can be reached without going up or down stairs, has a main entrance and/or stall that is a minimum 815 mm wide and has an outward swing door
Designated gender-neutral/family restroom that can also accommodate a support person
Elevator
Multiple floors with an elevator that is large enough for a 180-degree turn with a mobility device (minimum turning area of 1,500 mm in diameter)
Cognitive & sensory friendly
Overall Space
Staff are available to accompany guests through the venue as a guide, and to describe the sights
Neutral or muted colours that are calming and subdued
Surfaces, window coverings, and décor with minimal glare or reflection, as well as minimal use of bold patterns, shapes, or stripes
Subtle and/or natural lighting, no florescent or harsh lighting, and no dark shadows
Minimal visual clutter and obstacles, with clear central access throughout the space
Nonslip floor surfaces with minimal reflection
Steps and slope changes are clearly marked and lit, and have handrails
Background noise is minimal, and alarms or auditory cues are on a low frequency
An on-loan Sensory Kit is available with items such as fidgets, headphones, and a weighted blanket
Restroom in Public Area
Designated gender-neutral/family restroom that can also accommodate a support person
Entrance and exit are clearly identified on doors (including stalls and back of the main door)
Signs & Navigation
Directional signs at key decision points, including main entrances, restrooms, lounges, and reception desks
Signs are clear and concise, in large, plain font with good contrast between text and background
Signs include both text and pictures to help indicate the use of different rooms
Signs are well lit
Signs have minimal glare or reflection
Butterflies

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Location
Department of Science Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4
Blue Whale

Beaty Biodiversity Museum

Curious by nature? Fall in love with the diversity of life as you discover over 500 exhibits, and stare through the jaws of the largest creature ever to live on Earth—the blue whale. Explore the University of British Columbia’s rich biological collections of birds, insects, fish, fossils, plants and more in Vancouver's natural history museum. With hands-on activities and entertainment for all ages, we invite you on a journey to discover the interconnectedness of all life on Earth, and our role in preserving these delicate systems.

Walk score

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Grade: ~ out of 100

Places to stay

Places to eat

Meeting facilities

Reception capacity:200
Banquet capacity:30
meeting-room-featured-image
Blue Whale

Explore Beaty Biodiversity Museum

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