Heritage Acres
Vancouver Island’s best kept secret. Join us on a trip back in time to explore the life and atmosphere of historical Vancouver Island.
More Than A Museum. A Living Piece of History.
OUR STORY
Heritage Acres is a living history park — a rare place where you don't just look at the past, you experience it. Climb on a tractor. Watch steam engines breathe. Stroll through heritage buildings and discover how families lived, worked, and gathered on this island generations ago.
We are a community-supported, volunteer-driven heritage site dedicated to preserving the tools, stories, and spirit of Vancouver Island's history for generations to come
29
Heritage Acres
30,000+
Artefacts
130+
Years of Artefacts
3D
Virtual Tour
Enjoy being in nature, sitting beside our lake or walking our forest trail. Explore the past by visiting our museum packed with historical artefacts. Walk through our heritage buildings and learn what life was like in bygone times. Look at our collections of antique vehicles, carriages, farming equipment and steam engines. Don’t forget to take a ride on the train!
Please call 250 652 5522 to arrange access for group visits.
Note: Dogs welcome but always on a leash.
THE GROUNDS
29 Acres to Wander, Wonder, Breathe
Our Unique Exhibits That Invite You In
OUR COLLECTION
These aren't relics behind ropes. Our collection is meant to be seen, heard, and understood.
Elegant Buggy
Beautifully crafted by John Meston of Victoria BC. Circa 1900.
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CASE 1/2 scale Traction Engine
Working Steam traction engine gifted by Raymond Rae in 2016
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Armington and Sims steam engine
Used to power the first electric generator in Victoria at the Naval dockyard. Circa1890
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Explore Our Collection
MEDIA & TECHONOLOGY
Our media collection spans nearly a century of recorded sound, broadcast technology, and computing history. From shellac to silicon, it captures how Vancouver Island listened, watched, and connected to the world.
Hear the history behind our exhibits, buildings, and collections narrated by the people who know them best.
Interested in the Trains?
The miniature railway at Heritage Acres is operated independently by the Vancouver Island Model Engineers (VIME) — a passionate club of railway enthusiasts. For train ride schedules and club events, visit them directly.
Keep the Tractors Running.
Entry to Heritage Acres is by donation. Every contribution goes directly toward restoring and maintaining our antique machinery, preserving our collections, and keeping this living piece of history open for everyone.
Heritage Acres is a registered non-profit. All donations support preservation & restoration.
Visit Us
Address
7321 Lochside Drive Saanichton, British Columbia V8M 1W4
Office Hours (for Enquiries)
Monday - Friday
9am–noon
Phone
(250) 652-5522
Member Canadian Museums Association