CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum — Attraction in Esquimalt

My son is currently in navy league and is really interested in boats. This museum is really well done. Entry by donation. The exhibits are really interesting and well presented. We got a real kick out of the weird mannequins. It was easy to spend a few hours there and still not read through everything. Also enjoyed the exhibits about women’s contributions during WWI and WWII. My only ‘complaint’ is that there was only pins for souvenirs (although they were FREE and FANTASTIC with a few HILARIOUS ones). I would have happily paid for a sticker too. We wound up stopping at the CANEX on the way off base so my son could get a navy sweatshirt, so there are definitely options 🤣 The staff member was amazing and took all my son’s questions in stride. I would definitely recommend this museum for anyone with kids that are interested in navy and military history. Might be a bit boring for the little ones but was great for my 11-year-old and would have been fine for him...

Don’t know why the web says $7 for entrance, we were there yesterday and it was free, you just donate whatever you want. Anyway this is a very informative and interesting museum, kept quite low key. The Museum Attendant- Mark - is a navy veteran, he was super friendly, gave my daughter and I a great tour of the museum, shared some very cool facts and stories. Thanks you Mark! 10/10 recommended! A small note on how to get there: iOS Map guided us incorrectly to the Naval Base entrance, not the museum. Ask any staff and they’ll tell you how to get there. Seems many people had the same problems so they know. It’s a bit confusing because the museum is actually a part of the base, but not too...

From what I can tell it's an excellent museum. There is ample parking, and it is well put together.

It's on the naval base so you will need some form of valid photo ID to present at the gate. To enter it is not the first gate near the tracks but the one farther down Admiral.

If you are LGBTQ+, or otherwise not cisgender or straight presenting, expect or at least be prepared to be refused entry by an elderly comssionaire at the gate. There is no valid identification, be it a canadian passport, domestic driver's license or vaccine card he will accept. I'd strongly advise not even visiting to avoid the trouble. I watched it happen with my own eyes and could not stomach the museum after...