Hastings Mill Store

Hastings Mill Store Museum: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Vancouver Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Why Visit the Old Hastings Mill Store Museum?

Nestled in Vancouver’s picturesque Kitsilano neighborhood, the Old Hastings Mill Store Museum is the city’s oldest surviving building, a living monument to its pioneer spirit and multicultural heritage. Built in 1865 by Captain Edward Stamp, the structure was the heart of early Vancouver—serving as a general store, post office, library, and vital gathering place for both settlers and Indigenous peoples (Hastings Mill Museum). Remarkably, it withstood the Great Vancouver Fire of 1886, serving as a hospital and morgue amid the devastation (WBN Digital). Threatened with demolition in 1929, it was heroically saved by the Native Daughters of British Columbia and relocated by barge to its current site near Jericho Beach (Curiocity).

Today, the museum offers immersive exhibits highlighting Vancouver’s diverse origins and the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations (Hastings Mill Museum). With its rich artifact collections, engaging volunteer guides, free admission by donation, and scenic location, the Old Hastings Mill Store Museum is an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand Vancouver’s story.

Historical Overview
Visiting Information
Exhibits and Collections
Events, Tours, and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions & Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit
Further Reading & Sources

Historical Overview

Foundations and Early Vancouver

The Old Hastings Mill Store was constructed in 1865 on the Burrard Inlet shore as Vancouver’s first major commercial enterprise (Wikipedia). It quickly became an anchor for the Granville settlement, offering supplies and community services to loggers, settlers, and local Indigenous peoples (Hastings Mill Museum). Its significance grew through the late 19th century, especially after the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the rapid industrialization led by John Hendry (Wikipedia).

Surviving the Great Vancouver Fire

On June 13, 1886, the Great Vancouver Fire devastated much of the city, but the Hastings Mill Store survived and was repurposed as a hospital and morgue, reinforcing its importance as a community hub (WBN Digital).

Preservation and Relocation

In 1929, as the city expanded, the store faced demolition. The Native Daughters of British Columbia rallied support and funds to save the building, orchestrating its relocation by barge to Kitsilano in 1930. This dramatic effort, captured on film, symbolizes the community’s commitment to heritage preservation (Curiocity).

Museum Transformation

By 1931, the site was restored and reopened as the Old Hastings Mill Store Museum, displaying artifacts from Vancouver’s pioneer and Indigenous communities, and continuing to tell the story of the city’s development (Hastings Mill Museum).

Cultural Significance

The museum acknowledges its presence on the unceded traditional territories of local First Nations and celebrates Vancouver’s multicultural roots through its diverse collections and educational programs (Hastings Mill Museum).

Visiting Information

Location & Setting

Address: 1575 Alma Street, Vancouver, BC, V6R 3P3
Located at the intersection of Alma Street and Point Grey Road, adjacent to Hastings Mill Park and a short walk from Jericho Beach (Hastings Mill Museum; Vancouver’s Best Places).

Getting There

By Transit: Bus routes #4, #22, and #84 stop nearby.
By Car: Limited street parking is available; additional parking at Jericho Beach.
By Bicycle/Foot: Accessible via the Seaside Greenway and local bike routes (City of Vancouver Greenways).

Visiting Hours

High Season (June 15 – September 15): Tuesday to Sunday, 1:00–4:00 pm; closed Mondays.
Off-Season: Saturdays and Sundays, 1:00–4:00 pm.
Closed: December and January.
Group Tours: Year-round by appointment for groups of 8+ (Hastings Mill Museum).

Tickets & Admission

Admission: By donation (“pay what you can”). No formal tickets are required.
Special Exhibits/Events: Additional donations may be suggested (WhichMuseum).

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: Main floor accessible; ramps at entrance.
Restrooms: No public restrooms; nearest facilities at Jericho Beach.
Service Animals: Welcome.

Exhibits and Collections

Permanent Highlights

Pioneer Artifacts: Furniture, tools, clothing, and household items from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Indigenous Collections: Basketry and carvings from Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Historic Relics: SS Beaver items, Vancouver’s first city council table, Joe Fortes’ oil lamp, and an original Hansom cab.
Postal and Community Artifacts: Artifacts from the city’s first post office and library (Hastings Mill Museum).

Special & Rotating Exhibits

Focus on unique themes such as period clothing, local crafts, and Vancouver’s evolving cultural landscape (Hastings Mill Museum Events).

Interpretation

Volunteer Guides: Passionate volunteers share stories and context, providing a personalized experience (Vancouver’s Best Places).
Gift Shop: Local cards, jewelry, books, and First Nations-designed accessories.

Events, Tours, and Accessibility

Guided Tours: Available on weekends and by appointment for groups.
Workshops & Events: Check the museum’s website for upcoming talks, family activities, and seasonal gatherings.
Volunteer Opportunities: Inquire onsite or online to get involved in heritage preservation.

Nearby Attractions & Visitor Tips

Jericho Beach & Hastings Mill Park: Scenic waterfront for picnics, walks, and family fun.
Kitsilano Beach: Popular for swimming and sunbathing.
Vancouver Maritime Museum & Vanier Park: Further historical exploration.
Combine Visits: Pair your museum tour with a stroll along the Seaside Greenway or a visit to UBC.

Tips:

Plan for a 30–60 minute visit.
Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds.
Photography is generally allowed; check with staff before using flash.
No public restrooms onsite—use facilities at Jericho Beach.
Donations support ongoing preservation and programming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s visiting hours?
A: High season: Tuesday–Sunday, 1:00–4:00 pm; off-season: weekends only; closed December–January (Hastings Mill Museum).

Q: Is admission free?
A: Admission is by donation; pay what you can.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, on weekends and by appointment for groups.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: The main floor is accessible; upper floors may not be.

Q: Are there public restrooms?
A: No, but restrooms are available at Jericho Beach.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Photography is generally allowed; ask staff about flash and sensitive artifacts.

Q: What else is nearby?
A: Jericho Beach, Kitsilano Beach Park, Vanier Park, and UBC.

Plan Your Visit

Experience Vancouver’s origins firsthand at the Old Hastings Mill Store Museum. For up-to-date hours, special events, and group bookings, visit the official website or contact 604.734.1212 / [email protected].

Follow the museum on social media for news and event updates.
Download the Audiala app for audio guides and more Vancouver heritage content.

Image: The Old Hastings Mill Store Museum, Vancouver’s oldest surviving building.

Map of Hastings Mill Museum Location
Map: Location of Old Hastings Mill Store Museum.

Summary: Why the Old Hastings Mill Store Museum Matters

The Old Hastings Mill Store Museum is a vital link to Vancouver’s formative years, surviving fire, urban change, and the test of time. Its carefully preserved artifacts and engaging volunteer guides offer a tangible connection to the lives of early settlers and local Indigenous communities, as well as the civic activists who ensured the building’s survival (Wikipedia). Its accessible hours, donation-based entry, and scenic setting make it a welcoming destination for all. The museum continues to inspire through community stewardship, special events, and educational resources—ensuring the legacy of Vancouver’s oldest building endures for future generations (Hastings Mill Museum).