About the Archives

Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum Archives maintains a growing collection that serves as a useful resource for researchers and the general public.

The Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum

Archives include:

  • 17,000+ digitized images in the museum database;
  • Key publications, including the The Navy List, and the first Crowsnest and Crow’s Nest magazines;
  • the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service wartime newsletter The Tiddley Times;
  • Files on Canadian Naval Vessels;
  • News cuttings and official Ship Histories;
  • Biographies of leading figures in the Canadian Navy;
  • Information about the history and development of what is now Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt;
  • Maps & Charts;
  • Ship Plans;
  • Plans for Historic Buildings at Work Point and CFB Esquimalt;
  • Official Seamanship & Naval Trades Training Manuals;
  • Historical documents;
  • Diaries and personal journals.

Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum Archives maintains a growing collection that serves as a useful resource for researchers and the general public.

Archives

Testimonials

-Harold G.

Victoria, BC

Came to see where I joined up in 1940.

Jane W.

Thunder Bay, ON

Very interesting place, great history.

Brian and Betty Ann J.

Dartmouth, NS

Thank you so much, great, staff were wonderful.

Len V.

Calgary, AB

Thank you for preserving our proud military history.

Doreen F.

Victoria, BC

Came with my 92-year old dad, so he could show us where he signed up.

Michael and Samantha H.

Victoria, BC

Thanks, the displays were wonderful. We learned a lot. Loved the animal mascot stories too.

David R.

North Vancouver BC

First class museum. Professionally done and some heart-warming memories!

Denis E.

Victoria, BC

I had no idea such a wealth of historic naval archives were available until I had the pleasure of discovering your museum. I can’t wait to bring my dad on my next visit.

B.R.

Colwood, BC

Lots of progress since i visited two years ago, BZ!!

Richard L.

Penticton, BC

Great history lesson!

Stephen L.

Victoria, BC

“Top Class”, as always.

Paula and Craig C.

Rocklin, California, USA

Fabulous, great museum, everyone very helpful and friendly.

Cindy and Ian R.

Calgary, AB

Always a great opportunity to learn something.

Hans and Christiana

Zena, Germany

Magnificent!

Sean, Seamus and Heather E.

Hong Kong, China

Outstanding, great to see such worthy pride in the navy.

Connie & Alan B.

Cobourg, ON

Interesting displays, well done.

Rich G.

Saanichton, BC

I’ll be back for a full day. This place is big

Anne M.

Brentwood Bay, BC

A wonderful display – well worth a visit.

Randy and Carole W.

Barrie, ON

Very interesting, I learned a lot about our Armed Forces.

Tim A. (retired Lieutenant-Cdr)

Ottawa, ON

Very well presented! BZ!

Norman K. (RCN 1959-1988)

Chilliwack, BC

Thanks for having this available, so informative.

Rene G. and Micheline B.

Magog, QC

Merveilleux!

Gillian B.

Victoria, BC

Lived here a long time, finally discovered it – great!

Sheryl & Ken F.

Surrey, BC

Learned 18 different specific items of history that I had no idea about – great Canadiana, thank you!

Cristina and Graham

Wetaskiwin, AB

Wonderful and informative stories, thank you for your service.

Colleen and Wayne B.

Whitby, ON

Wonderful help from volunteers and archivists, thanks so much!

Eric E.

Atlanta, Georgia

Absolutely beautifully done, congratulations.

Scott M. and Sherry S.

London, ON

My second visit in 7 years, good museum.

Katharine T.

Brooklyn, NY

Fascinating, especially the King George V video and the fallout shelter display.

J. and A. L.

Edmonton, AB

Beautiful artifacts and well-preserved and presented.

Tom and Vikki B.

Esquimalt, BC

First time for Vikki. Awesome!

Wendy M.

Kamloops, BC

Very good, more people should see it and know about it.

Diane S.

Carrying Place, ON

Found my father-in-law’s signature on the HMCS UGANDA life preserver!

Ethan X.

Saanich, BC

I am a naval fan from China and think this museum is very good.

Ron B.

New Westminster, BC

Brought back lots of wonderful memories.

Robert and Shirley M.

Charlottetown, PEI

Beautiful Base, fantastic history!

Mackenzie L.

Victoria, BC

Best field trip ever!

Arnold M.

Victoria, BC

Always enjoy coming here.

Thor M.

Victoria, BC

Lots of good, detailed history – makes it ‘alive’.

Derek and Sharon M.

ex HMCS NEW GLASGOW

Wonderful memories, so glad we came here!

Grant S.

Esquimalt, BC

First time; will return.

Gary L.

Victoria, BC

Thanks for keeping the memories alive and vibrant!

Margaret G.

Edmonton, AB

Fabulous!

Jan G.

Gibbons, AB

What a great museum, enjoyed every bit of it!

Jen, Cam and Zach

Calgary, AB

Really loved the pets display, kids exhibit great way to keep them engaged.

The P. Family

Oak Bay, BC

Congrats on the expansion.

Janet C.

Duncan, BC

Everything looks fabulous – congrats!

Vince P.

Colwood, BC

Wonderful museum, thank you.

David C.

Victoria, BC

Lots of memories. Well kept. Thank you!

Valerie Z. C.

Esquimalt BC

First time here, not the last!

Linda and John F.

Edmonton, AB

Impressive!

Lew B.

Port Alberni, BC

We LOVE this museum!

Valerie A. and Don T.

Victoria, BC

Interesting, informative, and hopefully our schools will see this.

James B.

Ottawa, ON

Very informative and emotional.

Tom M.

Campbell River BC

Excellent museum and professional displays.

Allison and kids

Sidney, BC

Such a nice surprise!

Linda B.

Victoria, BC

Victoria’s best kept secret, loved the new submarine display!

Alia, Jason and Dexter V.

Calgary, AB

Excellent kids area!

Margaret T.

Victoria, BC

Fascinating!

Greg M.

Surrey, BC

Very well done, luv the history.

J.F.M.

Victoria, BC

Very nice collection, amazing models and displays.

Karl H.

Lakefield, ON

Interested in seeing the history of the Canadian navy our son belongs to.

John and Susan G.

Richmond, CA USA

Coming here was our #1 priority! Thank you!

Ronald H.

Melville, SK

Great museum, worth coming back to.

Dari and Ken K.

Victoria, BC

I should have visited the museum years ago.

Elizabeth W.

Victoria, BC

Excellent display of military history.

Dale and Elizabeth S.

Calgary, AB

A step back in history. Excellent.

Sandy and Nancy G.

Seguin, WA

Ex navy stationed in Halifax. Great Exhibit.

Lee M.

Boswell BC

Impressive and educational!

David and Nancy C.

Severn, MD, USA

Well done. The museum is the public face of the Canadian Navy & Military.

Melissa, Niko and Isabella B.

Chilliwack, BC

My son loved it!

Birgitta B.

Nelson, BC

Loved the pets and the WWII display.

The D. family

Saskatoon, SK

The best museum in BC, awesome, great guide.

Heather and Graham S.

Yorkshire, England

Very interesting, loved it!

Colleen and Wayne B.

Whitby, ON

Wonderful help from volunteers and archivists, thanks so much!

Kareem and Cosette N.

Victoria, BC

I love bringing my young daughter here. I’ve always loved this place.

Leah K.

Nanaimo, BC

Really unique. Mannequins very cool.

SLt C. and Mari M.

ancouver, BC

Beautiful place, thank you for the warm welcome and tour!

Kevin and Hope W.

Edmonton, AB

An outstanding facility and an outstanding tour from Mr. Baker.

The I. family

Duncan, BC

Researching my stepfather’s WW2 service in the RCN.

Ron S.

Bodwell High School, North Vancouver, BC

Excellent connection to the BC curriculum. Bravo!

Bernard & Quintin T.

Singapore

Great museum – My 9 year old is fascinated!

David and Jan C.

Bathhurst, New South Wales, Australia

Very interesting, worth the cab ride from Victoria city centre.

Maria M.

St.-Imier, Switzerland

Merci beaucoup, j’ai bien aimé.

Baldeep S.

View Royal BC

I have gained useful information about Canadian history. This visit will be one of my best memories.

A. L. and C. L.

Richmond, BC

Really well kept and presented. Thank you so much!

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