OPEN 365 DAYS PER YEAR – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

HAND OF MAN MUSEUM
Natural History, Cultural Arts, and Conservation
Maple Bay, B.C.

Over 100,000 visitors

Learn about global efforts towards conservation through education and awareness.

Learning is the foundation for understanding the world, sparking curiosity and creativity in individuals of all ages. It connects us to our past, offering insights into history and the achievements of those before us. By fostering curiosity, learning enriches our perspectives and equips us to navigate and innovate in a changing world.

Beyond personal growth, learning strengthens communities by fostering collaboration and shared goals. It empowers individuals to work together, driving progress and addressing challenges with informed, creative solutions. As a collective effort, learning unites people and paves the way for a brighter, more connected future.

Experience cultural & beliefs of ancient civilizations that have survived millenia.

Discover the rich cultural heritage and enduring beliefs of ancient civilizations that have withstood the test of time. These traditions, passed down through millennia, offer a window into the values, practices, and wisdom of our ancestors, connecting us to humanity’s shared history.

Cultural beliefs play a vital role in preserving the distinct identities of societies. They create a sense of belonging and continuity, bridging generations while fostering mutual respect and understanding. These beliefs are a testament to human resilience and creativity, reminding us of the importance of honouring and learning from the past.

Witness the traditions and historic tools
used to harvest and gather for centuries.

Explore the enduring traditions and historic tools that have been used for centuries in the art of harvesting and gathering. These practices offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and resourcefulness of those who lived in harmony with the land.

Hunting and gathering are timeless activities that foster a profound connection to the natural world. They emphasize sustainability, self-reliance, and a respect for the delicate balance between humans and nature, reminding us of our shared responsibility to preserve these ancient ways of life.

Explore the natural history of diverse ecosystems and our efforts to protect them.

Discover the fascinating natural history of diverse ecosystems and the ongoing efforts to protect them. These explorations reveal the intricate relationships between species, habitats, and the Earth’s dynamic past.

Studying natural history provides a deeper understanding of the connections that sustain life on our planet. It fosters appreciation and inspires action toward conservation, ensuring a balanced and thriving future for generations to come.

Feel the emotion and expression in hand crafted artifacts and woven materpieces.

Experience the emotion and artistry captured in handcrafted artifacts and woven masterpieces. These creations tell timeless stories, reflecting the skill and passion of their makers.

Artistic expression transcends language and culture, serving as a profound reflection of human creativity and emotion. It fosters connection, inspires innovation, and preserves the rich diversity of humanity’s shared narrative.

HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM

DID YOU KNOW?

The Hand of Man opened in 2018 and has had over 100,000 visitors since then. It was the Maple Bay Elementary school from 1960 – 2000.

We are supported entirely by donations and are not government funded.

Hand of man museum

As you walk thru the Hand of Man Museum, you’ll have access to over 250 short videos that can be viewed thru one of our provided museum iPads. Simply enter the ‘Stop’ number and enjoy the experience.

INTERACTIVE IPAD EXPERIENCE

We’ve had thousands of students from K-12 come through the Hand of Man Museum. If you’d like to bring your class for a visit, simply reach out via the contact us form below.

SCHOOL TOURS

Want a souvenir from the coolest museum on Vancouver Island? Make sure to stop by our Hand of Man gift shop!

HAND OF MAN GIFT SHOP

Did you know that the Woolly Mammoth displayed at the Hand of Man Museum was discovered in Alaska, USA? While a few of its bones are replicas, the majority of what you see is genuine Mammoth bone.

MAMMOTH EXHIBIT

AWARDS

TRIP ADVISOR AWARDS

We have won multiple Trip Advisor awards including ‘2024 Travelers’ Choice Award’

REVIEWS

WHAT OUR VISITORS SAY

Went with family and it’s one of the best experiences at any museums I’ve been to. The rooms are FILLED with many artifacts and collections that can be identified via tablet (which they provide.) Would recommend if you’re nearby and open to learn more about African and aboriginal/indigenous culture. There’s also a cabinet of funky old medicine somewhere. So much to learn about!
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Our visit was absolutely INCREDIBLE! Our boys 5 & 3 loved it and were entertained for hours (our 5 year old could have stayed longer – the guided ipad really helps keeps little ones attention). It’s amazing that it’s by donation, so that everyone has a chance to go, regardless. We even got to meet Jim and he joyfully took pics with us. Love the heart behind this museum and the stories and treasures within it.
55
Very cool museum to check out! It’s like nothing I’ve seen before. You pay by donation, which is nice and there is so much to see. Not the easiest location to get to, but you drive, you’ll be fine. Staff are nice and there is a cute gift shop at the end of it.
55
This place surprised me, but in a good way! We were expecting a small place that we’d be done exploring in 30 minutes. We spent around 3 hours in there browsing through all the artifacts. I’m from Pakistan and got to see photos and pieces collected from there during the owner’s travels – it was unexpected and made me so happy to see! The owner’s travel experiences and seeing them incorporated in the museum, along with his family story, was heartwarming. Amazing place and well worth stopping at.
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