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  • Historical documents;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

Dari and Ken K.

Victoria, BC

I should have visited the museum years ago.

David and Jan C.

Bathhurst, New South Wales, Australia

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

Doreen F.

Victoria, BC

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

Colleen and Wayne B.

Whitby, ON

Wonderful help from volunteers and archivists, thanks so much!

Janet C.

Duncan, BC

Everything looks fabulous – congrats!

Gillian B.

Victoria, BC

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

Eric E.

Atlanta, Georgia

Absolutely beautifully done, congratulations.

Tom and Vikki B.

Esquimalt, BC

First time for Vikki. Awesome!

Allison and kids

Sidney, BC

Such a nice surprise!

John and Susan G.

Richmond, CA USA

Coming here was our #1 priority! Thank you!

Dale and Elizabeth S.

Calgary, AB

A step back in history. Excellent.

David R.

North Vancouver BC

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

J. and A. L.

Edmonton, AB

Beautiful artifacts and well-preserved and presented.

Kareem and Cosette N.

Victoria, BC

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

Linda and John F.

Edmonton, AB

Impressive!

Gary L.

Victoria, BC

Thanks for keeping the memories alive and vibrant!

Lew B.

Port Alberni, BC

We LOVE this museum!

Rich G.

Saanichton, BC

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

Kevin and Hope W.

Edmonton, AB

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

Len V.

Calgary, AB

Thank you for preserving our proud military history.

Hans and Christiana

Zena, Germany

Magnificent!

Margaret G.

Edmonton, AB

Fabulous!

Ron S.

Bodwell High School, North Vancouver, BC

Excellent connection to the BC curriculum. Bravo!

The D. family

Saskatoon, SK

The best museum in BC, awesome, great guide.

Tim A. (retired Lieutenant-Cdr)

Ottawa, ON

Very well presented! BZ!

Greg M.

Surrey, BC

Very well done, luv the history.

Connie & Alan B.

Cobourg, ON

Interesting displays, well done.

Paula and Craig C.

Rocklin, California, USA

Fabulous, great museum, everyone very helpful and friendly.

Rene G. and Micheline B.

Magog, QC

Merveilleux!

Randy and Carole W.

Barrie, ON

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

Jan G.

Gibbons, AB

What a great museum, enjoyed every bit of it!

Leah K.

Nanaimo, BC

Really unique. Mannequins very cool.

Derek and Sharon M.

ex HMCS NEW GLASGOW

Wonderful memories, so glad we came here!

Tom M.

Campbell River BC

Excellent museum and professional displays.

James B.

Ottawa, ON

Very informative and emotional.

Birgitta B.

Nelson, BC

Loved the pets and the WWII display.

A. L. and C. L.

Richmond, BC

Really well kept and presented. Thank you so much!

Ronald H.

Melville, SK

Great museum, worth coming back to.

Brian and Betty Ann J.

Dartmouth, NS

Thank you so much, great, staff were wonderful.

Scott M. and Sherry S.

London, ON

My second visit in 7 years, good museum.

Elizabeth W.

Victoria, BC

Excellent display of military history.

Grant S.

Esquimalt, BC

First time; will return.

Colleen and Wayne B.

Whitby, ON

Wonderful help from volunteers and archivists, thanks so much!

Robert and Shirley M.

Charlottetown, PEI

Beautiful Base, fantastic history!

The P. Family

Oak Bay, BC

Congrats on the expansion.

Margaret T.

Victoria, BC

Fascinating!

Sandy and Nancy G.

Seguin, WA

Ex navy stationed in Halifax. Great Exhibit.

Jen, Cam and Zach

Calgary, AB

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

Valerie A. and Don T.

Victoria, BC

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

Norman K. (RCN 1959-1988)

Chilliwack, BC

Thanks for having this available, so informative.

Maria M.

St.-Imier, Switzerland

Merci beaucoup, j’ai bien aimé.

SLt C. and Mari M.

ancouver, BC

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

Valerie Z. C.

Esquimalt BC

First time here, not the last!

Thor M.

Victoria, BC

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

Lee M.

Boswell BC

Impressive and educational!

Sean, Seamus and Heather E.

Hong Kong, China

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

Michael and Samantha H.

Victoria, BC

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

David C.

Victoria, BC

Lots of memories. Well kept. Thank you!

Jane W.

Thunder Bay, ON

Very interesting place, great history.

Bernard & Quintin T.

Singapore

Great museum – My 9 year old is fascinated!

Melissa, Niko and Isabella B.

Chilliwack, BC

My son loved it!

Anne M.

Brentwood Bay, BC

A wonderful display – well worth a visit.

Sheryl & Ken F.

Surrey, BC

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

Mackenzie L.

Victoria, BC

Best field trip ever!

Heather and Graham S.

Yorkshire, England

Very interesting, loved it!

Cristina and Graham

Wetaskiwin, AB

Wonderful and informative stories, thank you for your service.

Karl H.

Lakefield, ON

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

David and Nancy C.

Severn, MD, USA

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

Katharine T.

Brooklyn, NY

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

Diane S.

Carrying Place, ON

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

Arnold M.

Victoria, BC

Always enjoy coming here.

Ethan X.

Saanich, BC

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

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.

The I. family

Duncan, BC

Researching my stepfather’s WW2 service in the RCN.

B.R.

Colwood, BC

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

-Harold G.

Victoria, BC

Came to see where I joined up in 1940.

Baldeep S.

View Royal BC

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

Stephen L.

Victoria, BC

“Top Class”, as always.

Richard L.

Penticton, BC

Great history lesson!

Linda B.

Victoria, BC

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

Alia, Jason and Dexter V.

Calgary, AB

Excellent kids area!

Vince P.

Colwood, BC

Wonderful museum, thank you.

J.F.M.

Victoria, BC

Very nice collection, amazing models and displays.

Cindy and Ian R.

Calgary, AB

Always a great opportunity to learn something.

Wendy M.

Kamloops, BC

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

Ron B.

New Westminster, BC

Brought back lots of wonderful memories.

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