This review is for the town of Cumberland.
Of the three Cs, (Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland) Cumberland is the smallest of the trio. Like Hope, it reminds me of a mountain town (Jasper or Banff), but since it's not in a National Park, it has a very different vibe. You half expect to see mountains in the distance at the end of Dunsmuir Avenue but, since you don't, you get a special feeling.
Dunsmuir Avenue is a delight. Wonderful old buildings. Great shops.
What I especially like is all the handbills stapled to the wooden poles along the street. Like Edmonton in the sixties when we still had these. Great reading. Says a lot about a place.
Oh . . . the museum's great.
Blake B
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May 14, 2025
Its small but i think that what makes it so enjoyable, the woman who worked there was incredible and told us all kinds of information. Also as of summer of 2025 your able to send postcards for free ^^
Mark Attisha
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September 13, 2023
The rainforests and the vagaries of business cycles have covered much of the history of Cumberland and the nearby Coal Creek (Cumberland Chinatown). The Cumberland Museum & Archives brings this rich history back to life with vibrant and engaging exhibits that don't shy from telling uncomfortable truths. From the treatment of early Chinese settlers ("A Place At the Table") to mining conditions in the 1800s to early aboriginal engagement, the museum doesn't hold back. Yet despite all they endured, the happiness and pride of these vibrant and tenacious people shine through. This museum tells their stories beautifully.
Terri Fullerton
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August 23, 2025
Unfortunately, the museum is not wheelchair accessible for my 92 year old Dad who was keen to visit. His wheelchair couldn't fit through the doorways to the coal mine exhibit, the artifact drawers were hard to access due to tight spacing, and the written displays were mounted far too high to read from a seated position. Even with assistance, my dad found the experience extremely disappointing—especially with many everyday historical items no longer on display. Staff were kind and acknowledged the shortcomings, but despite spending less than 10 minutes inside, no refund was offered.
Annie P
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July 24, 2025
This was a fascinating and lovely little museum about the history of Cumberland! The permanent exhibits are on the bottom floor so make sure you’re not a dingus like I am and think the museum is just the tiny room up top. Admission was $6 and worth every penny. If you’re curious about the history of small town BC, or just curious about anything in general, it’s worth spending an hour here learning about the history of this charming little town (although its mining history is less than charming!)
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2680 Dunsmuir Ave, Cumberland, BC V0R 1S0, Canada
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This review is for the town of Cumberland. Of the three Cs, (Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland) Cumberland is the smallest of the trio. Like Hope, it reminds me of a mountain town (Jasper or Banff), but since it's not in a National Park, it has a very different vibe. You half expect to see mountains in the distance at the end of Dunsmuir Avenue but, since you don't, you get a special feeling. Dunsmuir Avenue is a delight. Wonderful old buildings. Great shops. What I especially like is all the handbills stapled to the wooden poles along the street. Like Edmonton in the sixties when we still had these. Great reading. Says a lot about a place. Oh . . . the museum's great.
Its small but i think that what makes it so enjoyable, the woman who worked there was incredible and told us all kinds of information. Also as of summer of 2025 your able to send postcards for free ^^
The rainforests and the vagaries of business cycles have covered much of the history of Cumberland and the nearby Coal Creek (Cumberland Chinatown). The Cumberland Museum & Archives brings this rich history back to life with vibrant and engaging exhibits that don't shy from telling uncomfortable truths. From the treatment of early Chinese settlers ("A Place At the Table") to mining conditions in the 1800s to early aboriginal engagement, the museum doesn't hold back. Yet despite all they endured, the happiness and pride of these vibrant and tenacious people shine through. This museum tells their stories beautifully.
Unfortunately, the museum is not wheelchair accessible for my 92 year old Dad who was keen to visit. His wheelchair couldn't fit through the doorways to the coal mine exhibit, the artifact drawers were hard to access due to tight spacing, and the written displays were mounted far too high to read from a seated position. Even with assistance, my dad found the experience extremely disappointing—especially with many everyday historical items no longer on display. Staff were kind and acknowledged the shortcomings, but despite spending less than 10 minutes inside, no refund was offered.
This was a fascinating and lovely little museum about the history of Cumberland! The permanent exhibits are on the bottom floor so make sure you’re not a dingus like I am and think the museum is just the tiny room up top. Admission was $6 and worth every penny. If you’re curious about the history of small town BC, or just curious about anything in general, it’s worth spending an hour here learning about the history of this charming little town (although its mining history is less than charming!)