The Robert Bateman Centre

Embark on a journey through a lifetime of beautiful nature-inspired art, all created by a Canadian icon, at this delightful gallery.

Visit the Robert Bateman Centre to gain insight into the life and work of one of Canada’s most admired artists. Get a sense of this intriguing man’s deep devotion to nature by browsing the eclectic permanent collections and temporary exhibits. As you explore, encounter a carefully curated selection of Robert Bateman’s most influential nature-inspired sketches, paintings and sculptures.

Born in 1930, Robert Bateman has spent his entire life drawing artistic inspiration from the natural world and advocating for conservation. Visitors to this center will see many different types of animal and plant life represented in his iconic images of wildlife. However, his long-standing fascination with birds can be traced especially clearly through the pieces on display in this gallery.

Marvel at photorealistic paintings capturing the detail of a bird’s wing feathers. Listen to the bird calls specially recorded to accompany the works in the gallery and imagine yourself out in the wilderness, hearing the real versions of these magical sounds.

Visit the gift shop to take home a print of one of Robert Bateman’s works. You can easily find the perfect souvenir of your time in Victoria here, in the form of an art piece capturing the unique local scenery and fauna. Also on sale are books offering more in-depth information on the life of this revered Canadian.

Be sure to research what’s on here before visiting, as the center is used as a venue for many different types of event. These include special programs to help foster creativity in children. If you have arty kids, this is the place to look for events that will inspire them.

The Robert Bateman Centre is easy to reach from most areas of Victoria. It’s located in the Steamship Terminal of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, making it a perfect addition to a day out by the ocean. An entry fee is charged. Book in advance to reserve a place on the guided tours that have a fee. No booking is required for the free tours held on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near The Robert Bateman Centre

Victoria Harbour

Old meets new as historic architecture, traditional fishing boats and contemporary performers crowd together at one of Victoria’s liveliest spots.

British Columbia Parliament Building

Visit the legislative headquarters of British Columbia to admire neo-baroque architecture and murals depicting scenes from the province’s history.

Royal BC Museum

Learn about the region’s human and natural history, visit some of the oldest buildings in the province and see a special collection of totem poles.

Thunderbird Park - Royal BC Museum

See totem poles and an authentic First Nations house standing alongside heritage buildings in this park where history meets culture.

Miniature World

Adults and children alike will be mesmerized by the detail of the tiny worlds on display in this charming museum.

Hotels near The Robert Bateman Centre

Hotel Grand Pacific

463 Belleville St

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in James Bay, this romantic hotel is steps from The Robert Bateman Centre, Victoria Harbour, and Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal. Government Street and Royal BC Museum are also within 10 minutes.

Huntingdon Manor Hotel

330 Quebec Street

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in James Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Victoria Harbour and Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal. Government Street and Victoria Fisherman's Wharf are also within 10 minutes.

The Parkside Hotel & Spa

810 Humboldt Street

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Victoria aparthotel is located by the ocean, within a 5-minute walk of St. Ann's Academy, Government Street, and Royal BC Museum. Victoria Harbour and Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal are also within 15 minutes.

Embassy Inn

520 Menzies St

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in James Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from The Robert Bateman Centre and Victoria Harbour. Royal BC Museum is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) away.

The Oswego Hotel

500 Oswego Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in James Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Victoria Harbour, Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal, and Government Street. Victoria Fisherman's Wharf and Royal BC Museum are also within 10 minutes.

Hotel Rialto

653 Pandora Ave.

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Victoria hotel is located near the airport, just steps from Lower Johnson Street and Government Street. Victoria Harbour and Royal BC Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Inn at Laurel Point

680 Montreal St

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in James Bay, this romantic hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal, Victoria Fisherman's Wharf, and Victoria Harbour. The Robert Bateman Centre and British Columbia Parliament Building are also within 10 minutes.

Fairmont Empress

721 Government St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Victoria hotel is located on the waterfront, just steps from Maritime Museum of British Columbia and Victoria Bug Zoo. British Columbia Parliament Building and Victoria Harbour are also within 10 minutes.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort

100 Harbour Road

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Victoria, this romantic resort is within a 10-minute walk of Pacific Rim College, Market Square, and Bastion Square. Chinatown is 0.5 mi (0.9 km) away.

Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour

728 Humboldt St

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Victoria, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Victoria Conference Centre, Government Street, and Royal BC Museum. Victoria Harbour and Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal are also within 15 minutes.

Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel

642 Johnson St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Victoria, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of The McPherson Playhouse, Market Square, and Chinatown. Victoria Conference Centre and Royal BC Museum are also within 15 minutes.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria

777 Douglas Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Victoria, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Victoria Conference Centre and Victoria Harbour. Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal and Sidney-Washington State Ferry Terminal are also within 20 mi (32 km).

The Magnolia Hotel and Spa

623 Courtney St

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Victoria, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Government Street and Victoria Conference Centre. Royal BC Museum and Victoria Harbour are also within 10 minutes.

Red Lion Inn and Suites

3366 Douglas St

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the business district, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Uptown Center and Government Street. Victoria Harbour and Royal BC Museum are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA

146 Kingston St

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in James Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Fisherman's Wharf Park and Victoria Fisherman's Wharf. Victoria Harbour and Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal are also within 10 minutes.

Accent Inns Victoria

3233 Maple St

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Victoria, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of MayFair Shopping Centre and Government Street. Victoria Harbour and University of Victoria are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

425 Quebec St

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in James Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from The Robert Bateman Centre and Victoria Harbour. Government Street and Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal are also within 10 minutes.

James Bay Inn Hotel & Suites

270 Government Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in James Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Emily Carr House, British Columbia Parliament Building, and Beacon Hill Park. Royal BC Museum and Victoria Harbour are also within 15 minutes.

Victoria Regent Waterfront Hotel & Suites

1234 Wharf St

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Victoria hotel is located near the airport, just steps from Lower Johnson Street and Government Street. Victoria Harbour and Royal BC Museum are also within 15 minutes.

Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites

740 Burdett Ave

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Victoria, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Maritime Museum of British Columbia and Royal BC Museum. Victoria Harbour and Government Street are also within 10 minutes.

Travelodge by Wyndham Victoria

123 Gorge Rd E

Rated 3.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Gorge -Tillicum Area, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Galloping Goose Trail and Government Street. Victoria Harbour and Victoria Fisherman's Wharf are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Capital CityCenter Hotel

1961 Douglas St

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Victoria, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, Victoria Harbour, and Government Street. Royal BC Museum and Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria On The Harbour

427 Belleville St

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in James Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Victoria Harbour and The Robert Bateman Centre. British Columbia Parliament Building and Royal BC Museum are also within 10 minutes.

Bedford Regency Hotel

1140 Government St

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Victoria, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Bay Centre and Victoria Bug Zoo. Royal BC Museum and British Columbia Parliament Building are also within 10 minutes.