Things to See and Do

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 features two permanent exhibits: one exploring immigration throughout Canadian history and another focused on the history of Pier 21 as an active immigration hub. 

To begin the former exhibit, an interactive touchscreen displays a map tracing immigration to Canada through time and geography, showing the waves of migration from time immemorial to present day. Here, you can see how the forces of war, economic opportunities and changing policies brought people to Canada.   

Reading and listening to first-person accounts is one of the museum’s most moving experiences. You’ll encounter stories of newcomers who arrived in Canada and found belonging, as well as those who were excluded. Among them you’ll encounter the voices of refugees, including 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, Black refugees from the War of 1812, Ugandan Asian refugees fleeing Idi Amin and those from the Pulau Bidong Refugee Camp.   

Story stations throughout the exhibit invite you to pause and listen to these personal accounts. You’ll also learn about refugees, including 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, Black refugees, Ugandan Asian refugees, and those from the Pulau Bidong Refugee Camp.  

After seeing a multimedia presentation celebrating the contributions of immigrants to Canada, you can explore luggage tags written by visitors from around the world sharing their stories. You may decide to write your own for others to discover. 

In the Pier 21 exhibition you will pass by the original brick walls that once welcomed newcomers to Canada between 1928 to 1971. Designed to recreate the immigration experience, learn where immigrants began their journeys, how they reached Pier 21, and where they went next as you walk in their footsteps.  

Once you step in, study the detailed model of Pier 21 that explains how the immigration process worked upon arrival.   

As you move along, discover what life was like at sea through a replica third-class cabin, and the photos of the ships that once stopped at Pier 21. 

Discover the role Pier 21 played in the Second World War serving as the main embarkation point for almost all service personnel bound for Europe. Pier 21 also welcomed 48,000 War Brides and their 22,000 children following the war. 

The journey continues as you step through an original gateway door into the recreated assembly hall where people waited to have their papers checked by an immigration officer. Stopping by customs lets you see what could and could not be brought into Canada at different times. After viewing the In Canada film in the theatre, step aboard and take a seat in a Colonial train car. It took up to seven days to travel to the west coast aboard these no frills trains. They were so uncomfortable that passengers reportedly used loaves of bread as seat cushions. You can even sit on the seats to see for yourself. 

Planning Your Visit

Admission

• Purchase tickets at the welcome desk.

Parking

• Paid parking is available on weekdays. Note: Parking is free on evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

Tours, temporary exhibits, and events 

• Guided 30-minute tours are available in English and French. Mandarin tours upon request. 
• Tours and film screenings run throughout the day. 
• Professional Heritage Interpreters adapt each tour to the group’s interests. 
• Check the museum’s website for current temporary exhibitions, installations and events. 

Insider Tips

Scotiabank Family History Centre has experienced researchers on staff who are able to help you begin your family research, assist you with your genealogical brick walls or point you in the right direction with your own research. 

Find handcrafted items from local artisans, Pier 21-inspired keepsakes, and curated books that celebrate Canada’s diverse heritage at the Museum Boutique in-store or shop online. 

After your visit, head over to the Garrison Brewing Company Taproom for a post-museum beer.