art tours victoria bc

ART WALK VICTORIA

Welcome to Art Walk Victoria, your definitive guide to finding  great art galleries while visiting and walking in Victoria, British Columbia . You can visit only one gallery or all of them by foot, in a water taxi, riding in a pedi-cab or by horse and carriage.

You can expect to see a variety of art including paintings, sculptures, photographs and mixed media pieces from both local and international artists.

Start at any art gallery you choose, however we recommend that you start at either end of the route so you don’t miss any galleries on the art walk. Check out our list of galleries, look at the art walk route or download a copy of our printed map.

Use the live Google map above to get your Art Walk in Victoria started.

Welcome to Rockslide Studio & Gallery

We are an independent arts organization committed to making studio and exhibition spaces accessible to local artists.

Find us at 780 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC

Rockslide studio & gallery respectfully acknowledges that it is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the xwsepsum (esquimalt) and lekwungen (songhees) people. we are eternally grateful to work and create on these grounds..

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Keep up on gallery events, upcoming studio tours, and workshops by signing up with your email.

Thank you for supporting your local art community!

Self-guided Pottery Studio Tour on Victoria’s Westshore

Shore to shore, date & location.

10 AM to 4 PM Saturday, October 21, 2023

Our self-guided tour includes the communities of Langford, View Royal, Colwood, Metchosin, East Sooke, and Sooke.

Studio Hosts and Artists

Territory acknowledgement.

We acknowledge and respect the  lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples on whose traditional territory this tour takes place.

About the Artists

Please join us on october 21, 2023.

The date is set! Shore to Shore 2023 is on Saturday, October 21, 10 AM to 4 PM, and we look forward to seeing you then.

Rain or shine, our tour will take place at participants’ studios in Greater Victoria’s Westshore communities.

Come out and support the artists and artisans in your neighbourhood. Get a head start on your Christmas list or add to your own fabulous collection of handmade pieces.

Margaux Baillon

Margaux of Margaux b. Pottery creates handmade, small batch ceramics from her studio in Sooke on Vancouver Island. She makes limited collections of FUNctional pieces to adorn your home!

She uses stoneware for all her pieces. This gives her a range of options for different clay finishes. She starts on the wheel and alters her pieces from there. She thinks about the functionality of each piece in your home and how you would use it day to day.

Margaux is opening up her studio in Sooke for the tour. 

Memet Burnett

Memet is a ceramic and 2D artist living in rural Metchosin, BC. She began working with clay alongside her mother as a teen in community studios in Alberta. Academically she pursued a degrees in environmental design and veterinary medicine, and her love of animals and colour come through in her art. Throughout her formal education she took many classes at places like MISSA and other art schools and community art centres which allowed her to marry her diverse interests in storytelling, environmental science, and sculpture.

Memet makes sculptures and decorative art which tell stories, often using bright colours, always with a touch of whimsy and charm.

Memet’s Tour Stop will be at the Metchosin ArtPod.

Sharon Bussard Grove

Sharon began playing with clay in her Grandma’s studio at around 4 years of age, the seed had been planted although it took until she reached her 40s to sprout.

When unhappiness with her job led her to announce that she was going to be a potter, her husband’s reply was, well I guess you better find a place to take some lessons.

Sharon was fortunate that they lived in Tsawwassen, home to Delta Potters Association, a co-operative pottery studio. It has been over 20 years now since she began her relationship with clay.

Sharon’s studio and showroom are in Sooke.

Daniel Casey

Daniel has always been fascinated by clay.  He has been collecting ceramics since hiss early adulthood and love the form and possibility of objects made with clay. 

He moved to Vancouver Island in 2006. In 2009 he began formal instruction in clay with Muriel Sibley, Wintercreek Pottery, a local potter. He took to clay quite quickly and had his own studio within his first year of throwing. He has continued to explore clay with a variety of mediums, clay bodies, firing techniques and instructors.

His influences are based in Antique Asian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese, Ceramics and Porcelain.  He is lucky to have experienced and collected the works of Judi Dyelle, Robin Hopper, Harlan House and Kayo O’Young.  Their beautiful work inspires him as he strives to create his own voice in clay. 

Daniel’s studio is in View Royal.

Esther Drone

With her functional work, Esther strives to create interesting sturdy, solid everyday pottery. Mugs are one of her favourite types of pottery to make. Fitting handles to the varying forms and experimenting with new glazing combinations keeps each kiln unloading exciting.

She loves the physical nature of pottery, wedging clay, throwing large pieces and the three dimensional puzzle of packing the kiln.

The carved porcelain pieces are entirely different. They are a slow process of carving away at leather hard clay to reveal the imagery. Some are jars while others are purely sculptural. Unglazed, once fired they are then sanded for a smooth finish.

Esther’s studio and showroom are in Langford.

Hillary Grant

Hilliary produces pots that she hopes people will use every day. As a former pastry cook and baker, she spends a lot of time thinking about the relationship between the pots she makes and the food that may be served in them.

Although working alone can be difficult at times, she has a great group of potters around her who are always willing to talk about pots.

Whether it is a salad bowl, a mug, or a water dish for her dog, she strive to make pieces that are beautiful as well as functional.

Please note that due to illness, Hillary has withdrawn from this year’s tour. Please contact her directly to inquire about purchasing her work.

Irene Ives is a ceramic artist living in Colwood. She uses a variety of handbuilding techniques and firing processes to produce both decorative and functional ceramic pieces.

She is heavily influenced by the materiality of the clay and considers her work to be a collaborative dialogue between her creative instincts, and the properties and demands of the clay itself. It is the most archival of mediums and she finds inspiration in the interplay between humans, clay and fire across time.   Her work is about texture, patina, erosion, accretion… Her pieces are imperfect, and irregular, reflecting the ever-evolving surfaces and forms found in nature. Her process purposefully includes evidence of the maker’s hand and she strives to create pieces that beg to be touched and handled.

Irene’s tour stop is at her studio in Colwood. She will also have some work on display at Metchosin ArtPod.

Sydnie Johnson

Sydnie is an educator and ceramic artist living on the unceded territory of the T’Sou-ke and Scian’ew Nations in Sooke, B.C. She obtained a Bachelor of Education at the University of Victoria with a focus on ceramics and geography, and a certificate of Fine Arts at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey, B.C. There, she discovered the beauty of plant cells under a microscope. She began to meld her passion for ceramics with science by carving the cellular structure of plants into clay. Carved and stamped with botanical and cellular imagery, her work is tactile and evokes a sensation of being unearthed.

Sydnie will be sharing her work from her studio in Sooke. 

Derek Kasper

Derek Kasper’s ceramic art is pigeon-holed clearly in his company name, No Two Alike Ceramic Arts. Coming to focus on clay relatively late in life he has a keen sense of father time looking over his shoulder. His curiosity and creativity lead him to try many concepts in ceramic art and he is constantly striving to push the limits of his abilities and the materials—before time runs out!

Derek’s work will be at the ArtPod tour stop in Metchosin. 

Gina is a ceramic artist based on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. She has been an artist for as long as she can remember. Her Mother said she started to draw the moment she could hold a pencil. In 2007, she was looking for a new outlet to express herself and found pottery. She joined a local pottery studio, took a few classes, and has never looked backed.

She is currently working on a line of jewelry and sculptures inspired by the ocean and wildflowers. 

Gina will be participating from Esther Drone’s studio in Langford.

Rebecca McClure

Rebecca is a contemporary ceramic artist living and working in Langford, BC, the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən People. 

A ceramic artist for over 30 years, Rebecca makes vessels with a modern vibe, utilizing classic forms, bold contrasts, and vibrant colours. She brings her love of design to both her functional and decorative pieces.

Due to a series of unforeseen events, Rebecca will be unable to participate in this year’s tour. If you’re interested in her work, please contact her via her website . 

Phyllis Schwartz

Phyllis’s art is an attempt to transform texture, colour and form into a playful aesthetically engaging object. Working in photography, clay and drawing, she seeks to express whimsy, surprise and the opportunity for viewers to bring their own experience to her artwork. Her artist practice also provides her with the opportunity to not only use her art as a means to create imagery but also one that provokes viewers to look again and look for more.

In her ceramic practice, Phyllis explores glaze materials and effects in sculptural and functional forms. This work makes it possible for her to share the social history and ecology of BC ceramics, and the connection between earth materials, art and technology. 

Phyllis’s work will be on display at Metchosin ArtPod.

Diana Smith

Diana primarily makes non-functional abstract art in clay and encaustic. Her aim is for the work to be accessible (in price and concept), thought-provoking and attractive. The subject matter and style is often inspired by the Japanese wabi sabi aesthetic and world view which honours the imperfect, incomplete, humble and the hand-made.

Diana’s work will be on display at Metchosin ArtPod.

 Map & Locations

Please click on each pin below to see the artists names and specific locations., esther drone, gina mar, metchosin artpod: memet burnett, irene ives, derek kasper, phyllis schwartz, diana smith.

4495 Happy Valley Road, Metchosin

Have a healthy tour!

Shore to Shore Studio Tour follows the current  Provincial Health Officer’s Orders and Guidance regarding COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. Everyone’s comfort level is different, so please be prepared to wear a mask if requested by the studio host and please avail yourself of hand sanitizer at each site.

If you have any cold or flu symptoms on the day of the tour, please stay home and make private arrangements with the artists to see their work once you are well.

Thank you for helping to keep everyone healthy, happy, and safe!

Where are we?

Shore to Shore Studio Tour is located on the Westshore of Greater Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC.

When Is It?

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Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

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Art Gallery of Greater Victoria - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.22 km) The Craigmyle
• (0.61 km) Abbeymoore Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn
• (0.68 km) Fairholme Manor
• (0.29 km) Victoria Rockland Area 1 Bedroom Suite Close Walk to City Centre and Harbour
• (0.90 km) Abigail's Hotel
• (0.12 km) Tamales Don Carlos
• (0.53 km) JOIE Grillades
• (0.78 km) Cafe Brio
• (0.85 km) Blue Fox Cafe
• (1.11 km) Fishhook

FEB. 16 - 19 // Starts: 6:30 PM // Duration: 90 min. Meeting Location: Market Square Entrance Gate // 560 Johnson Street, Victoria

• VICTORIA ONLY • Ticketed • All-Ages

Winter Arts Festival has teamed up with John Adams, the founder of Discover The Past Walking Tours to bring you four nights of public art walking tours in beautiful historic downtown Victoria. 

Discover The Past Walking Tours has been working closely with our curation and art production team to build a custom tour that will take attendees along the Art Walk . You will see the major new public art installations, stop in at a few warming locations, and maybe even discover a pop-up performance in a storefront! John will be weaving stories about the artists with behind-the-scenes info about the creation of the festival and offer insights into the history of the buildings and people of downtown Victoria.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

To reserve your spot on the tour, click HERE . Capacity is limited to 20 guests and pre-booking is required.

The tour starts at the main entrance gates to Market Square at 560 Johnston Street—look for the Tour Starts Here sign. From there, the tour moves south to Wharf Street, connects with Bastion Square, then heads north to Chinatown, ending at the Winter Arts Hub at Herald Street Brew Works on 506 Herald Street.  Please note that due to construction, downtown events or other circumstances beyond our control, the route followed might deviate from the above description.

Partner: 

Discover The Past Walking Tours

Presented by: 

OUR DWTN brought to you by City of Victoria

ACCESSIBILITY INFO

• Terrain: Pavement and indoor flooring.

• Mobility: Wheelchair accessible, elevator and ramp options are available.

• Restroom Facilities: Gender-free washrooms, accessible stalls, and baby change tables available.

• Seating: A variety of different types of seating including couches, benches, tables, stools etc. around the venue.

• Public Transportation: 3 minute walk from bus stop at Douglas and Discovery

• Parking: Paid street parking and paid parking lots nearby. Downtown Victoria tends to be busy, so we encourage walking, biking, and public transit.

• Furry Friends: Only service animals are permitted within the Hub

• Dietary: A variety of food trucks on site will cater to many different dietary restrictions. Non-alcoholic beverages are available at all bars.

• Lighting and Noise: Low-stimulant areas can be found around the site.

We acknowledge that this event takes place on the traditional lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples: Songhees Nation and xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nation.

We ask that you take a moment to consider the history of the land that we gather on, your relations with local Indigenous people, and what each of us can do to foster meaningful reconciliation now and into the future.

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A View From Here

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What's Happening

Summer art camps registration is open, with camps designed for kids, tweens and teens, we have something for all the budding artists in your life don't delay - register today, art social: drop-in art making, free with admission. register today, join us for free admission every thursday evening from 5pm to 9pm, generously sponsored by td..

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TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES: REFLECTIONS ON ATTENDING THE INTERNATIONAL FORUM OF CHINESE ART

Territory acknowledgement.

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is located on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples, today known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory.

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One of the finest collections of art in western canada., more at aggv, aggv studio, art rental & sales online gallery, gallery associates.

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2024 Artist Map

Saturday, May 4, 2024 & Sunday, May 5, 2024 11:00am - 4:00pm

Victoria History & Beer Tasting Tour | 3-Hour

• 8X 4oz beer samples
• Historic walk through town between the stops
• Local recommendations and tips
• Personable English-speaking tour guide
• Bard & Banker, 1022 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1X7, Canada Meeting your tour guide inside by the bar.
• Swift Brewing & Good Time Tasting Room, 450 Swift St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S3, Canada
• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Bard & Banker 1022 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1X7, Canada Meeting your tour guide inside by the bar. See address & details
• 1 Bard & Banker Stop: 60 minutes See details Pass by Bastion Square Waddington Alley Market Square
• 2 Swans Pub Stop: 60 minutes See details Pass by Fan Tan Alley
• 3 Swift Brewing & Good Time Tasting Room Stop: 60 minutes See details
• You'll end at Swift Brewing & Good Time Tasting Room 450 Swift St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S3, Canada See address & details

• V844LLgaryl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles time well spent great city tour with excellent well informed and articulate guide. saw the parliament; museum, harbor, shopping area and chinatown. great value highly recommend Read more Written May 13, 2024
• G7814SCantoniol 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles "Free" Victoria, BC walking tour 2.5 hr. walking tour. The guide was excellent. The chosen sites mediocre. ... Tried submitting. Site states they require a minimum of 100 characters. That should do it. Read more Written May 12, 2024
• jbfal1 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good tour, but poor booking experience. Actual tour was good, but booking / organization not great. Despite booking via TripAdvisor, our name wasn't on the list, luckily the tour guide was accommodating and let us join in anyway. Read more Written May 6, 2024
• RitaBrandley 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour of Victoria! Helen was very friendly, informative and flexible to see things we were interested in. She put us at ease and walked to our pace. Enjoyed hearing about Victoria. Highly recommend! Read more Written April 30, 2024
• thiagod950 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour guide My family and I have a wonderful tour with Sarah! She have a great knowledge Victoria history ! It was very fun! Thank you Sarah! Read more Written April 19, 2024
• 43mica 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very knowledgeable and pleasant tour! In over 2,5 hours walk with Sarah we learned a lot about the history of Victoria, facts about important parts of it like the Harbour, the Legislation, the Empress Hotel and the history and culture (Totem Poles) of the indigenous peoples. Sarah build the tour in form of a quiz which was a lot of fun for the group. The walk and the break were very pleasant and I highly recommend the waking tour with Sarah! It was a memorable experience. Thank you Sarah and Toonie Tours! Read more Written April 18, 2024
• D7850RLtoddg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect way to see everything ! What a wonderful tour. Cam, our guide was absolutely fantastic. He was so informative and went at the pace we desired. We got to see so many wonderful sites and Cam allowed us to take the time and do the stops we needed. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to get out and see Beautiful Victoria in a wonderful way. The ride is ideal for practically anyone, accomplished riders for sure but also those who don’t ride as much. 5 stars to Cam and this tour for sure!! Read more Written April 13, 2024
• Denise G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Informative Adventure This was the perfect way to tour Victoria and see its parks, beaches, government buildings, and many sites. Cam was knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. I would highly recommend this! Read more Written April 12, 2024
• Resort04715130861 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and Informative Walk! Our tour guide, Sarah, was very friendly, fun and informative! At the the start, she asked about our interests/hobbies and then connected those with points of interest on our walk through Victoria. We (family with daughters age 11 and 13 yrs) had a great time!! Read more Written April 9, 2024
• reginacW4434GF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful Bike through Victoria Camilo was very sweet! He knew many interesting stories about Victoria. We had a blast thanks to him. He was just amazing, we were very happy he was our guide! Read more Written April 6, 2024
• ronrI9906ER 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Camilo is great! Camilo was an excellent and knowledgeable guide. What a fun bike ride. Our ride included sightings of beautiful shore line, deer, peacocks, and Victorian architecture. A+++ Read more Written March 29, 2024
• Bthompuz 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour My wife and I had a great time on this tour with Camilo. The pace was great. We saw a lot of interesting sites and it was very informative. I can’t recommend highly enough. Great way to see Victoria. The bikes were good and we felt comfortable the whole time. Read more Written March 29, 2024
• staciep366 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wondering ride We had a great time exploring. Our guide was great and we were able to see so many great places. The beaches and parks were amazing. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• 66lorenao 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience! Great experience! Camilo our tour guide made our experience even better, he explained every detail and took us to amazing places! Read more Written March 9, 2024
• 128suzannec 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Stories by Sarah Sarah our guide was fantastic! She was great at finding connections with the very diverse group that we had, which made it so much for fun, particularly when travelling solo and not knowing anyone else in the group. Sarah's knowledge was exceptional and she was constantly challenging us to find connections between events of the past and was able to bring them into the present. She was able to entwine stories from the past and shared some very dark and juicy secrets. Sarah has a very deep knowledge and understanding. She is engaging, funny and very passionate about Victoria. Do the tour early in your travels so that you can visit/revisit those places that spark your interest! Read more Written February 17, 2024

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Victoria History & Beer Tasting Tour | 3-Hour provided by Toonie Tours Victoria

BC Artist Studio Tours

British Columbia has an incredible wealth of artistic talent to offer. Many artists open their studios all summer long, some artist studio tours only run for a weekend - so make sure you don't miss them, it's always fun to discover new treasures or the perfect gift.

GoBC - helps you to locate them and find them all!

Please click on the individual art tour to see all details. You can also print each tour as a pdf booklet to take with you when you go on your trip. Many tours are fun to explore by bike oe just walk! Get packed and have fun!

If you have an artistic tour, garden tour or home tour to list please contact us to get your tour online on GoBC.

Attractions

Active and educational or relaxing and rejuvenating, Victoria’s got something for every interest—part of why it was voted the Number 1 City in The World by Condé Nast Traveller readers in 2023.

Visit the world-class Royal BC Museum, tour 125-year-old heritage buildings, or explore diverse marine wildlife along our coast. Whatever you choose, go beyond seeing and doing to embracing everything life in Victoria offers.

This May, indulge your senses in everything Greater Victoria has to offer. From fragrant gardens to locally sourced food and beverages, spring is the perfect time to explore this island paradise. Read on for our top 10 things to do in Victoria this May and let your imagination run wild.

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Upcoming events.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up around town.

'The Lehman Trilogy' at the Belfry Theatre

Jane coop - piano at wentworth villa, crossing: art, heritage, and personal journeys, afroquatics: a call and response below the surface, lee mizzen solo art show, spring african drumming classes, see yourself here.

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Ceramics in the courtyard: a six-part in-person workshop series, murray mclauchlan, david sedaris, crossing: art, heritage, and personal journeys, afroquatics: a call and response below the surface, a view from here: reimagining the aggv collections, louder than the sum of its parts, cirko bizzaro, a little light, i am what you made me: art exhibition maria diamond, upcoming events, the lehman trilogy, spring african drumming classes 2024, dave harris & friends, changing course: a river's journey of reconnection: world water day film screeni..., musical mosaic, tom vickery trio, tedx victoria, wicked little letters, thursday live happens, new orford string quartet presents pizzicato, arts on view fundraiser: keeping it live, cellofest: paul marleyn and friends in recital, music and dancing with take cover band, emily carr string quartet: sombreness sunlit (series finale), noedy hd quintet | monday morning album release, bry webb with layten kramer and cots, eric elison- celebrating gordon lightfoot tribute, i float: millie thibaudeau peters, corrie peters, arts & culture colwood society classical concert series, sunday jazz happens, ash - self discovery tour, victoria choral society presents, john lee trio | “second wind” album release concert, karaoke a-go-go with the cheesecake burlesque revue, bill francis, shawn desman, fernwood comedy night, louise rose: alone together, elaine lakeman sings man songs, pleasures: a kinky club night <3, dance with thorns & roses band, pablo cardenas presents “aquarela do brasil” featuring sara marreiros & anne..., featured events.

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Call to artists: public art project jury..., seeking gallery sitters, the fifty fifty arts collective voluntee..., viff festival | viff year-round artistic..., paint on the mountain & harmony arts fes..., featured historical events.

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Welcome to your Arts Directory

We're here to help artists and arts organizations reach their audiences and each other.  

Non-profit run and created by the community, ArtsVictoria.ca integrates current event listings and multimedia arts portfolios, and creates an explorable, living archive of the arts in Victoria BC.

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Vancouver Island Arts + Culture Road Trip

YOUR 9-10 DAY ARTS AND CULTURAL ROAD TRIP ITINERARY ON VANCOUVER ISLAND…

Off the coast of BC’s mainland across the Georgia Straight lies Vancouver Island. Promising a true Pacific Northwest experience, a locals vibe in every community and a sense of the relaxed pace of island life, the Island is the perfect place to add to your road trip itinerary. Breathe deeply and get outside to experience lush old growth forests, rugged shorelines, secret coves and beaches. Even your drive will take you through unmatched scenes of island beauty.

Along the way, discover many unique local experiences where art and life are interconnected in the essence of each creative community.  Since you can drive from tip to tip of the island in just 7 hours, a road trip over a few days can include all of the incredible, recommended destinations on our list. 

DAY ONE – Victoria

A gallery tour is a must on the island, beginning with a self-guided gallery tour in Victoria’s downtown area. In addition to checking out the important historical sites, the parliament buildings and museums, plan to spend a day pursuing shops, dining and be sure to grab a coffee at one of the local roasters and tour the downtown galleries. Our recommended stops include the Madrona Gallery , the Mark Loria Gallery ,  Flux Media Gallery , Xchanges Gallery and Studios , the Gage Gallery Artists Collective , and near the water be sure to check out the Bateman Gallery . Dive into experiencing Indigenous arts and Culture at Explore Songhees kiosks around Victoria where you can book walking tours, canoe tours, and shop Indigenous art at the shop at Ship Point. Check out events put on by the Victoria Arts Council or explore your creative side and schedule a class with a local studio like Argentum Jewellery School and Supply .  In addition to your downtown walking tour, think about checking out local artist studios open to the public like Spinning Dog Studio , the studio of SCA artist Deborah Czernecky. 

DAY TWO – Highway 14 (2hrs, 110kms)

After thoroughly exploring Victoria, head out of the nation’s capital along the West Coast toward Sooke. Just 30 minutes West of Victoria, Sooke is an artistic and adventurous town. We recommend checking out the Sooke Fine Arts Gallery and if you happen to be in town at the end of July, be sure to hit the Sooke Fine Arts Show. Plan to explore nature while in Sooke and spend time walking the trails of many scenic local parks.

Explore the Pristine beaches and the rugged natural beauty of the Jordan River, Shirley and small  waterfront communities along the Pacific Marine Circle Route between Sooke and Port Renfrew at the end of Highway 14. 

DAY THREE – Port Renfrew to Tofino (5 hours, 340kms)

The scenic drive from Port Renfrew to Tofino is one of the longer drives on your road trip itinerary, but don’t fret, there are plenty of awe inspiring views and instagrammable pit stops along the way! We recommend a pit stop at Cathedral Grove where towering old growth forest reaches into the misty skies along boardwalk trails.

Arriving in Tofino, head to a local spot for dinner or grab some groceries and spread a blanket on the beach, basking in the glory of the rugged Pacific coast. 

DAY FOUR – Tofino to Port Alberni (2hrs, 156kms) and Qualicum to Campbell River (1hr, 110kms)

Spend the morning walking the beaches in Tofino on the beach with a good coffee or locally brewed kombucha, enjoying the true island vibe of this renowned surf town. Head out after lunch and drive the coast to Ucluelet for a beautiful drive, or head straight out of town along Highway 4 to Port Alberni and through to Parksville and Qualicum Beach. In Parksville, we recommend a stop at the McMillan Arts Centre and the MONK Studio Gallery . Check out the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism organization for local programming and events before you plan your road trip itinerary. Drive into Campbell River for the evening and grab a bite to eat and spend the night in a local air bnb. 

DAY FIVE – Campbell River to Telegraph Cove (2hr, 200kms)

In the morning in Campbell, check out the local museum , the beautiful gallery showroom of Mussels and More Pottery where a local family of artists create one of a kind coastal inspired pottery works. Add to your growing collection of Island Indigenous artworks and pick up a unique treasure from Wei Wai Kum House of Treasures . 

Heading out of Campbell River, the drive to Telegraph Cove takes you through beautiful island highways toward an unforgettably Island experience. Experience a blast from the past in one of the last boardwalk settlement communities remaining on Vancouver Island is the picturesque village of Telegraph Cove. Experience the rustic nature of life in the cove where the old saw mill town overlooks the Broughton Archipelago. With the last local moving out in the 1980s, intensive restoration work has gone into renovating and preserving the colorful dwellings along the boardwalk that make up the Telegraph Cove Resort . Accommodations at the resort offer historical authenticity that is appreciated by tourists every season along with the adornment of carvings by local artist Don Bastien who runs the Telegraph Cove Art Gallery . 

DAY SIX – Telegraph Cove to Vancouver Island North (48 Minutes), Port McNeil to Alert Bay (1hr Ferry).

In the morning head North along Highway 19 to the pinnacle stop along the highway at Port Hardy. Spend a few hours here and explore a curated experience of Vancouver Island North through local outdoor adventure tours, or take a self-guided Art Tour. Head back south to Port McNeill where you’ll board a ferry for Alert Bay where you can visit the U’mista Cultural Centre housing a world-famous collection of repatriated Kwakwaka‘wakw ceremonial regalia and includes galleries and a gift shop with hand-made jewelry and carvings by Kwakwaka’wakw artists. Visit the Culture Shock Interactive Gallery where a unique experience designed to offer friendly access to the indigenous NAMGIS arts and culture. If you want to extend your trip by a day, spend the night at the Sein Boat Inn built in the 1940’s, during Alert Bay’s heyday as the main supply centre for the South Central Coast, the Inn was lovingly restructured & renovated in 2010. 

DAY SEVEN – Port McNeill to Courtenay/Comox Valley (3hrs, 250kms) 

Once back on the main island, head South along the Eastern coast of the island during your road trip itinerary. Your first stop is the arts and cultural hub of the Comox Valley. In Courtenay and Comox spend the day checking out the plethora of local galleries, museums, artists and shops along with a diverse local culinary scene. The ArtWrx Studio and Gallery is home to 10 artists in a shared studio space and promises a unique and memorable experience. Check out the Courtenay and District Museum and Palentology Centre to see artifacts and fossils that put Courtenay and the Comox Valley on the international map. The Comox Valley Art Gallery , Artful: The Gallery , and Spirits of the West Coast Gallery feature the work of recognized local artists, indigenous artists and curated exhibitions year round. While in town, be sure to check out the performance schedule at the Sid Williams Theatre .  Spend the night in the Waverly Hotel or another quaint local spot. 

DAY EIGHT – Comox to Cowichan Valley (3hrs, 200kms)

From Comox, grab a great coffee and hit your next and head out along the Eastern coast of the island through the towns of Cumberland, and Fanny Bay. Make a pit stop in Bowser and check out the Salish Sea Market Gallery where art in a variety of media is curated to express the uniqueness of the Salish Sea region.  If you happen to be here on a Sunday or a Monday, check out the Elissa Anthony Studio and Gallery, if you’re around on a different day, consider calling the artist for a private viewing. 

Continue South towards Nanaimo, Vancouver Island’s second largest urban centre. In Nanaimo you’ll find a bustling arts community from performing arts, galleries, festivals, studios museums and more. The Nanaimo International Jazz Festival draws crowds with a series of performances in the spring and fall each year. Depending on your time of travel, the renowned Maple Sugar Festival is a must. Internationally recognized artist Patricia Banks calls Nanaimo home, check out her website for exhibitions and upcoming workshops. The Nanaimo Ceramic Arts Studio and Gallery is located downtown and features the work of local ceramics artists. Be sure to check the playbill for the Port Theatre for upcoming performances while you’re in town. 

Heading south, make a pit stop in Chemainus and follow the footsteps (literally) to see the Murals of Chemainus depicting the history of the region throughout the community. In the afternoon,  you’ll pull into Duncan and the Cowichan Valley. The eclectic charm of this area of Vancouver Island has a draw of its own. A rich agricultural, epicurean and winemaking culture, artists and craftspeople, and unique places to experience the vibrancy of the beautiful valley. In Duncan, visit the E.J. Hughes Gallery at Excellent Frameworks before heading out of town toward Cowichan Bay. 

In Cowichan Bay, spend the night at the beautiful Ocean Front Suites where you can relax, go for a swim in the pool, dine in and enjoy the magnificent sunset over Cowichan Bay. 

DAY NINE (OR TEN IF YOU EXTENDED YOUR TRIP TO PORT HARDY) – Exploring the Cowichan Valley

On your final day on the island, take some time to slow down and savor your experience before heading for the ferry out of Nanaimo back to the mainland. From Cowichan Bay, head out to explore “the warm land” and its orchards, wineries, artist studios, cideries, distilleries, galleries, museums and beautiful scenery. Home of the Quw’utsun people, the area has been a lush and verdant region cultivated for over 5,000 years and is home to the warmest year round temperatures in the country. Today is a day to “just drive around” and follow your heart. No matter where you look you’ll find local artisan producers making everything from glassworks and paintings, to cheese and craft soap, small batch spirits, and craft wine and beer. The eclectic communities of the Cowichan inspire and cultivate a rich sense of culture, lending itself naturally to a laid back vibe and seemingly intentionally curated aesthetic, local business and artisanal fare of all kinds. 

Book a late ferry out of Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay. As you travel home aboard the ferry, think about posting some of your instagrammable moments on your road trip itinerary with the #SuperCulturalBC and tag us @ArtBCGuide – maybe you’re in FanTan Alley, or standing in front of the totems at ‘Namgis Original Burial Grounds in Alert Bay, or relaxing on the boardwalk in Telegraph Cove. We want to share your photos and experiences with our recommended destinations as you’ve experienced The Art of the Roadtrip. 

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