Vancouver Island Artists & Art Galleries
 Crown Isle Resort photo
The Gulf Islands are home to artists of every stripe, including world famous naturalist and painter Robert Bateman. The islands have been called “one of the top 10 artist colonies in North America.”
The renowned Chemainus murals are so popular they have spawned imitators in communities as far away as New Zealand and California, as well as several places across Canada.
Aboriginal art features prominently on Vancouver Island. Many galleries display stunning prints, carvings and jewellery. The most impressive collections have been on display in galleries around the world, including the Smithsonian Institute in New York, various galleries in England, and in Canada’s Royal Ontario Museum.
The many small towns and cities scattered along Vancouver Island’s eastern shore a natural draw for the artistically inclined. Watch the roads for the signature “A” sign, indicating an artist or gallery is nearby.
The seaside towns along the scenic Oceanside Route - notably Parksville and Qualicum Beach - are artistic hot spots featuring almost every imaginable type of gallery, studio and gift shop. Galleries and studios are usually open to the public.
Duncan, known as the “City of Totems,” offers many displays of Aboriginal art including at several shops and galleries. The neighbouring community of Cowichan is known for its world famous Cowichan sweaters, hand knitted by members of the Quw’utsun First Nation.
Nanaimo and Ladysmith are home to the Cedar-Yellow Point Artisan Association, an affiliation of artists in the surrounding area. Meandering country roads connect a vibrant, thriving arts community that offers self-guided tours to over 20 galleries and studios.
 The world-famous Chemainus murals form the largest display of public art on Vancouver Island. Once a resource-reliant town, Chemainus has embraced the arts. The downtown core has been turned into a giant public art display featuring over 40 building-sized murals depicting local history and traditions.
Aboriginal art can be found in almost every city and town, with particularly impressive displays in Tofino, Alert Bay, Duncan, Comox and Victoria. See majestic totems, cedar longhouses, and galleries filled with carvings, jewellery and paintings that represent a wide variety of Aboriginal cultures.
The U’Mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay brings the art and culture of the Kwakwakawa’wakw First Nation to life through its renowned “Potlatch Collection,” an impressive collection of masks, carvings and artwork.
Duncan is known as the “City of Totems” for the 80 carvings that can be seen throughout the town. The Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre brings the art and heritage of the Cowichan people to life.
Notable galleries displaying Aboriginal art include Eagle Aerie Gallery in Tofino, featuring the works of acclaimed artist Roy Henry Vickers; the I-Hos Gallery in Comox; and the Judy Hill Gallery in Duncan.
Art in the Gulf IslandsThe Gulf Islands are home to artists of every kind, from small cottage industries to renowned naturalist and wildlife painter Robert Bateman.
Salt Spring Island hosts a summer-long art display and exhibition featuring showcase exhibits from numerous artist guilds, including painters, potters, woodworkers, glass artists, herbalists, jewelers and fabric artists. Visit the famous Sallt Spring Island Saturday market, or try the Salt Spring studio tour, a self-guided tour of over 30 art studios.
Denman and Hornby islands are flourishing artistic communities. Denman is known for its pottery, and is home to one of the few Tozan Anagama kilns in the world, a unique, high-heat kiln that imbues incredible iridescent colour into its pieces.
The Gulf Islands are accessible from the mainland and Vancouver Island via BC Ferries.
Popular Art GalleriesThe Eagle Aerie Gallery in Tofino features the art of acclaimed Aboriginal artist Roy Henry Vickers. This impressive cedar longhouse features original prints and carvings, and is a “must-see” Tofino experience.
The I-Hos Gallery in Comox features contemporary and traditional northwest coast arts and crafts. The impressive collection of art on display at the world famous Sooke Harbour House is well worth a look.
Victoria is home to many popular art galleries, including the Art Gallery of Victoria, which houses British Columbia’s largest public art collection.
Art Festivals & EventsThe self-guided Denman Island pottery tour, running for over 20 years, explores pottery studios where visitors can meet the artists and admire their latest work.
The spectacular scenery and natural beauty of Quadra Island is a natural draw for artists. Quadra is home to over 120 artists, many of whom open their homes and studios on the first weekend in June. A gallery map and guidebook is available at the Campbell River Visitor Centre.
The annual Filberg Festival celebrates excellence in arts and crafts, and is western Canada’s largest juried outdoor art show. This four-day festival in Comox draws top artists from across Canada to a 3.6-ha/9-ac waterfront lodge and heritage park overlooking the Comox harbour.
The Stinking Fish Studio Tour in Metchosin and Sooke includes more than 20 studios and galleries. View some of the finest local artwork on southern Vancouver Island. Map and guidebooks for this self-guided tour are available at the Sooke Visitor Centre.
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