Arts, Culture & History Tours

Self-Guided Art Tours

The Gulf Islands are a haven for artists – places such as Salt Spring Island, Denman Island, Quadra Island, Gabriola Island and Pender Islands host studio tours featuring local artists. Some studios are open year-round, while others are open during annual events. In Chemainus, admire colourful murals on a walking tour. This open-air art gallery highlights Vancouver Island history.

Heritage Tours

Learn how logging and fishing helped shape the culture of Vancouver Island at the BC Forest Discovery Centre (near Duncan). Take a Camp Life Tour to discover life as a mid-century logger – peer into bunkhouses and camp buildings, and marvel at the jaw-dropping size logging equipment and artifacts at this 40ha/100ac open-air site.

In Nanaimo, join the Nanaimo Museum to wander the Old City Quarter on a Historical Pub Tour. Or take a heritage walking tour with Tracks Outdoor Adventures to learn more about Nanaimo’s past.

Tours at the Museum at Campbell River boast an in-depth look at a substantial collection, including a working steam donkey (a steam-powered logging engine), a 1930s logging truck and restored fishing vessels, and Aboriginal masks and carvings.

Self-Guided Heritage Tours

Uncover local heritage on self-guided walking tours. The Comox Valley Heritage Experience provides well-marked walking tour maps for Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland – pass churches, heritage buildings, boardwalks and marinas, as well as points of interest such as the Nim Nim Interpretive Centre.

Many other Vancouver Island towns have similar self-guided cultural walking tours, in addition to museums and interpretive experiences. Ride on a heritage train in Port Alberni, peer into the massive lens of Triangle Island lighthouse in Sooke, wander Craig Heritage Park near Parksville, or uncover the history of Salt Spring Island. Self-guided walking tour brochures are usually available at Visitor Centres or museums.

Guided Aboriginal Tours

Celebrate Vancouver Island's Aboriginal culture on a guided interpretive tour. Near Tofino, join Tla-ook Cultural Adventures to glide through the waters in a hand-carved canoe. Aboriginal guides share cultural knowledge and sometimes even traditional paddling songs, with stops at Meares Island to view towering cedar trees.

In Alert Bay's U’mista Cultural Centre, learn about the potlatch collection, which features exquisite masks, carvings and other items. Also see the weathered totem poles of the ‘Namgis burial ground or catch a performance done in colourful regalia by the T’sasala Cultural Group dancers.

At the Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre near Duncan, hear the stories of totem poles and observe the knit display, where Cowichan First Nations create their traditional and very recognizable grey-and-cream sweaters. Hungry? Pop into the Riverwalk Cafe for First Nations ingredients prepared with modern flair. In Duncan, learn about totem carving on a free guided walking tour during summer, or follow painted blue footsteps for a self-guided stroll of more than 40 totem poles.

Many Vancouver Island cruising operators feature Aboriginal culture as part of tour itineraries.

Driving Routes

The Heritage Discovery Circle Route includes Vancouver Island cultural highlights – stop at Aboriginal cultural centres, sit on sandy beaches or meander the Royal BC Museum in Victoria.

Practical Points

• High season for most attractions is usually May to September and tours often run daily. During low season, tours can run infrequently. Most self-guided tours can be done year-round.
• Some tours may require a minimum number of participants or advance booking. It’s best to call ahead to check for schedules and availability.
• Visit local Visitor Centres or museums for walking tour brochures, maps and information on tour operators and help with trip planning.

Read Less