Vancouver Island Art & Garden tours offer a gateway to the island's thriving artistic community and lush botanical wonders. As spring and summer unfold, the island comes alive with many art exhibitions, garden showcases, and festivals. Embark on a journey of discovery with these handpicked self-guided tours, captivating shows, and vibrant festivals, inviting you to delve into the enchanting realms of flora, fauna, and creativity.
Mindfulness in May
This Youth Arts Exhibition in Qualicum Beach features pieces from young artists in grades 6 – 12. This year's theme is Forest, Sea, and Self, and it is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach and Adam Walker MLA.
Drop by the VIRL (660 Primrose Street) to view works in all media created by School District 69 and home learners from the Oceanside area. Vote on your favourite piece for the People's CHOICE Award. Attend the opening Gala at the Town Hall Lobby on May 2nd, from 6 pm-8 pm. Meet the artists and share some refreshments donated by Courtyard Coffee and Quality Foods.
The Youth Arts Exhibition runs from May 1 – 11. Hours are Monday – Thursday from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
MARS – Mother's Day Weekend Garden Tour
The annual MARS Mother’s Day Garden Tour allows the public to peek into the finest gardens in Oceanside. With your ticket, this self-guided tour allows you to venture to several gardens in Qualicum Beach, Parksville, and Nanoose Bay.
Many gardens will also feature artists, floral art creations, and Master Gardeners to answer your questions.
When: Saturday, May 11, 2024 and Sunday, May 12, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM both days
Head to the MARS website to find out how to purchase tickets. Don't delay, as these tickets sell out each year.
Hills to Shore Artists Studio Tour
Now in its 17th year, the Hills to Shore Artists Tour is a free, self-guided artwork tour in artists’ studios across the Gordon Head, Mt. Tolmie, and Ten Mile Point areas of Saanich. It is held over two days during Mother's Day weekend. Bring Mom for a Mother’s Day outing and shop original paintings, fabric art, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and garden art. Chat with the artists and watch them work. Many surprises are in store, including free draws. There are 18 artists in 9 locations.
Please visit their website for more information and a map of all the studios included.
Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12, from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Kitty Coleman Art & Bloom Festival
This premiere event at the Woodland Gardens is set for the May long weekend and is a favourite attraction among locals. This annual festival brings together a spectacular 24-acre venue that already delights onlookers with its array of colourful spring blooms with dozens of talented artists. Walk among the 3,500 rhododendrons while admiring beautiful art.
May 18, 19, and 20, 2024; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; and Monday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Cost: Admission is $10 per person.
Location: Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens (6183 Whitaker Road, Courtenay).
The Scattered Artists Art Tour
The Scattered Artists Art Tour is back with over 30 artists at 10 locations. This is a well-established and recognized art tour in Saanich. Enjoy a variety of art forms, including pottery, fine art, textiles, cards, jewelry and lots more. Peek into the studios and explore the garden settings. The locations are all within a short distance from the Cedar Hill golf course. For more info and images of art, please visit their website. This is a free event.
This Art Tour runs:
- May 25 – 26, 2024
- August 24 – 25, 2024
Central Island Arts Guide & Studio Tour
This Art Tour features artists between Parksville and Campbell River. A full list can be found on the CV Arts website. On the weekend of June 1 & 2, 2024, many of these locations will open their doors for this annual Art Tour. Due to the variety of makers and artists, there is something for every taste and budget.
The updated self-guided map has not been posted at the time of this publication, so keep checking their website for more info.
Quadra Island Studio Tour
The talented artists on Quadra Island are ready to welcome you! This tour is a great way to explore Quadra and discover the artists who live there. Expect a variety of displays on this tour. And, of course, visitors are still invited to take a self-guided tour of many of the studios on the island after the June kick-off weekend. They are moving away from printed brochures, so if you'd like to view the lineup, head to their website.
The official kick-off Studio Tour is June 1 & 2, 2024.
Fernwood Art Stroll
Artists are opening their studios, homes, and gardens in various locations in Fernwood and Oaklands to showcase a variety of arts and crafts. Stroll the leafy streets with the free downloadable map of the locations. Visit artist venues showing paintings, sculptures, watercolours, drawings, crafts, fabric arts, woodwork, and more. There’s even a location for story-telling.
Some artists offer art activities for families with children. Visitors can stroll in the neighbourhoods, enjoy drinks and food in Fernwood’s cafes and bistros and see and purchase artwork, cards and prints.
Bring the whole family to this two-day culture and creative event.
The 16th annual Fernwood Art Stroll takes place the weekend of June 8 & 9 and runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please check their website for more information.
Nanoose Art in the Garden
This three-day event is a popular summer Nanoose Bay attraction. Visitors can walk through the garden, listen to live music and enjoy great food while admiring and shopping among the talented Vancouver Island artisans. More information can be found on the event's website.
The entrance fee is $10 per person, with children 12 years and under are free.
Partial entrance fee proceeds go to the Nanoose Community Services, which helps local families and seniors in the community.
There is FREE parking and Shuttle BUS Service from NBES school. The shuttle brings you right into the Art in the Garden property and leaves every 25 minutes. Additional parking is available at the Community Centre (2875 NW Bay Rd).
July 5, Noon – 6:00 pm; July 6, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm; July 7, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
Location: 2525 Northwest Bay Road, Nanoose Bay
Art in the Park
This two-day arts and crafts market takes place in the beautiful gardens of Parksville Community Park. A variety of artisans will be there to show off their wares. Paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, photography, art cards, children’s clothing, art glass, and much more will be available to purchase.
While in the area, make sure to check out the Sand Sculpture Festival (July 15 – August 18, 2024).
Art in the Park: July 20, 2024, from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; and July 21, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sooke Fine Art Show
The Sooke Fine Arts Show allows the finest artists from Vancouver Island and BC’s coastal islands to showcase and sell their work.
July 27 – Aug 5, 2024
Show Hours: The show opens at 10:00 am daily and closes daily at 7:00 pm, except:
– Thursday, August 1 – Open until 9:00 pm for Market Night
– Friday, August 2 – closes at 5:00 pm
– Monday, August 5 – closes at 5:00 pm – last day of the show
Location: SEAPARC Leisure Complex (2168 Phillips Rd, Sooke)
Filberg Festival
This Art & Music Festival is set among the beautiful gardens and grounds of Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park. Attendees enjoy incredible art, music and nature. This year’s festival features a curated selection of talented artisans and makers of fine art in various media ranging from metalwork, pottery, toys, woodcrafts, jewelry, paintings, glass, textiles and specialty foods. And, as always, it will include its long-standing tradition of featuring exceptional Canadian talent in entertainment.
Friday, August 2: 10 am – 8 pm
Saturday, August 3: 10 am – 8 pm
Sunday, August 4: 10 am – 6 pm
Purchase tickets online via their website.
Arts on the Avenue
Wander First Avenue in Ladysmith to be immersed in various forms of art. From original paintings to jewelry, fabric art, carving, Indigenous-made art, and more, you will not be disappointed. The air is filled with music, and the streets are lined with art. There is even an art space for kids where young artists can create their own one-of-a-kind work to take home.
Art Jam takes place on August 24 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and is designed as a fun family evening event. There will even be a street dance!
The next day (August 25), head back to the same location for the Arts on the Avenue Market from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Visit their website for more information.
Vancouver Island North Art Tour
Experience the island's north side at your own pace through the many talented artists who reside there. This self-guided art tour includes over 15 unique stops at art studios and galleries across North Vancouver Island. Each location features various works, from sculptures to paintings and carvings to stained glass. Most studios, galleries and shops are open year-round but with limited hours during the off-season.
You can download the Art Tour Maps here.
Conclusion
Vancouver Island blossoms with a kaleidoscope of colours and creativity each spring and summer during its renowned Art & Garden Tours and Festivals. These vibrant celebrations showcase the island's rich artistic talent and stunning botanical diversity, offering unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you're strolling through picturesque gardens, admiring masterpieces by local artists, or participating in hands-on workshops, these festivals are a testament to the island's enduring beauty and creative spirit.
If you know of any other Vancouver Island Art & Garden tours or festivals happening this spring and summer, please let me know, and I will add them to this list.
Read Where to Find Spring and Summer Blooms on the Island if you want even more garden immersion.
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