Vancouver Island North’s spectacular landscape and non-human inhabitants lend themselves to a swath of inspiration for the dynamic arts and culture of our region. Bears, whales, birds, native flora, and the textures of earth and sea, are just some of the components you might see composed in a diverse spread of mediums.
The spaciousness and serenity of our communities and green spaces curate the space to dream and create. For millenia, Vancouver Island North has been home to Indigenous peoples with cultural traditions that encompass storytelling, song, dance, drum and mask-making, carving, and more, and continue today in the communities across our region.
When you visit Vancouver Island North, there are plenty of opportunities to directly engage with these artists and learn about cultural traditions in a meaningful way.
Creative practice explores myth, storytelling, and symbolism
Orient yourself in Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw perspectives and the living history of Indigenous peoples in Vancouver Island North on arrival by visiting the U’mista Cultural Centre. This renowned waterfront venue exists to ensure the survival of vital cultural elements, like the Potlach, origin stories, and regalia. View temporary exhibits and permanent collections that inform learning and respectful movement through traditional lands and waters. Pick up a reminder of your visit from an Indigenous-owned business in the gift shop.
In Fort Rupert to the south of Port Hardy, visitors can see art in action at the Copper Maker Gallery, where Kwagu’l Master Carver, Calvin Hunt, has his studio. Here you’ll find a spread of mediums—from totem poles and masks to carved canoes and metalwork—rich in animal and spiritual symbolism.
At the Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy, an incredible 18-foot-wide copper art piece by Coast Salish artist, Shain Jackson, representing Gwa’sala Nakwakda’xw myths, heritage, and legends, greets visitors. A curation of Indigenous art and design can also be found throughout the hotel; a visual portal for connection and storytelling.
For an unforgettable cultural experience in situ, guests are invited to journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw Territory with Sea Wolf Adventures. Guided by ecological stewardship, day tours travel into Indigenous Protected Areas and the mythic Great Bear Rainforest where you may see grizzly bears, sea otters, and whales amid the sharing of Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw stories.
Vancouver island north’s art tour
Vancouver Island North’s artists are eager to warmly welcome visitors to share in their passion, practice, and resulting artworks. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a relaxed wander from gallery to studio to store, and the Vancouver Island Art Tour Map is the tool you need for this self-guided excursion.
Sixteen spaces take guests to the heart of practices ranging from painting, pottery and photography, to stained glass, carvings, and more. Stops can be found in most of our communities, including on our islands at Sointula and Alert Bay, making the art tour an exciting way to plan your travel across Vancouver Island North.
Discover tucked away studios and mediums you might not expect, like ecodyes made from local mushrooms and berries used on paper, fibre, and clothing and bookbinding at Island Infusion on Sointula. Nans Hands Gift Shop features handmade-only products from eighteen local artisans. Beautiful custom fused glass showcases the colours, marine life, and flora of Vancouver Island North at Harmony Gardens Gallery. Many of our creatives are incredibly resourceful when seeking materials in the remote corners of our region. For a truly immersive experience, several of the spaces have on-site accommodation or host classes, like Quatsino’s Seaside Studio and Gallery; the perfect excuse to hone your artistic skills in peaceful seclusion.
Fall in love with artistic inspiration for your space
Many of the artistic spaces on the Vancouver Island Art Tour have diverse and well-stocked gift shops or are galleries where each piece is available to buy. Additionally, the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) Ocean Store in Port McNeill is stocked with beautiful art prints on paper and fabric that represent the marine wildlife found in Vancouver Island North.
Make sure to check seasonal operating hours for Vancouver Island North’s galleries, art studios, and cultural centres before you travel. Some spaces are open by appointment to help make sure someone is available to host you. Our makers, gallery owners, and curators can’t wait to be a part of your visit—we have a good feeling you’ll leave feeling inspired!