Southern Gulf Island Itinerary
Exploring creativity, culture, and craft across the Southern Gulf Islands
The Southern Gulf Islands offer one of BC’s most vibrant arts landscapes, with each island expressing creativity in its own distinct way. This itinerary highlights the best galleries, studios, sculpture parks, artisan markets, and Indigenous cultural sites across Salt Spring, Pender, Saturna, Mayne, and Galiano.
From contemporary fine art and crystalline ceramics to textile collages, folk art, outdoor installations, and Coast Salish welcome poles, travellers will discover a rich blend of traditional and contemporary expression. Designed for art lovers and curious wanderers alike, this journey brings you directly into the creative heart of the Gulf Islands, one inspiring stop at a time.
Salt Spring Island
149 Fulford-Ganges Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC, CA, V8K 2T9
Steffich Fine Art Gallery on Salt Spring Island showcases national artists like Norval Morrisseau, Jack Shadbolt, and kinetic wind sculptures by Lyman Whitaker.
110 Purvis Ln, Salt Spring Island, BC, CA, V8K 2T9
Discover the colorful, whimsical artwork of Jill Louise Campbell, inspired by her painting trips to France, Italy, India, and the American Southwest. Shop locally-produced canvas artwork and gifts online.
107 Purvis Ln, Salt Spring Island, BC, CA, V8K 2S6
A not-for-profit, artist-run gallery on Salt Spring Island featuring the juried work of over 100 local artisans.
114 Rainbow Rd, BC, CA, V8K 2V5
Salt Spring Arts promotes creativity through programs, events, and exhibitions in a historic setting.
135 McPhillips Ave, Salt Spring Island, V8K 2T6
Experience vibrant contemporary art in a friendly artist-owned collective. Explore painting, textile art, jewelry, and photography in a relaxing space.
Pender Island
2408 S Otter Bay Rd, Pender Island, BC, CA, V0N 2M1
Discover the rich history of Pender Island at the 1908 farm-resort turned museum. Experience cultural artifacts and local stories.
4418 Bedwell Harbour Rd, Pender Island, BC, CA, V0N 2M1
Discover the vibrant hub of cultural events and local gatherings on Pender Islands, surrounded by natural beauty and warm hospitality.
4301 Bedwell Harbour Rd, Pender Island, BC, CA, V0N 2M1
Discover original paintings and curated local artwork inside Kim Pollard’s intimate waterfront studio and gallery on Pender Island.
37153 Galleon Way, Southern Gulf Islands, BC, CA, V0N 2M0
Visit the home studio of Canadian ceramic artist Braden Gabriel, renowned for his luminous crystalline-glaze pottery.
Saturna Island
121 E Point Rd, Saturna, BC, CA, V0N 2Y0
Donna-Fay Digance creates vibrant multimedia textile collages using layered fabrics, painting, dyeing, and free-motion embroidery to produce richly textured and dynamic works.
200 Cliffside Rd, Saturna, BC, CA, V0N 2Y0
A local pottery studio and gift shop on Saturna Island featuring handcrafted, functional stoneware and whimsical folk art.
100 E Point Rd, Saturna, BC, CA, V0N 2Y0
A seasonal art gallery on Saturna Island showcasing original paintings by Canadian artist Janet Strayer.
Mayne Island
430 Fernhill Rd, Mayne Island, BC, CA, V0N 2J0
Two monumental Coast Salish welcome poles carved by W̱JOȽEȽP / Tsartlip artists TEMOSEṈ Chazz Elliott and Matthew Parlby-Elliott stand at the heart of the Walking Forward With The Past cultural site. Installed in 2023 and 2024, these poles honour W̱SÁNEĆ history, Indigenous teachings, and the deep cultural relationship between people and place on SḴŦAḴ / Mayne Island.
499 Montrose Rd, Mayne Island, BC, CA, V0N 2J1
A vibrant gallery and arts-supply boutique featuring local artwork, creative tools, textiles, stationery, and kid-friendly craft materials in the heart of Mayne Island.
652 Fernhill Rd, Mayne Island, BC, CA, V0N 2J1
A working ceramics studio and gallery on Mayne Island, home to Kim Korol Studio and Kristine Webber Ceramics.
Mayne Island, BC, CA, V0N 2J2
The Japanese Gardens at Mayne Island is a beautiful tribute to early Japanese settlers, featuring cherry trees, ponds, bridges, and serene walking paths.
428 Luff Rd, Mayne Island, BC, CA, V0N 2J2
A year-round, walk-in gallery on Mayne Island featuring original paintings by contemporary landscape painter Terrill Welch.
Galiano Island
134 Madrona Dr, Galiano Island, BC, V0N 0E9
Discover over 190 artists' paintings and a 12' x 21' mural in beautiful Galiano Island, BC, Canada.
2517 Sturdies Bay Rd, Galiano Island, BC, CA, V0N 0E9
Yellowhouse Art Centre offers ongoing art classes, workshops, and a space for artistic expression and community gatherings. Located in Shxixnetun / Sturdies Bay.
9720 Porlier Pass Rd, Galiano Island, BC, CA, V0N 0E9
Discover the exquisite ceramic art of Sandra Dolph at Cedar Grove Gallery on Galiano Island, B.C. A must-visit for art enthusiasts.
9840 Porlier Pass Rd, Galiano Island, BC, CA, V0N 0E9
Discover exquisite warm glass art in a forest garden studio gallery on Galiano Island. Marcia DeVicque's glassworks blend nature's beauty with artistic expression.
Explore More Itineraries
Discover public art, galleries, and installations that showcase the creativity of Tofino and the surrounding region. See highlights like the č̓iinuł totem pole, Weeping Cedar Woman, and the whimsical Float’em Garden, while learning how local artists draw inspiration from place, community, and the natural world.
16 stops
A scenic, art-filled route linking public artworks, cultural sites, and beachfront paths from tinwis to the Tofino Visitor Centre. Explore carvings, driftwood installations, artist-designed pieces, and the legendary Henry Nolla Carving Shed as you walk, or bike along the MUP. A creative way to experience local stories, coastal art, and some of Tofino’s most loved beaches.
15 stops
