As Spring approaches, it’s time to emerge from our hibernation and take to the streets to appreciate some art under bright blue skies. Take these walkable art tours through cities in the Lower Mainland and exercise your mind as well as your legs.
Walk and Wonder – Vancouver’s North Shore
Photo Credit: theshipyardsdistrict.ca
The lively Shipyards District on Lower Lonsdale is decorated with public art that animates the streetscapes while also blending seamlessly into the natural environment. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind work that has been created to reflect, express and celebrate the local heritage, culture and environment of the North Shore.
Curated Tastes – Vancouver
Photo Credit: curatedtastes.art
Curated Tastes brings Quebec’s practice of médiation culturelle to Metro Vancouver. ‘Art Mediation’ is, in very simple terms, bringing art to the people, rather than the other way around—as it is at a traditional gallery or museum. Interactive art events put on by the company all year round include classes as well as tours (such as their popular mural walk) to make the Vancouver art scene more approachable and relatable than it may seem to many. It’s a great way to appreciate art and get social at the same time.
Vancouver Street Art and Mural Tours – Vancouver
Photo Credit: vancouverdetours.ca
Public mural tours throughout the city are booking now for March with Vancouver Detours. You’ll explore Vancouver’s distinct neighbourhoods and check out 30+ murals and public artworks on each tour. With a spotlight on Indigenous artists and themes, these tours use artwork as an entry point to discuss topics ranging from climate change to gentrification to cultural visibility.
Downtown Public Art Walking Tour – New Westminster
Photo Credit: storymaps.arcgis.com
Take the virtual map in hand and embark on a self-guided tour of public art throughout historic downtown New Westminster. Pictures will help you find the works, and information on each piece is provided to learn more. Activity and games are included with each piece to keep things fun for the whole family.
Photo Credit: surrey.ca
You’ll start your tour at the Museum of Surrey and walk to 20 public art and heritage sites in downtown Cloverdale. Use the virtual map as your guide, or take the printable version with you. The entire tour takes anywhere from half an hour to an hour over 2.5 km of flat terrain.
Culture Paths – Self-Guided Tours – Whistler
Photo Credit: artswhistler.com
See another side of Whistler and its surroundings on these self-guided tours through the Village, the Valley and out to Squamish and Pemberton. Perfect for strolls, bike rides and leisurely drives, these tours link together public art galleries, heritage buildings and businesses that support local artists. You can load the map onto your phone or find it in an Arts Scene magazine at the Arts Centre before you head out.
Photo Credit: storymaps.arcgis.com
Three virtual maps are available from the City of Burnaby. The Public Art Map highlights pieces created by artists from around the world in parks, plazas and on city streets. Indigenous Public Art supports Indigenous expression from artists who bring their lived experience to their work and reflect a wide range of vital practices and perspectives. The Civic Public Art Collection brings together artworks commissioned for public space to mark milestones, gateways, places and passages.
Fort Langley: Film and Television Smartphone Walking Tour – Fort Langley
Photo Credit: getyourguide.com
Experience your favourite movies and TV shows by stepping through the actual filming locations throughout Fort Langley. A popular location shoot for ‘Hollywood North,’ Fort Langley is the real-life home to Riverdale, Bates Motel , Supernatural and countless Hallmark Christmas movies. This audio-guided tour is available as an app for your phone.