Best Arts and Culture Places in Bowen Island

"Just because Vancouver is surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning natural beauty doesn’t mean you should come to expect nothing beautiful indoors too. The city’s Art Gallery, located in downtown Vancouver, is home to over 10,000 art pieces, ranging from Canadian and British paintings to the photographic works of artists like Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Guided tours are always available, but for something both interactive and slightly different, try to make it for a FUSE event, where DJ’s and artists perform throughout the galleries from 8 pm to 1 am."

"Founded in 1931, the permanent collection of the gallery consists of 11.000 artworks including over 200 works by Emily Carr, The Group of Seven, Jeff Wall, Harry Callahan and Marc Chagall. The gallery hosts regular touring exhibits and lectures, it is home to a gift shop and a cute cafe. On Tuesday evenings from 5 to 9 pm admission is by donation."

"The Vancouver Art Gallery is a small but mighty gallery filled with cool exhibits that switch up every so often. Grab some clean shots with the art deco-style interior, or snap some photos of the artwork. It’s located in downtown Vancouver, and Tuesday evenings are pay-what-you-can by donation!"

"Museum of Anthropology at UBC: An informative museum highlighting The First Nations of Canada. Kitsilano Beach: An excellent place to relax with scenic views of Vancouver. You can also swim here when the weather is warm."

"The massive totem pole jutting out from the peaked roof gives you a hint why Skwachàys Lodge, Canada’s first aboriginal boutique arts hotel, occupies its own niche. Part visitor accommodation and part social housing, the property isn't just a place to stay, but rather a cultural experience unlike any other you’ll find in Vancouver. Skwachàys was once a rundown single-room occupancy hotel, but a CDN$10.5 million renovation gave it a brand-new life."

"This well-priced hotel reflects the artistic heritage of the Pacific Northwest. High above the front door, a 40-foot totem pole and striking carvings identify this First Nations’ project; the lobby gallery displays Aboriginal art; and all of the bedrooms are decorated by well-known tribal artists."

"Hidden behind the unassuming doors of the Rennie Museum is one of Canada’s largest collections of contemporary art. Opened in 2009, the collection focuses on topics that surround identity, social commentary, injustice and appropriation. Entrance is free but the museum is only open to the public on Saturdays by appointment."

"A private museum that you have to book to get into, but definitely worth the minimal effort required. Make a story out of the exhibition, and take a main page post on the roof, it’s a win-win scenario. Definitely one of the coolest buildings you can check out in Vancouver."

"Make sure to stop off for a drink at Keefer Bar and Fortune Sound Club and check out Rennie Collection at Wing Sang (which offers free entry). You can also visit some of the firm-favourites such as; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the Millennium Gate."

"Known previously as the Presentation House Gallery, this North Van gallery is the largest non-profit photographic gallery in Western Canada. Operating since 1981, The Polygon focuses on – but is not limited to – contemporary photography with an emphasis on Canadian work. The gallery itself is a modern and bright 25.000-square-feet (2322-square-metre) building with stunning water views."

"A modernist masterpiece that sits on the water in North Van. And, admission is by donation!. Ironically, this is one of two places on this list where Nemesis Coffee will be setting up shop."

"Gam Gallery is a contemporary art gallery, studio space and boutique located in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side. Since it is located in such a unique area, the displays reflect the DTES artistic community. GAM is a great starting point for emerging local artists who want to exhibit their creations and make lasting connections with others."

"In terms of contemporary art galleries, Access Artist Run Centre is one of the best non-profit organizations you can visit in Vancouver. Access doesn’t just seek to promote local artists, either. The museum accepts works from people all over Canada."

"A post shared by CAFÉ ÇA VA (@cafecavawestvan) on Jun 30, 2017 at 8:29pm PDT. You are going to swoon over Cafe Ca Va’s white marble tables, deep royal blue chairs, and gold crystal chandeliers. The modern French menu is packed with bold rich flavours and a rotating dessert menu."

"Want to feel like you've turned the corner and landed in Paris?. Seek out this little cafe right in the middle of the French Cultural Center and your wallet will thank you in more ways than one; no airfare for starters, and a great value on well-prepared dishes. You'll need a rudimentary knowledge of French to make a selection from a menu that includes classics such as carnard confit and lapin grille entrees and for dessert creme brulée du jour or decadent gâteau ganache."

"If there’s anything about Salade de Fruits Cafe that’s more than enough to bowl me over, it’s the fact that even if it’s quite a small cafe, it offers good food and great ambiance. So, since it’s pretty small and quaint, it might be a good idea to get your reservations ahead of time. We tried their most popular dish: the moules frites."

"The delightful Café Salade de Fruits, owned by Antoine Bonard and Balendran Rameshan, is wonderfully French, with their rotating selection of table d’hote (chef’s choice) and a la carte items, like salade de saumon fumé and poisson du jour. Location: 1551 W 7th Ave."

"Fifteen years after restauranteur and BC Restaurant Hall of Fame inductee John Blakeley opened Bistro Pastis in Kitsilano. The cosy, upscale restaurant is still a favourite for classic bistro fare, like bouillabaisse and sole meunière, and its wonderful wine list is heavy on regions throughout France. Location: 2153 West 4th Ave."

"A post shared by MeeT on Main (@meetonmain) on Dec 10, 2017 at 6:32pm PST. The first stop on any list of vegan restaurants in Vancouver, MeeT is your go-to for burgers and comfort food. Known for their decadent Double-Double Burger (double coconut bacon and double cheez), mountains of crispy fries and poutine, you’ll leave here full, satisfied, and with your wallet still intact."

"MeeT is the ultimate spot for vegan comfort food in Vancouver, with several locations around the city. This is the sort of food that your die-hard carnivore friends can hardly believe contains no animal products. Dishes to chow down on include a spicy buffalo burger or poutine topped with their savory cashew miso gravy, house feta, and mozzarella, finished with scallions."

"A grungy-looking hole-in-the-wall with a meat-free menu that lures just as many carnivores, beloved Budgie’s has a loyal following. Regulars come for the stomach-stuffing burritos (try the Henry: tofurky sausage, rice, beans, cheese, salsa, sour cream and lettuce) plus the chance to chill downstairs at mismatched booths surrounded by junkshop velvet paintings depicting everything from Hawaiian Elvis to Spanish conquistadores. Plan B: Just around the corner, Foundation is a sprawling vegetarian diner that serves a near-legendary nacho platter – possibly the biggest and best-value in Vancouver."

"A post shared by Annabelle || Vancouver 🇨🇦 (@epicureannie) on Jun 30, 2017 at 1:27pm PDT. Budgies brings both substance and quality at a more than fair price. Their entire selection of burritos runs at no more than $8 for 10″, but you can upgrade to a 12″ for just $1 more – we highly doubt you’ll regret it."

"Your mom might call Budgies grungy, but residents of the neighbourhood love this cozy, colourful spot for its cheap and cheerful Mexican food -- all of which is vegetarian. Sub the cheese and sour cream for guacamole or dairy-free cheese to make it vegan. Veggie ground round and tofurkey is also on the menu."

"Inspired by the old streetcars that used to toodle around North Van, Streetcar Brewing was in the works for years before opening. Now, you can check out this hidden brewery in the heart of LoLo. We’re ashamed to admit it, but Boston Pizza by the slice was the perfect choice for food here."

"The craft beer flights are flowing on this patio with an industrial vibe. A hidden gem, in the heart of Lower Lonsdale. 123A 1st St East12pm to 9pm – seven days a weekStreetcarbrewing.square.site"

"Located on Mainland Street, one of Yaletown’s two main north-south arteries, Yaletown Brewing Company has been an after-work, lunch, and evening mainstay in Vancouver’s converted warehouse district since 1994. The brew pub—which also includes a 160-seat restaurant—is classic Yaletown, with exposed brick walls and rough-hewn timber cross beams. At the back of the pub, behind a wall of glass, is the guts of the operation: massive vats full of fresh beer."

"Conveniently located downtown in Yaletown (hence the name), it’s walking (or stumbling distance) if you’re a downtowner. Get a front row view to all the Yaletown action in one of Vancouver’s historical neighbourhood breweries. The patio is covered and heated."

"Edit: Updating back to 5 stars given the responsiveness to bring back the gluten free buns!. Thank you and see you soon!!. We’ve been very loyal customers o..."