Best Arts and Culture Places in British Columbia

"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."

"Scope out the cool architecture (such as that of the Vancouver Public Library), check out the Vancouver Art Gallery or window shop on Robson Street (Vancouver’s version of Rodeo Drive). End your walk at Trees Organic Coffee on the edge of Gastown. It’s a great place to people watch, especially because it’s conveniently located next to an Instagrammable pink street. Not only do you get to watch people take cheesy photos, but you can take some of your own as well."

"Vancouver's best museum is studded with spectacular First Nations totem poles and breathtaking carvings – but it's also teeming with artifacts from cultures around the world, from Polynesian instruments to Cantonese opera costumes. Take one of the free daily tours (check ahead for times) for some context, but give yourself at least a couple of hours to explore on your own. It's easy to immerse yourself here. "

"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."

"Go to the Museum of Anthropology to find out about the Northwest Coast First Nations people Try some candied salmon - locally caught, hot-smoked salmon glazed with maple syrup"

"With a Pacific Northwest look and feel, exceptionally rated Skwachàys Lodge is heavy on the artistic heritage of the region. With a 40-foot totem pole, striking carvings and a lobby gallery displaying Aboriginal art, this is not your ordinary downtown hostelry. Each of the bedrooms at this creative Vancouver boutique hotel features unique and unusual themed artwork from well-known tribal artists and offers top-of-the-range comforts including high-quality linens and walk-in showers."

"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."

"Housed in the historic Wing Sang building (51 East Pender Street), which is Chinatown’s oldest building (1889), the Rennie Museum is a private collection owned by real estate mogul Bob Rennie. Local and international artists are showcased in the gallery and free tours are available to the public. Continue to 9 of 10 below."

"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."

"Just steps away from the hotel, North Vancouver’s stunning new waterfront art attraction, The Polygon Gallery, truly offers a one-of-a-kind space to encounter photography and media art. The Polygon is open Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Thursday 10:00am to 8:00pm, and Friday to Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm. No appointments required to view the exhibitions."

"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."

"Here, we have the Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, better known as Centre A. This gallery strives to put Asian artists at the forefront and promote Asian visual creativity to the public. Centre A wants you to walk through the gallery and spark critical conversations that will get your mind running through each exhibit you view. And it isn’t out of the ordinary for an Asian art museum to exist."

"Come find us on the 2nd floor of #268Keefer 🎉 #RunghMeansColour. A post shared by Centre A (@centre_a) on Feb 10, 2018 at 7:45pm PST. Located at the heart of Chinatown, Centre A Gallery addresses questions related to Asia-Canada relations and Asian diasporic perspectives."

"Come join us for the opening reception of Marion Landry’s stunning solo-show tomorrow, from 7-9 pm. A post shared by South Main Gallery (@south_main_gallery) on Feb 15, 2018 at 11:46am PST. South Main Gallery focuses on contemporary art and displays creations belonging to emerging, mid-career and established artists."

"This gallery, in the heart of downtown Vancouver is dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art and honours Haida artist, Bill Reid and his contribution to the art world. Bill Reid was a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor and acclaimed writer. The Bill Reid Gallery is a small, intimate museum with exhibits presented with video interviews and insights."

"Photo courtesy of Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (Facebook). Bill Reid is a national treasure and is known as a very talented Haida master goldsmith, sculptor, writer, carver and spokesman. Though his life ended in 1998, his legacy lives on in the small gallery in downtown Vancouver."

"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."

"One of the newer kids to join Vancouver’s burgeoning “Yeast Van” brewery district on the east side, Luppolo is just as much about community-centric hospitality as it is about making good beer. Named after the Italian word for hops, Luppolo offers a selection of eight beers rotating on tap, so there’s always something new and different to try. From mixed fermentation batches to brews made with wild yeast and bacterial strains, Luppolo has something unique for all palates."

"Luppolo has flair, both in their brewing and in their taproom. While it may be a small venue, they consistently manage to pump out some creative ideas. I happen to think Luppolo doesn’t get as much credit as they deserve, so nice to see them in the top ten."

"Here's an IPA and an Imperial IPA you'll be coming back for for years. Luppolo spent a lot of time and effort on the space here to make it perfect. Absolutely love their brewing equipment!"

"Celebrating their seventh anniversary this year, Artisan SakeMaker produces small-batch homemade sake year-round. Unlike imported Japanese sake, Artisan’s Osake is proudly produced from B.C.-grown rice as of 2013. The rice is fermented and through the brewing process creates a wine that is typically fruity and sometimes sweet."

"Artisan Sakemaker handcrafts small-batch sake in Vancouver, and they’re actually the first local producer of fresh, premium sake. They use 100% Canadian ingredients in their sake, and you can do tastings at their Granville Island shop!. Why are they on this list of dessert spots in Vancouver?"

"A bright light in a dim(ish) area, Strathcona Brewing is colorful af and bringing joy to the neighbourhood. Their fun beer match the bubbling personality, like ‘Milkshake’, ‘Beach’ and ‘Love Buzz’ – you can only imagine the flavours."

"With two great brew masters who treat their customers like family you'll find a home here. If you think ahead, book this brewery for your holiday party."

"The cuisine of Rome can be found at Campagnolo Roma, featuring classic antipasti, pastas and pizzas using local, fresh ingredients served in a casual atmosphere."

"A charming heritage house in Yaletown is home to Lupo, a fine dining Italian restaurant. Chef Perini doesn't take short cuts in the kitchen and only uses the freshest seasonal ingredients, while making everything in-house. On the menu, you will find traditional Italian fare with a slight sense of adventure, giving each plate a certain wow factor."

"An underrated spot in Yaletown that has perfected ‘modern Italian’ cuisine. We’re always surprised to find that some of our friends have yet to go because we assume everyone would have recognized just how tasty this spot is. Hours: Monday to Friday, 5PM-9PM and Saturday/Sunday, 5PM-9:30PMWhere: 869 Hamilton Street"

"Set in a heritage house in Yaletown, Lupo is a charming, romantic spot for a modern Italian meal. Everything on the menu is seasonal and house-made. You’ll find traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, like octopus mosaic with limoncello vinaigrette or the cannelloni with smoked chicken and mushroom butter."

"A post shared by Suzanne (@enchantedchameleon) on Jan 16, 2018 at 7:23am PST. Cupcakes nails the classics like chocolate, red velvet, and vanilla cake – all of which are available in a variety of Insta-worthy styles. In addition to this, their iconic cupcakes are just as pretty as the big cakes and they don’t need to be ordered in advance."

"Despite a strong focus on cupcakes, Original Cupcakes is well known for their custom cakes. Not surprisingly, their most popular creation is their gigantic cupcake cake. The Barbie cake is another big favourite for birthday parties."