The Art of a Perfect Summer: 6 Hidden Art Gems Around Vancouver

Summer seems to inspire an urge to experience something new. Whether it’s the warmer weather and longer days that encourage an adventure away from home or piled-up vacation days waiting to be used, the best memories are often made during this magical season.

Luckily for Washington residents, you don’t have to travel too far to be in a whole new country, and our upstairs neighbor Vancouver, Canada offers the perfect opportunity to take a trip and experience some of the west coast’s finest art—from architecturally stunning galleries to upbeat festivals, DailyHive has curated a list of the city’s must-see spaces. Read on to get the scoop on some of our favorites.

For travelers looking for curated variety in their artistic tour, a gallery might be the right choice. The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver not only boasts a striking aesthetic with its angular lines and reflective exterior, but it also houses a diverse array of exhibits. The gallery is currently hosting “Ghosts of the Machine,” a multimedia experience designed to examine the ever-blurred line between “reality” and the digital world we continuously interact with.

Another must-see gallery is the Van Dop. First-time visitors might be surprised by the gallery at first glance—it presents as someone’s cozy, two-story abode. But this quaint façade is intentional, the heritage home was chosen to encourage visitors to experience art in a comfortable, accessible way.

If you like your art with a side of fun, head over to the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival during the weekend of July 21 to July 24 for live music, boutique shopping, and interactive art activities suitable for any age or skill level. With a special exhibit on the history and artwork of Kwantlen First Nation people, this is an incredible opportunity to experience the local community and history.

For those who are prepared to go the distance, The Vancouver Mural Festival is a perfect way to check out some of the city’s most notable murals. Use a map to guide you on your journey. It’s also a great way to see plenty of local restaurants, shops, and architecture. For more outdoor art, “Kamui Mintara” (translation: Playground of the Gods) is a remarkable and expansive collection of massive wooden sculptures representing the relationship between Ainu people (the tribe from northern Japan that the artist Nuburi Toko is from) and their gods. We recommend timing your visit at sunset to witness golden rays beaming through the totems.