This Thanksgiving weekend, the Gabriola Arts Council invites you to the 29th Annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour! Think bold paintings, wild sculptures, and creations you didn’t even know you needed until you saw them. If it can be dreamed up, chances are a Gabriola artist has already made it (and it’s probably way cooler than you imagined).
From October 11–13, 48 studios plus Tour Central (Top Floor of Nova Boutique, 575 North Road) throw open their doors for a weekend that’s part art crawl, part treasure hunt, and 100% island vibes. These artists don’t just hang work on a wall, they turn kitchens into galleries, backyards into exhibits, and studios into the kind of spaces you won’t want to leave.
On this self-guided adventure, expect everything from striking paintings and intricate prints to ceramics, woodwork, textiles, metalwork, and creations that defy categories altogether. This isn’t just a tour, it’s your backstage pass into the heartbeat of Gabriola’s art scene.
All You Need to Know About Gabriola
Ranked sixth in Canada for the highest concentration of artists, Gabriola doesn’t just dabble in creativity. It eats, sleeps, and breathes it. They don’t call it the Isle of the Arts for nothing. Everywhere you turn, someone’s painting, sculpting, carving, or weaving their way into your heart (and probably your suitcase).
And getting here? A breeze. One short ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo and suddenly you’re surrounded by sandstone shorelines, lush forests, secret coves, and markets buzzing with local flavour. Restaurants dish up plates as bold as the art itself, and getting around is half the fun. Bike it, pack the car with your crew, or let GERTIE, the island’s beloved community bus, play chauffeur. However you roll, the journey’s as much part of the story as the destination.
Once you’ve landed, the adventures stack up fast. We’re talking alpaca farms (yes, alpacas), weekly markets brimming with handmade treasures, biking trails that test both legs and lungs, and enough kayaking and paddleboarding to keep your arms happily sore. Basically, if it’s outdoorsy, artsy, or delightfully quirky, Gabriola’s got it on tap.
Day tripper? You’ll barely scratch the surface. Better plan to linger. Cozy up at the Surf Lodge and Pub, tuck in at Hummingbird Lodge Bed & Breakfast, or wake up to waterfront views at Page’s Inn on Silva Bay. Feeling rustic? Pitch a tent at Descanso Bay Regional Park or camp out under the stars at Page’s Resort & Marina. Either way, Gabriola serves up serious “vacation within a vacation” energy.
Want more Gabriola? We’ve got an itinerary for that.
Already Have Thanksgiving Plans?
Sure, the Thanksgiving Studio Tour is the star of the season, but Gabriola’s artists don’t just clock out when the weekend wraps. These creators are here all year, ready to welcome you into studios, galleries, and quirky island spaces. So don’t wait for a special event. Hop the ferry, wander over anytime, and show some love to the locals keeping the Isle of the Arts buzzing.
To learn more about which studios to visit outside of the Thanksgiving Studio Tour, visit Gabriola Art Council’s website. For general Studio Tour information, event details, and resources for visitors, click here.
