Exploring SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum Walk of Life Public Art Tour

There's a lot more to Nanaimo's public art than meets the eye. From colourful installations to meaningful works that share stories of the land and its people, art has a way of connecting us to the places we visit. And here in Nanaimo, there's a unique opportunity to experience the city through the creativity, knowledge, and perspectives of Snuneymuxw First Nation artists.

Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo have partnered to develop SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) Public Art Tour, a free, self-guided experience celebrating public artwork created by Snuneymuxw First Nation artists throughout Snuneymuxw territory and within the City of Nanaimo.

Through an interactive map, visitors can discover artwork across the region while learning about the artists, the stories behind their creations, and the cultural connections reflected in each piece.

Now, we know what you're thinking. A self-guided tour sounds great, but where do you even begin?

Well, that's where we come in.

We've put together an itinerary to help you experience the Walk of Life Public Art Tour, complete with local food favourites, opportunities to explore Indigenous-owned businesses, and a few well-deserved breaks along the way. Because there's a lot to discover, and we think it's worth taking your time.

Day 1

Morning

We've got plenty of exploring ahead, so first things first: breakfast.

Start your morning in Nanaimo's South End with a visit to Hearthstone Artisan Bakery. Known for its handcrafted breads, freshly baked pastries, and commitment to quality ingredients, this local favourite is an excellent place to fuel up before a day of discovery.

Whether you're after something sweet, something savoury, or a little of both (we won't judge), you'll find plenty of delicious ways to start the day. And if something catches your eye for later? Consider grabbing an extra treat for the road.

With breakfast taken care of, it's time to get exploring.

Before beginning the Walk of Life Public Art Tour, we're making a stop at Petroglyph Provincial Park, home to one of the region's significant collections of ancient First Nations rock carvings.

Located in Nanaimo's South End, the park offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Indigenous history through petroglyphs created more than 1,000 years ago.

A short trail leads to an interpretive area where informational displays provide context about the carvings, which depict figures ranging from fish and human forms to wolf-like creatures. 

Take your time here. These carvings are important cultural heritage features, and the park offers an opportunity to reflect on the long-standing relationships between Indigenous Peoples, the land, and the surrounding waters.

Please remain on designated trails and help protect these culturally significant features for future generations.

Afternoon

Now that you've had an introduction to the area's history, it's time to experience the creativity of Snuneymuxw artists through the Walk of Life Public Art Tour.

This afternoon, we're exploring the South: Salish Sea Side portion of the tour, which takes visitors through several locations in Nanaimo's southern neighbourhoods.

Your first stop is Mural by Snuneymuxw artist Noel Brown, located at the Nanaimo Cruise Ship Terminal Building. Created in 2011, this commissioned artwork provides a fitting introduction to an afternoon dedicated to discovering the artistic contributions of Snuneymuxw First Nation artists.

From here, follow the South: Salish Sea Side route to continue your experience.

Along the way, you'll encounter a variety of artistic expressions, including carvings, art panels, welcome poles, and totem poles. Each location offers something different, with opportunities to learn about the artists and the cultural knowledge reflected in their work.

The route also includes a sensory stop overlooking the Salish Sea, inviting participants to slow down, observe their surroundings, and consider the relationship between the land, water, and Snuneymuxw territory.

Rather than rushing between stops, we encourage you to make use of the interactive tour's photographs, videos, and written stories. These resources offer valuable context and help bring greater meaning to the artwork you're experiencing.

Take your time, enjoy the surroundings, and give yourself space to appreciate each piece.

Evening

Think we're finished with the art for today? Not quite.

Before heading to dinner, we're making one more stop to discover how traditional Coast Salish art and contemporary fashion come together.

Ay Lelum, The Good House of Design, is a multi-generational Snuneymuxw artist family creating contemporary Coast Salish fashion and wearable art. Through their family-owned design house, Ay Lelum brings artwork and cultural expression into beautifully designed clothing and accessories, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate and support Indigenous creativity in another form.

Their collections feature original family artwork, with designs created to be culturally appropriate, inclusive, and accessible to people of different backgrounds and sizes.

And the best part? You can visit their retail space right here in Nanaimo.

Located at 1380B Raines Road, Ay Lelum welcomes visitors Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 AM to 5 PM. It's a wonderful opportunity to explore their collections, learn more about their work, and perhaps find something special to bring home.

After a full day of exploring, learning, and discovering, we'd say you've earned yourself a pretty fantastic dinner. And since you're already in the neighbourhood, we have just the place.

Located in a charming character home in Cedar, Mahle House Restaurant has been serving memorable dining experiences for decades. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, thoughtfully prepared dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere, Mahle House brings together time-honoured favourites and creative culinary offerings that celebrate the flavours of the region.

Day 2

Morning

Ready for another day of exploring? Good, because there's plenty more to discover.

Start your morning in Downtown Nanaimo with breakfast at Gabriel's Café or Ironworks Café & Crêperie. Whether you're after a hearty breakfast or a quick coffee and something sweet, you'll want to fuel up before hitting the streets.

Next, we're exploring the South: Downtown portion of the Walk of Life Public Art Tour, beginning at Maffeo Sutton Park. Here, you'll discover several works by Snuneymuxw artists, including a Welcome Pole, artwork incorporated into the playground, a cedar canoe, and a large stone carving.

From there, follow the route along Commercial Street and into the Old City Quarter. Keep your eyes open! Some of the artwork is hiding in plain sight, incorporated directly into the streetscape through decorative utility covers and bollards.

Along the way, you'll encounter more incredible works by Snuneymuxw artists, each offering opportunities to learn about the stories, perspectives, and cultural connections behind their creations.

Before leaving downtown, consider popping into the Nanaimo Museum to explore its Snuneymuxw exhibition and deepen your understanding of the Nation's history and living culture.

Next, head up to Vancouver Island University, where you'll find seven additional stops featuring works by Snuneymuxw artists. Set against the backdrop of Te’tuxwtun (Mount Benson), the campus offers another opportunity to connect art, storytelling, and the surrounding landscape.

Afternoon

All that exploring calls for a break. Grab a bite at Berakah, recharge, and get ready for the final stretch.

This afternoon, we're heading into North: In the Shadow of Te’tuxwtun, the final portion of the Walk of Life Public Art Tour.

Spanning several neighbourhoods from North Nanaimo toward the downtown area, this section takes you through a variety of public spaces and community gathering places, each featuring works by Snuneymuxw artists.

Unlike the more walkable downtown route, these stops are spread farther apart, so we recommend having a vehicle handy.

Take your time exploring the artworks, following along with the interactive map, and learning more about the artists and the cultural connections reflected in their work.

And remember, there's no need to rush. If you don't make it to every stop, there's always another day to explore.

Evening

Two days, plenty of exploring, and a whole new appreciation for the artwork and stories found throughout Nanaimo. We'd say that's worth celebrating with a good meal.

Head back downtown and take your pick from the many restaurants scattered throughout Commercial Street and the Old City Quarter. Whether you're after something casual or a little more elevated, there's no shortage of fantastic local options.

And just like that, your Walk of Life adventure comes to a close.

Time To Explore

From waterfront installations and intricate carvings to artwork woven into the streets we walk every day, the SNUNEYMUXW ‘imush tu hulitum (Walk of Life) Public Art Tour offers a meaningful opportunity to experience Nanaimo through the creativity, knowledge, and perspectives of Snuneymuxw First Nation artists.

Because sometimes, seeing a familiar place in a whole new way starts with simply taking the time to look a little closer.