The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region pulses with community-driven creativity. From urban cultural centres to island art collectives, this coastal stretch of British Columbia celebrates art through collaboration, accessibility, and local engagement.
Art councils and cultural centres form the foundation of the region’s creative landscape, offering exhibition spaces, workshops, and festivals that connect artists with their communities.
Quick Guide: Art Galleries in Vancouver and the Coastal Mountains
Metro Vancouver
- New Westminster: Anvil Centre, Arts New West & The Gallery at Queen’s Park
- Coquitlam: Art Gallery at Evergreen, Place des Arts
- Port Moody: PoMoArts
- White Rock: The Turnbull Gallery
- Surrey: Newton Cultural Centre Gallery
Sunshine Coast
- Sechelt: Sunshine Coast Arts Council (Doris Crowston Gallery)
Gulf Islands
- Gabriola Island: Gabriola Arts Council
Metro Vancouver Art Galleries & Cultural Centres
Anvil Centre – New Westminster
This striking architectural landmark transforms New Westminster’s downtown into a cultural destination. The Anvil Centre houses multiple galleries, performance venues, and creative studios under one innovative roof, hosting rotating exhibitions, concerts, and cultural programming year-round.
Highlights:
- Modern multi-use facility combining art, culture, and community innovation
- Year-round exhibitions featuring local and international artists
- Public programming including artist talks, festivals, and cultural events
- Central location in historic New Westminster
Why Visit: The Anvil Centre represents the evolution of community cultural spaces—where contemporary architecture meets accessible programming. Perfect for visitors interested in experiencing multiple art forms in one dynamic venue.
Perfect for: Art enthusiasts, architecture lovers, families • Year-round destination with indoor programming
Address: 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC
Arts New West & The Gallery at Queen’s Park – New Westminster
A cornerstone of New Westminster’s cultural scene since its founding, Arts New West champions local creativity through its flagship venue, The Gallery at Queen’s Park. This community-focused organization presents rotating exhibitions spanning diverse artistic mediums while supporting emerging and established artists through mentorship and public programming.
Highlights:
- Rotating exhibition schedule featuring regional artists
- Community workshops and art-making programs for all ages
- Regular art walks connecting visitors with local creative spaces
- Strong focus on emerging artist development and mentorship
Why Visit: Arts New West embodies community-engaged art at its finest. The Gallery at Queen’s Park offers an intimate setting to discover new artistic voices while connecting with New Westminster’s creative community.
Perfect for: Local art supporters, families, workshop participants • Best visited during art walk events and exhibition openings
Address: 424 First Street, New Westminster, BC (Gallery at Queen’s Park location)
Art Gallery at Evergreen – Coquitlam
Housed within Evergreen Cultural Centre, this contemporary gallery challenges conventional thinking through thought-provoking exhibitions by regional and national artists. The gallery prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility, creating dialogue between professional art practice and community participation through artist talks and hands-on programming.
Highlights:
- Contemporary art exhibitions featuring established and emerging artists
- Strong emphasis on accessible, inclusive programming
- Artist talks and community engagement events
- Youth art programs bridging professional practice with public participation
Why Visit: The Art Gallery at Evergreen presents contemporary art that sparks conversation and connection. Its commitment to accessibility ensures everyone can engage meaningfully with challenging, innovative artwork.
Perfect for: Contemporary art enthusiasts, families with youth programs, accessibility-focused visitors • Year-round indoor programming
Address: 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC (within Evergreen Cultural Centre)
Place des Arts – Coquitlam
Operating since 1972, Place des Arts has shaped Coquitlam’s artistic community for over five decades. Located in the historic Maillardville neighbourhood, this cultural cornerstone offers comprehensive arts education alongside exhibition programming, creating a welcoming space where artistic practice and community connection flourish together.
Highlights:
- Over 50 years of community arts programming and education
- Multi-disciplinary offerings including visual arts, music, theatre, and dance
- Art classes and workshops for all skill levels and ages
- Historic Maillardville location connecting culture with heritage
Why Visit: Place des Arts exemplifies the power of long-term community investment in creativity. Whether taking a pottery class, viewing exhibitions, or attending performances, visitors experience art as a lived, participatory practice.
Perfect for: Arts education seekers, families, beginners to advanced practitioners • Year-round programming with seasonal workshops
Address: 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam, BC
PoMoArts (Port Moody Arts Centre) – Port Moody
The Port Moody Arts Centre blends heritage architecture with contemporary creativity. This community-driven institution features gallery exhibitions, studio spaces, and educational programming that celebrate artistic diversity—from ceramics and visual art to live performances and community festivals.
Highlights:
- Heritage building housing modern creative programming
- Gallery exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists
- Ceramic studios and visual arts workshops
- Dynamic community partnerships and festival programming
Why Visit: PoMoArts demonstrates how heritage spaces can become vibrant contemporary cultural hubs. The centre’s diverse programming ensures there’s always something new to discover, from gallery openings to hands-on workshops.
Perfect for: Heritage and art enthusiasts, ceramic artists, festival-goers • Check calendar for studio open houses and special events
Address: 2425 St. Johns Street, Port Moody, BC
Semiahmoo Arts Society | The Turnbull Gallery – White Rock
In the seaside community of White Rock, the Semiahmoo Arts Society operates The Turnbull Gallery as the region’s central arts organization. This cherished venue brings together South Surrey and White Rock’s artistic community through rotating exhibitions, seasonal art markets, and educational programming that champions accessibility and collaboration.
Highlights:
- Rotating exhibitions showcasing South Surrey–White Rock area artists
- Seasonal art markets and community events
- Educational programs fostering artistic engagement
- Central location in White Rock’s walkable downtown
Why Visit: The Turnbull Gallery captures the creative spirit of this coastal community. Combine your visit with White Rock’s waterfront promenade for a perfect day of art and ocean views.
Perfect for: Beachside art explorers, art market shoppers, local art supporters • Summer months offer combined gallery and waterfront experiences
Address: 2131 McBride Avenue, White Rock, BC
Newton Cultural Centre Gallery – Surrey
The Arts Council of Surrey operates this vital cultural hub in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood. The Newton Cultural Centre Gallery presents monthly rotating exhibitions by local artists while coordinating year-round programming including art walks, youth initiatives, and community events that strengthen Surrey’s expanding creative ecosystem.
Highlights:
- Monthly rotating exhibitions featuring Surrey-based artists
- Year-round community programming and art walks
- Youth arts initiatives supporting emerging creators
- Central role in Surrey’s growing cultural landscape
Why Visit: Surrey’s artistic community continues to flourish, and the Newton Cultural Centre sits at its heart. Monthly exhibition changes mean returning visitors always discover fresh perspectives from the region’s diverse creative community.
Perfect for: Local art discovery, families with youth programs, monthly exhibition visitors • Year-round programming with special events seasonally
Address: 13530 72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC (within Newton Cultural Centre)
Sunshine Coast Art Galleries
Sunshine Coast Arts Council – Sechelt
On the scenic Sunshine Coast, the Arts Council operates the Doris Crowston Gallery as the region’s creative focal point. This community organization presents contemporary exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops reflecting the Sunshine Coast’s artistic diversity while supporting local makers through grants, cultural initiatives, and public art projects.
Highlights:
- Doris Crowston Gallery featuring contemporary coastal BC artists
- Artist talks and community workshops
- Grant programs and artist support initiatives
- Public art programming strengthening regional creative identity
Why Visit: The Sunshine Coast’s reputation as an artistic destination owes much to this organization’s decades of cultural leadership. The gallery showcases why this coastal region attracts and nurtures creative talent.
Perfect for: Sunshine Coast explorers, contemporary art enthusiasts, artists seeking community connection • Summer months offer combined gallery visits with coastal exploration
Address: 5688 Cowrie Street, Sechelt, BC
Gulf Islands Art Galleries
Gabriola Arts Council – Gabriola Island
Known as “The Isle of the Arts,” Gabriola Island lives up to its reputation through the Gabriola Arts Council. This grassroots organization hosts the renowned Gabriola Isle of the Arts Festival and Thanksgiving Studio Tour, inviting visitors into working artist studios while coordinating workshops, residencies, and year-round programming that makes creativity central to island life.
Highlights:
- Annual Gabriola Isle of the Arts Festival
- Thanksgiving Studio Tour opening private artist studios
- Artist residency programs and workshops
- Community-wide creative engagement and cultural events
Why Visit: Gabriola Island offers an immersive artistic experience unlike anywhere else in coastal BC. The studio tours provide rare access to artists’ working spaces, while the island’s creative energy permeates daily life.
Perfect for: Island explorers, studio tour enthusiasts, festival-goers, artists seeking inspiration • Plan visits around festival dates (summer) and Thanksgiving Studio Tour (October)
Address: Gabriola Island, BC (Council office and events island-wide)
Planning Your Vancouver Coast & Mountains Gallery Tour
Visiting Multiple Venues
Metro Vancouver’s art galleries cluster conveniently for multi-venue visits. New Westminster’s Anvil Centre and The Gallery at Queen’s Park sit within walking distance, while Coquitlam’s Place des Arts and Art Gallery at Evergreen can be combined in a single afternoon. Transit connections make car-free gallery hopping practical throughout Metro Vancouver.
Timing Your Visit
Exhibition schedules vary, but most galleries rotate shows monthly or bi-monthly. First Friday art walks occur in several communities, offering extended hours, artist receptions, and coordinated programming across multiple venues. Gabriola Island’s major events—the summer Isle of the Arts Festival and October Thanksgiving Studio Tour—require advance planning but deliver unmatched access to working artist studios.
Seasonal Considerations
Year-round indoor programming makes these cultural centres ideal for rainy-day exploration, while summer months bring outdoor festivals, extended hours, and ferry-accessible island destinations. Many venues offer workshops and classes with seasonal themes—check individual websites for current programming schedules.
Beyond Gallery Walls
These art councils and cultural centres extend beyond exhibition spaces. Most coordinate community art walks, temporary public art installations, artist markets, and cultural festivals that activate entire neighbourhoods. Many offer studio rental spaces where you can watch artists at work, gift shops featuring local makers, and cafes providing gathering spaces for the creative community.
Supporting Local Art
Admission to most venues remains free or by donation, though many host fundraising events, art markets, and membership programs that directly support local artists and programming. Workshop fees, art purchases, and memberships ensure these community-driven spaces continue nurturing coastal BC’s creative ecosystem.
Resources for Art Explorers
Individual gallery websites provide current exhibition schedules, workshop registration, and event calendars. Many venues maintain Instagram accounts showcasing featured artists and behind-the-scenes glimpses. The Fraser Valley and Coastal BC Regional Tourism websites aggregate cultural events across multiple communities for visitors planning broader regional tours.
These art galleries across Vancouver and the Coastal Mountains create more than exhibition spaces—they build creative communities. The venues prove that accessibility, collaboration, and local engagement can sustain vibrant cultural ecosystems where art becomes participatory rather than merely observational. What will you see for the first time?
