8 Self Guided Art Tours in BC
Public art has long been a practice across the globe, with documented evidence of public art reaching back to ancient civilizations. Historically, public art took on the tone of the monument in stone, wood and natural pigment applied as paint, representing important spiritual, tribal, familial or historical moments through forms like sculpture, totem carving, murals, and memorial plinths or cairns. For millennia, indigenous people have produced elaborate public art. Symbolically, throughout human history, the creation and reverence for public art and site-specific meaning has served as a way for communities to anchor collective memory, express shared values, and connect everyday life to the sacred or the significant.
Today, public art in Canada and around the world has expanded beyond monuments and memorials, becoming a movement to bring art out of galleries and into everyday life. From street murals and abstract sculptures to interactive installations, public art offers artists meaningful opportunities to shape public spaces and make creativity accessible to all.
The public art scene in British Columbia is a vibrant and exciting aspect of the cultural landscape. Many are familiar with the public art in Vancouver, ranging from murals and hidden gems all over the urban landscape to iconic sculptures like Ken Lum’s neon Monument for East Vancouver.
Outside of Vancouver, public art remains a prominent feature of cities all over the province. Here we’ve compiled some self-guided public art experiences in some of BC’s Creative Communities.
Explore New Westminster’s self-guided public art tour to discover murals and sculptures that celebrate the city’s long heritage, diversity, and creative spirit.
Follow Port Moody’s Heritage and Public Art Guide to discover over 50 listed installations showcasing local history, Indigenous heritage, and the city’s creativity.
This scenic route doubles as an outdoor gallery with installations that celebrate community, honour the land, and enrich the waterfront walk or ride.
The Squamish Mural Walk is a free self-guided tour of 20+ murals in Downtown Squamish, both permanent and temporary, including works from the annual mural festival.
Sechelt’s public art celebrates Coast Salish heritage, local history, and the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast, inviting all to engage with stories of community and tradition.
The murals of Chemainus have turned the small Vancouver Island town into a renowned gallery of 40+ large-scale works celebrating Indigenous roots, pioneer history, and cultural heritage.
The Chilliwack Art Trail features murals from the annual festival, now permanent downtown, offering a family-friendly self-guided walk that highlights the creativity of local and international artists.
Downtown Nelson features nearly 50 murals for visitors to explore at their own pace with a self-guided audio tour in French and english sharing the stories behind the art and artists.
If you enjoy cultural exploration and tours, check out more like this...
Murals, Monuments & More
Public art in British Columbia comes in many forms, reflecting the province’s diverse communities, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re walking through a bustling city or a quiet coastal town, you’ll encounter public art that tells a story and shapes the character of the place. Here are some of the most common types you’ll find across BC:
Murals & Street Art in BC
Murals are one of the most accessible and celebrated forms of public art. From the vibrant walls of Vancouver’s Eastside Mural Festival to community-driven projects in small towns, murals transform everyday streets into outdoor galleries. They often celebrate local history, Indigenous culture, or contemporary social themes, making them both visually striking and meaningful.
Sculptures & Monuments Across BC
Permanent sculptures and monuments are found in plazas, waterfronts, and parks throughout the province. These works range from large abstract pieces to statues that honour significant historical figures and events. Public sculptures not only provide a visual focal point but also invite reflection and conversation.
Indigenous BC Carvings & Totems
BC is home to some of the most significant Indigenous public art in the world. Totem poles, cedar carvings, and modern Indigenous installations can be found in many communities, particularly along the coast. These works carry deep cultural and spiritual significance, often telling stories of family lineage, legends, and connections to the land.
Interactive & Digital Installations in BC
Increasingly, cities are embracing interactive and digital forms of public art. Light displays, soundscapes, and augmented-reality projects encourage viewers to participate, making art a more immersive experience. Seasonal exhibits in Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna often bring these innovative works to public spaces.
Architectural & Design Elements
Sometimes public art is integrated directly into the built environment. Bridges, transit stations, and public buildings in BC often feature mosaics, etched glass, metalwork, or artistic landscaping. These subtle but powerful design choices turn functional spaces into works of art that enhance daily life.
Public Art Hotspots in British Columbia
Across British Columbia, entire neighbourhoods and districts have become known for their thriving public art scenes. Whether you’re exploring murals in urban alleyways or sculptures along scenic waterfronts, these hotspots offer some of the most rewarding public art experiences in the province.
Vancouver
Vancouver is home to one of Canada’s most dynamic public art programs. The Vancouver Mural Festival has transformed Mount Pleasant and Strathcona into open-air galleries filled with colourful street art. The Olympic Village and False Creek waterfront feature contemporary sculptures and installations, while Stanley Park is home to some of the most iconic totem poles in the province.
Victoria
In Victoria, public art blends seamlessly with the city’s historic architecture. Along the Inner Harbour, visitors will find sculptures, Indigenous carvings, and seasonal art displays. Chinatown and the downtown core also feature vibrant murals that reflect the city’s cultural diversity.
Kelowna
Kelowna’s public art program brings creativity to its waterfront boardwalks and civic spaces. Sculptures like “The Bear” have become local landmarks, while murals throughout downtown highlight the city’s artistic community.
Kamloops
Kamloops has invested heavily in murals, many of which can be explored through the Back Alley Art Gallery walking tour. These works celebrate local culture, history, and Indigenous heritage, making the city one of BC’s top mural destinations.
Nelson
Known as a small city with a big creative spirit, Nelson is filled with murals, sculptures, and artist-led projects. Public art here often reflects the surrounding Kootenay landscapes and the city’s countercultural history.
