Thanksgiving Studio Tour

Enjoy beautiful works of art while exploring the quaint and funky Gabriola Island.


Festival Dates: -
Location: Gabriola Island, British Columbia

It’s another Thanksgiving weekend not to be missed on Gabriola Island. You'll get a warm welcome into more than 45 studios, which features over 60 artists including Indigenous art by Snuneymuxw Nation artists.

Each year more and more artists move to the Isle of the Arts, making Gabriola Island one of the coolest creative hubs around. 

The Thanksgiving Studio Tour helps support the artists working in a variety of mediums: woodworking, glass, textiles, sculptures, paintings and drawings. The bonus is you get to explore this quaint and quirky island just 20 minutes away from Nanaimo. 

Bring your car along on the 20 minute BC Ferries ride or jump on the Gabriola bus and enjoy these artists as you explore the "Island of the Arts."

Event info

Be sure to stop by the the studios on the path less travelled. Just follow the signs on the road, pick up a brochure here or find it available in most of the venues.

What to expect

Artist studios are open 10am-5pm daily, Saturday through Monday.

For a warm welcome and an introduction to the tour weekend, plan to arrive at Tour Central, at Nova Boutique and Gallery - 575 North Road.

Tour map (sample)

From there, spend the weekend self-navigating around the island in any direction you like, using the map and listings in this tour brochure

North Island section of the map for the 2025 Gabriola Thanksgiving Studio Tour, available in complete format in the tour brochure (linked here).
South Island section of the tour map.

PRO TIP: watch for the signature tall, white Tour flags and studio number signs to spot studios as you roam.

Sewing Gabriola Island

When you go

Pick up a snack while checking out the Thanksgiving Studio Tour. Did you know Nanaimo is home to the Nanaimo Bar Trail and is the gateway to Gabriola Island?

For a multi-island experience, read up on Nanaimo in this feature story and start planning your next visit.

Heading to the Nanaimo area? Check out these places to stay.

Ready to indulge in an art-filled weekend? Share this page with your friends.