Ultimate Artists' Retreats in British Columbia

Josh Wicks

Calling all artists! If you're looking for the best, most awe-inspiring artist residencies to put in the work with zero distractions, here are the Top 5 in BC.

Tags: Art, Peaceful, Unplugging

  • The Ou Gallery, Canada

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    • the.vagrant.optimist

      The Ou Gallery is pure magic. The building itself was built in the 1930's as a Boatworks facility operating over a small offshoot of Lake Cowichan. Almost 90 years later it was bought by two creative souls on a mission to bring artists from around the world to a place where they can feel at home, relaxed and inspired. That's Barclay and Donovan, the owners and artists who run The Ou and bend over backward to ensure you've got everything you need to have a fulfilling residency experience.

  • Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada

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    • the.vagrant.optimist

      Behold the Caribou Artists' Cabin! Located on Mount Revelstoke with a view of an inspiring valley of Spruce and Fir trees below. This is a legit rustic log-cabin, wood-heated, and complete with a classic outhouse. What's even more amazing is the price. The Cabin and studio rent for just $22/night.

  • Ranger Station Art Gallery in Harrison Hot Springs, Canada

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    • the.vagrant.optimist

      This one is for the hardcore artists looking to challenge themselves. The Kent Harrison Arts Council residency is a year-long commitment where you live in a two-bedroom apartment with your studio above the gallery. The gallery is an old ranger station situated in Harrison Hot Springs. You can live there free of charge in exchange for your time in the gallery on the weekends as well as an option of leading community workshops. At the end of the year residency, you can exhibit all of your work in the gallery. What an exchange!

  • Coppermoss Cottage and Retreat, Canada

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    • the.vagrant.optimist

      Coppermoss is a well-equipped cottage located on the Sunshine Coast of BC. Their Treetop cottage can be rented from 1 to 4 weeks and the price is very fair. The location is rich in space and solitude. It can accommodate up to 4 people in a very cozy setting which offers an outdoor jacuzzi on the deck. If you're going to work hard, you may as well rest easy.

  • Grohman Creek Road, Canada

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    • the.vagrant.optimist

      The Narrows Art Retreat is quite literally a retreat to an intimate eco-built cabin hidden in the nature of Nelson, BC. The only way to get there is by boat. The cabin has two studios and both private or shared bedrooms and a kitchen. The artist-run residency is offered from 1 week to 1 month.