“If we view a great mountain soaring into the sky, it may excite us, evoke an uplifted feeling within us. There is an interplay of something we see outside of us with our inner response. The artist takes that response and its feelings and shapes it on canvas with paint so that when finished it contains the experience.” – Lawren Harris, Group of Seven.
Whistler has always drawn an eclectic group of people and artists have always flourished among them, often drawing inspiration from the natural beauty the mountains offer. From the carvings of the First Nations to the paintings of Emily Carr, world-renowned artists, sculptors and photographers to local, Sea to Sky talent, Whistler’s art scene is vibrant, growing and worth exploring.
Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery
Established in 1993, the Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery, located in the Westin Resort & Spa at the base of Whistler Mountain, manages a diverse collection of established and emerging Canadian artists, striving to create an inclusive environment for the first-time buyer or seasoned collector. The art displayed encompasses original paintings, sculpture, photography and unique jewellery in styles ranging from landscape to abstract and figurative.
The pieces reflect the artists’ passion for their beautiful surroundings and contemporary influences, and you’ll be struck by the variety, power and boldness of the art when you visit.
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Featuring contemporary artwork from 50 Canadian artists, the ever-changing collection reveals the artists’ passion for their unique and dramatic Canadian surroundings and contemporary influences.
Fathom Stone Gallery
Fathom Stone Gallery is committed to showcasing the beauty and mastery of stone art craftsmanship. Carved from high-quality stones by skilled artisans you’ll find elegant designs of all sizes made from jade, alabaster and onyx, many of which are inspired by the rugged beauty of British Columbia’s natural landscapes.
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There are life-sized polar bears surveying the store floor and elegant owls looking on from their shelf perches next to the iconic inuksuks. There’s also abstract stone art and incredibly unique lighting pieces.
Pieces from the gallery can be found at several mountain homes as well as at the Four Seasons, and if you find a trip to this place inspiring come back and try your hand at carving in one of their daily soapstone classes.
Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont
The focus at Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is on post-war Canadian landscape art. Mountain vistas, lush forests and winding rivers pepper the walls. The gallery is also home to some incredible pieces of sculpture with serpentine stone bears, bronze eagles and intriguing wood and resin furniture. It’s really a treasure trove of Canadian art that takes time to explore.
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The Plaza Galleries
Located in the heart of Whistler Village, The Plaza Galleries showcases contemporary fine art inspired by wildlife, mountain lifestyle and winter sports. With a more unorthodox approach, the gallery curates an elevated contemporary collection that bridges mountain culture with new and innovative art forms and media.
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Known for its diverse roster of purely Canadian artists, the gallery features everything from bold, colourful modern works to classic oil paintings and sculptures.
The Gallery at Maury Young Arts Centre
The Gallery at Maury Young Arts Centre is an inviting space showcasing local and regional artists. As the community hub for Arts Whistler, Whistler’s art council, the gallery focuses on promoting diverse forms of art, from photography and painting to mixed media, pottery and sculptures.
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The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions, giving newcomers a chance to experience Whistler’s local talent and the broader artistic community of the Sea to Sky community. Its rotating exhibits ensure there’s always something fresh and exciting on display, making it a great stop for visitors seeking contemporary, grassroots creativity.
Whistler Contemporary Gallery at the Hilton / Four Seasons
The white walls of the Whistler Contemporary Gallery are adorned with a diverse range of styles including figurative, abstract and landscape. Featuring Canadian and international contemporary fine art the gallery is home to some unique pieces including paintings, multi-media, glass and sculpture. Some of the art is inspired by the mountain scenes and wildlife Whistler is known for, whereas others evoke a sense of pop culture and urbanity.
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For lovers of bold, modern art, Whistler Contemporary Gallery is a must-visit. The art here is edgy, vibrant, and often thought-provoking, reflecting the dynamic energy of Whistler itself. From striking abstracts to captivating landscapes, the gallery provides a diverse range of styles that appeal to collectors and casual viewers alike.
Galleries Outside of Whistler Village
ART POP
ART POP is a contemporary and vibrant gallery located in Creekside Village, a short drive, bus ride, nice stroll or bike south of Whistler Village. Created by local artist Andrea Mueller, you can find her colourful, whimsical art amongst a sea of unique treasures in her shop.
The gallery features an array of bold, colourful and playful works, making it a perfect spot for art lovers who are drawn to quirky, lively pieces. A lot of Mueller’s subjects are animals, and you’ll find the eyes of a soulful bear, playful fox and regal deer peering at you from a painting. More recently, she’s been experimenting with landscapes, which are equally as striking.
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The gallery aims to make art accessible to all, and many of its pieces are available at a range of price points, making it an approachable spot for those looking to begin or expand their art collection. Mueller also hosts art classes for adults and children, whether that’s painting your pet or Whistler’s iconic Black Tusk.
Art Pop’s energetic atmosphere makes it a great place to visit for anyone looking to engage with art in a light-hearted and fun way, reflecting the playful side of Whistler’s creative spirit.
Art Junction
Located in Function Junction, a 15-minute drive south of Whistler Village, this gallery is known for its eclectic mix of fine art, crafts and custom framing services. Art Junction highlights both established and emerging Canadian artists, with an emphasis on bold, contemporary works.
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Its intimate setting creates an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore everything from paintings and photography to sculptures and glasswork. The gallery is a great place to discover unique pieces and many of the artists featured draw inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty of Whistler.
More Whistler Arts & Culture
Whistler Wine Walk
Explore Whistler’s gallery scene on a Whistler Wine Walk. Sample hors d’oeuvres and wines at this annual, sellout event held every Friday night in October. Each week, visit a variety of Whistler galleries in a fun and unique way, with local, regional and international artists, and interactive art experiences.
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Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
“The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is a place where our performers, artists and storytellers can share our rich traditions with the world.” – Chief Gibby Jacob of the Squamish Nation.
The Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations have distinct artwork that’s driven forward by new artists guided by masters and elders. Art is a way of celebrating, preserving and passing down stories and traditions and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is the place to see that in action.
The centre is filled with stunning house posts, carvings and weaving, and Cultural Ambassadors are there to explain its connection to their culture. Join a guided tour, wander the exhibits and take something home from the gift shop.
Audain Art Museum
The Audain Art Museum is the crown jewel of Whistler’s art scene. Designed to reflect its forested surroundings, the museum’s architecture is a work of art itself. Its permanent collection is a visual journey through the history of art from coastal British Columbia. It spans the late 18th century to the present day, and features one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations masks; a large collection of works by Emily Carr, and art by important post-war modernists such as E.J. Hughes, Gordon Smith and Jack Shadbolt.
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In addition to these historical works, it showcases art by internationally renowned, contemporary British Columbia artists including Jeff Wall, Dana Claxton, Marianne Nicolson, Rodney Graham and Stan Douglas, among others.
The museum also hosts visiting exhibitions from international artists as well as art-based events throughout the year. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Canadian art history or simply seeking to appreciate the intersection of nature and creativity. For more information on what a trip to this museum is like, read Culture Up: How to Get the Most From a Visit to the Audain Art Museum in Whistler.
Whistler’s art galleries offer a unique opportunity to experience both the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking to take a break from the slopes, these galleries provide a welcome retreat.
From indigenous masterpieces to contemporary landscapes, Whistler’s art scene is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. So, take your time, wander through these spaces and let the art speak to you.
For more on what’s happening in Whistler’s arts and culture scene read our What’s On This Fall & Winter blog.
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