The Old School House Arts Centre Tours and Activities

Old School House Arts Centre featuring interior views and art
The Old School House Arts Centre
Old School House Arts Centre featuring interior views, art and signage
Old School House Arts Centre featuring art and interior views
Old School House Arts Centre showing interior views and art


Marvel at exhibitions of paintings, pottery and jewellery that have been inspired by the beautiful scenery on Vancouver Island.

Explore the work of Vancouver Island artists and see art being created when you visit The Old School House Arts Centre. As its name suggests, the gallery is housed in an old school building where former classrooms have been turned into exhibition spaces and working studios.

Start your art exploration inside the galleries on the upper level. They feature changing art exhibitions in a variety of mediums, including oils and acrylics. The pieces are replaced every few weeks and all are for sale. Also on this level are two working studios. The gallery has several resident artists and visitors are invited to stop by their studios to watch them create. You are also free to ask questions and discuss their work.

Then go down to the main floor to visit more working studios. Watch artists produce metal and stone sculptures as well as paintings and pottery and jewelry items.

If your trip to the gallery has brought out your inner artist, have a go yourself at one of the many lessons and workshops that run during the week. These are led by experienced local artists and can cover several techniques, including painting with acrylics and digital painting. 

In addition to art exhibitions, the gallery hosts a concert series. Performances are held weekly in the autumn and winter, and monthly in the spring and summer. Visit The Old School House's website for ticket prices and the performance schedule. The music events cover many different genres, including jazz, classical and folk.

Inside the gift shop, find paintings, sculptures and other items that have been handmade by artisans. Proceeds from sales go to support the gallery and local artists.

The Old School House Arts Centre is located in the heart of Qualicum Beach and is served by public transport. Drivers will find lots of free parking spaces in nearby streets.

The gallery is open from Monday to Saturday with Sunday opening during July and August. Admission is free.

Plan a trip to see The Old School House Arts Centre

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THE Beach Club Resort
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Best Lodging Options Near The Old School House Arts Centre

Qualicum Beach Inn

Qualicum Beach Inn

3 out of 5
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Casa Grande Inn

Casa Grande Inn

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Qualicum Beach Ocean Suites

Qualicum Beach Ocean Suites

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Sand Pebbles Inn

Sand Pebbles Inn

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Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel & Villas

Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel & Villas

3.5 out of 5
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Ocean Crest Motel

Ocean Crest Motel

2.5 out of 5
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Ocean Crest Motel
Recently reno'd cottage with private fenced yard, near beach, trails & village.

Recently reno'd cottage with private fenced yard, near beach, trails & village.

Qualicum Beach
Recently reno'd cottage with private fenced yard, near beach, trails & village.
Buena Vista by the Sea

Buena Vista by the Sea

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Riverside Resort & RV Park

Riverside Resort & RV Park

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Old School House Arts Centre

At The Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach, immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene with engaging arts classes and remarkable exhibitions. Nearby, you can explore the McMillan Arts Centre and discover additional artistic offerings on Cortes Island. For leisure, enjoy local entertainment, relax at a spa, or hit the golf course, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable visit.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Coombs Old Country Market, a lively public market just 4.8km away, perfect for unique gifts. Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, located 6.4km away, offers delightful local cheeses. If you're up for a drive, Woodgrove Shopping Centre, 30.6km away, features a variety of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Enjoy ice skating at Oceanside Place Arena, just 8.0km from The Old School House Arts Centre, where you can embrace the thrill of sports and adventure. For a more tranquil experience, visit Coastal Essence Day Spa, located 6.4km away, for rejuvenating body treatments in a serene setting.

For golf enthusiasts, the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club, a mere 805m away, offers a beautiful outdoor course perfect for relaxation and recreation amidst stunning scenery.

Nightlife

The nightlife around The Old School House Arts Centre offers a delightful blend of culture and entertainment. The Village Theater, just 161m away, showcases captivating performances, while Sunset Lanes, located 11.3km away, provides a fun-filled atmosphere for bowling and socializing with friends.

Find the best attractions near The Old School House Arts Centre

Visitors to The Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach can enjoy a variety of attractions, including nearby beaches and urban parks perfect for family outings. Don't miss the chance to explore the art on display at the old schoolhouse art gallery and the engaging programs at the schoolhouse arts centre. For a dose of local culture, check out the Tosh Art Centre and immerse yourself in the artistic community of this charming area.

  • Parksville Beach: Located 9.7km from The Old School House Arts Centre, Parksville Beach offers beautiful sandy shores perfect for sunbathing and beach activities. Enjoy the relaxed beach vibes while taking in stunning ocean views and creating wonderful memories.
  • Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park: This scenic park, 12.9km away, provides adventure and breathtaking landscapes. Explore hiking trails, picnic areas, and the diverse wildlife while experiencing the great outdoors and the park's tranquil atmosphere.
  • The Vintage Candy Shop: Just 161m from The Old School House, this charming shop invites you to indulge in delicious treats. With a nostalgic ambiance, it's an ideal spot to unwind and relish delightful excursions into the world of sweets.

Best time to go to The Old School House Arts Centre

The best time to visit The Old School House Arts Centre is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. December and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.7°F (4.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July64.2°F (17.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August64.4°F (18.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November43.3°F (6.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December39.0°F (3.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Old School House Arts Centre

To save money on your visit to The Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach, take advantage of the free entry and nearby attractions like Parksville Beach and Coombs Old Country Market. Plan your trip during the off-peak months of January to February or November for lower accommodation prices, and consider staying on a Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and consider booking a package deal that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Public transport is also a budget-friendly option to explore the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Old School House Arts Centre are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Old School House Arts Centre is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around The Old School House Arts Centre is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel reservation at The Old School House Arts Centre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.