Join a guided tour of Vancouver’s major art institution to see modernist landscapes and photo exhibits. Learn about the region’s important art movements along the way.

Vancouver Art Gallery is among the largest and most eclectic museums of its kind in British Columbia. Its vast collection contains more than 10,000 works and is forever expanding and evolving, with a primary focus on regional and national talent.

Admire 19th- and 20th-century landscapes, including work by the Canadian modernists Emily Carr and Lawren Harris. The museum contains the largest array of paintings by Carr in the world.

Note the shift to photo-based works in the 21st century. Learn about the Vancouver school of photoconceptualism, a movement which is highlighted at the gallery.

Take a guided tour of the museum to learn about the societal implications of the works. Ask the experienced docents about the gallery and its displays. The museum offers several types of guided visits, including school groups, a private breakfast and the Before Hours Exhibition Tours.

Learn about the gallery itself, which was founded in 1931. It is based in the neoclassical building of the city’s former courthouse. Admire the ornate features of its façade, which has ionic columns, a central dome and a pediment. Follow the underground passage of Robson Square to reach a pleasant plaza with restaurants.

Many temporary exhibitions visit the gallery and complement the permanent collection. Purchase art books, posters, jewelry and other items from the gallery store. Take a break from the art with lunch at the on-site café, which has a picturesque patio, vibrant floral arrangements and a range of culinary treats on the menu.

The gallery is closed on Christmas and New Year’s. There is an entry fee, with discounts for children, students, seniors and families. Gallery members and toddlers enter for free.

The Vancouver Art Gallery is situated right in the heart of the city. Ride the SkyTrain to Vancouver City Centre Station, which is opposite the gallery. Plenty of bus stops line the surrounding roads and street parking is available for a fee in the area. Visit nearby attractions, such as the Christ Church Cathedral and the Commodore Ballroom.

Plan a trip to see Vancouver Art Gallery

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Oscar Inn & 2bd Suite up to 6 people private

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Jul. 20 - Jul. 23

Roundtrip flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Vancouver (YVR)

7.8/10 Good! (38 reviews)

Be good to fix the draft at the entrance (door)

Reviewed on Mar. 1, 2024

Paradox Hotel Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver

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per person

Jul. 26 - Jul. 28

Roundtrip flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Vancouver (YVR)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,002 reviews)

we were upgraded on arrival and the room was over the top amazing. Fabulous amenities, views and very comfortable. The hotel staff were exceptional in every way. If I had to pick on something, I could not take a glass of wine back to the room with me as the main floor restaurant is not part of the hotel, knowing that, next tie I will pop bottle of wine in the room fridge upon arrival

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Executive Plaza Hotel Metro Vancouver

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Jul. 5 - Jul. 7

Roundtrip flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Vancouver (YVR)

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,249 reviews)

Nice central location. Taphouse & Wild Fig had good happy hour menus.

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

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Reviews of Vancouver Art Gallery

4.2

Top destination

5 - Excellent

131

4 - Good

130

3 - Okay

28

2 - Disappointing

11

1 - Terrible

2

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

May 16, 2019

I wanted to go into the gift shop on a Tuesday evening however there was a huge line-up - it was 'pay what you can' night so the locals were all out to see the latest exhibitions. I wish i had gotten moving earlier as i would have joined in the lineup.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Feb. 27, 2019

Wonderful Gallery to visit. Various artists on display. Only disappointment, was less of a particular artist than I would have liked to be able to see.

5/5 - Excellent

TJ

Feb. 25, 2019

Was blessed to be able to see the Monet exhibit that just opened....AMAZING!! Plan to spend a day to see everything in the gallery plus the giftshop. Located right downtown and surrounded by lots of restaurants & pubs, a wonderful rare bookstore (MacLeod's), and lots of shopping.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Feb. 8, 2019

On strike sadly

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