The Hills to Shore Artists Tour is a self-guided tour of open houses at artist studios in the Gordon Head, Cadboro Bay and Mount Tolmie areas of Victoria.

The event takes place on the Saturday and Sunday of the Mother’s Day Weekend, which in 2026 is May 9th and 10th. Admission is free!

To learn about the event, either continue reading or visit hillstoshoreartists.ca.

Mother’s Day Weekend Artists Studio Tour

The Hills to Shore Artists Tour is a terrific way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Mother’s Day weekend if you like art (and who doesn’t!). The event presents a wonderful opportunity to meet artists, chat with them, admire their art, and learn the stories behind their creations. In 2026 the event includes ten locations, at each of which there are between one and three artists.

When visiting artists on this tour, you can expect to meet people who are passionate about art and want to share that passion with you. The artists are excited to share their art in their home or studio – allowing visitors to see what the art might look like in one’s own personal space.

When you arrive at each home, you are invited to view the works as the artist intended. You’ll meet the artists and get to know their stories. They love to share about each piece. This is as much an art viewing event as a social time with artists. You won’t be overwhelmed with shoppers and can take as much time as you like enjoying each piece. There is also no pressure to buy anything. It’s like going to an art museum, but you can buy the art if you want to!

When and Where

The Hills to Shore Artist Tour happens on the Saturday and Sunday of the Mother’s Day Weekend each year. In 2026 the open houses are on May 9th and 10th. The hours are from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The event takes place in the Gordon Head, Cadboro Bay and Mount Tolmie neighbourhoods of Victoria. These are basically in the vicinity of the University of Victoria (UVIC), at the southeastern corner of the Municipality of Saanich.

While in the area, other places to enjoy include Mt. Doug Park (PKOLS) in Gordon Head and Gyro Park in Cordova Bay. Mt. Doug is a natural landscape that takes you from the ocean to the top of one of Victoria’s largest peaks. Gyro Park, meanwhile, has a sandy beach and fields, with an extensive playground for children. Mt. Tolmie is the neighbourhood where you’ll find Mt. Tolmie Park – another great place to go hiking.

Gardens in this part of Victoria include Finnerty Gardens at UVIC and Playfair Park in nearby Maplewood. The rhododendrons this time of year at both places are spectacular!

Artists and Their Studios

Below are the names and locations of the artists participating in the tour in 2026. For bios about each artist and a visual map of the various locations, visit the event’s Online Brochure.

4409 Robinwood Drive

Artists: Sonia Lesage, Michelle Barkway and Arabella Young

1519 Mount Douglas Cross Road

Artist: Peggy Fletcher

3876A Finnerty Road

Artists: Marcela Strasdas, Ester Strijbos & Belle Leon

2566 Annabern Crescent

Artists: Shelley Hordiyuk, Valerie Kuehne and Simon P. Stuart

1804 Jade Place

Artist: Sandhu Singh

3965 Lexington Avenue

Artists: Judi MacLeod and Jennifer Miller

2232 Tashy Place

Artists: Janet Anderson and Lisa Riehl

ART IN VANCOUVER

If you like art and happen to be in the Lower Mainland later this month, then you might also want to check out Art Vancouver and the West of Main Art Walk. The first is a major art fair and exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre. It takes place on May 28th to 31st. The latter, meanwhile, similar to the Hills to Shore Artists Tour, is a self-guided tour of artists’ studios in a large area of the City of Vancouver west of Main Street. It happens on May 30th and 31st.

4399 Robinwood Drive

Artist: Jenn Lecour

4635 Vantreight Drive

Artist: Maarten Schaddelee

3220 Exeter Road

Artists: Shelley Cooper and Carol Bednarski

MAY EVENTS IN VANCOUVER

In case you plan to travel to the Lower Mainland soon, and wanted to know what’s happening there this month, check out the May Calendar of Events on the Vancouver’s Best Places.com website. Examples of events you’ll find that are happening later in May include the All British Field Meet Car Show at VanDusen Botanical Garden and the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair in Surrey on the Victoria Day Long Weekend. There is also Ladner May Days in Delta on May 22nd to 24th.