A couple makes soap during a workshop at Starlite Soap Studio in Victoria, BC

Makers & markets in Victoria, BC

Victoria, BC, is a city that thrives on creativity, where artisans and makers pour their passion into every handcrafted detail.

From bustling markets to immersive workshops, you’ll find opportunities to connect, create, and uncover the heart and soul of this vibrant community, as well as something truly unique for that special someone on your nice list.

A person hammers metal at Jake James Blacksmith in Victoria, BC

Forge your own path

Feel the heat, hear the clang of metal, and discover the art of traditional blacksmithing at Jake James Blacksmith. Offering hands-on workshops like Damascus Kitchen Knife Making, Spoon Forging, and crafting your own Camp Hatchet, Jake James combines ancient techniques with modern artistry to help you create something extraordinary. Surrounded by nature, this experience connects you to the timeless skill of blacksmithing while leaving you with a piece as unique as your journey. It’s craftsmanship at its finest—and an unforgettable story to take home.

Jake James Blacksmith
A man pours a soap creation from Starlite Soap Studio in Victoria, BC

Sudsy & scented

Dive into the art of soap making with Starlite Soap Studio’s broad range of instructor-led workshops. From crafting goat milk soap and kaleido-soap to beer soap, beeswax candles, and bubble bath bombs, there’s something for every creative spirit. Learn to blend oils, fragrances, and colours into bespoke creations that reflect your style. Whether crafting for yourself or creating gifts, these hands-on experiences embody Victoria’s spirit of innovation and the joy of doing things right.

Starlite Soap Studio

Taste the art

At The London Chef, food is an art form. Their cooking classes bring people together over a shared passion for fresh, inspired dishes. Led by Dan Hayes, a classically trained French chef with a passion for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, these cooking classes are as entertaining as they are educational. Hayes, who co-hosted the hit APTN show Moosemeat and Marmalade, brings his expertise and engaging personality to every session. Whether mastering Italian classics or French bistro haute cuisine, this experience delivers a deliciously hands-on way to connect with Victoria’s vibrant food scene.

Photo credit: thelondonchef (Instagram)

The London Chef
An array of wool at Beehive Wool Shop in Victoria, BC

Stitch your story

Step into a world of texture and colour at the Beehive Wool Shop, where in-person knitting and crocheting classes are open to adults of all abilities and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or picking up needles for the first time, their welcoming experts guide you through every stitch. Surrounded by some of the finest yarns in Canada, you’ll embrace the joy of creating something uniquely your own. It’s a chance to slow down, connect, and celebrate the timeless art of crafting in Victoria’s distinctively creative way.

Beehive Wool Shop
A woman wears a backpack made from a sail in Victoria, BC

From sails to style

Carry a piece of the ocean with you thanks to Salt Legacy, a local maker transforming used sailboat sails into stylish, upcycled accessories like backpacks, duffle bags, and carry-alls. Each sailcloth bag tells its own story and offers more than just function—it’s a commitment to sustainability. With every purchase, you’re not just acquiring a one-of-a-kind accessory, but also contributing to ocean conservation efforts. Salt Legacy perfectly embodies Victoria’s spirit of innovation and connection to the natural world, making it a gift that gives back.

Salt Legacy
A selection of metallic jewellery at Bamboo Beads & Bling in Victoria, BC

Handmade, from you

Located in the heart of Victoria’s Chinatown—the second oldest Chinatown in North America—Bamboo Beads & Bling offers workshops that turn creativity into wearable art. Try your hand at crafting “In the Loop” earrings, build basics in beading, or even tackle Hammertime and create your own unique copper pendant. Preparation is key, so drop in ahead of time to pick up the supplies you’ll need for your session, and don’t forget to bring your own tools. These sessions are as much about community as they are about creativity, reflecting the spirit of Victoria’s artisan culture.

Bamboo Beads & Bling
The exterior of the farmhouse at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse in Victoria, BC

Festive finds await

Immerse yourself in the festive magic of Local Folk, a European-style holiday market at Sea Cider running December 1st from 11 AM to 4 PM. Browse handcrafted treasures from over 40 local vendors while enjoying live music, carolers, and cozy fire pits. With tintype photo shoots (a vintage photography style that applies a photography to a metal plate), DIY ornament-making, and a setting straight out of a holiday postcard, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with a local twist.

A driftwood sculpture of a heron in Victoria, BC

Reclaimed creations

Discover the whimsical world of BIRDS! A Driftwood, Wire, and Paper Art Exhibit by local sculpture artist Tanya Bub. Featuring an exuberant collection of driftwood, wire, and paper birds of all shapes and sizes, this free, family-friendly showcase celebrates creativity and the beauty of nature. As you wander through this joyful display, you just might spot the perfect one-of-a-kind holiday gift for someone special—or for yourself. It’s a celebration of art, imagination, and the distinctive charm of Victoria’s creative community.

BIRDS! A Driftwood, Wire & Paper Art Exhibit
The storefront of Market Collective in Victoria, BC

Handmade & heartfelt

Meet the makers at Victoria Market Collective, a hub for local artisans showcasing their handcrafted goods. Located in the heart of downtown Victoria, this shop is the perfect place to discover unique gifts and treasures that reflect the city’s blend of tradition and innovation. Every piece has a story, and every purchase supports the creative community that makes Greater Victoria unlike anywhere else.

Victoria Market Collective
An ice hockey themed puzzle from Puzzle Lab in Victoria, BC

Pieces of wonder

Get off your phone and reconnect with loved ones with a little help from Puzzle Lab Inc., where heirloom-quality wooden puzzles turn screen-free moments into priceless memories. Each high-quality puzzle supports Canadian artists and features unique cut pattern designs, often with patented wiggly pieces that mimic the organic growth patterns of coral reefs. These intricate, thoughtful designs elevate puzzle-solving into an artful, hands-on experience that’s perfect for families and friends. Whether you’re tackling a masterpiece together or gifting a puzzle, you’ll bring home more than a pastime—you’ll bring home a connection.

Puzzle Lab

Candy Canes & Crafting

On December 14th, head to the Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival at the Saanich Fair Grounds from 9:30 AM to 4 PM. Discover handmade goods from local artisans, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and bring the kids to a festive zone filled with crafting, face painting, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa. This family-friendly event promises a day packed with holiday cheer and heartwarming community spirit.

Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival
A woman window shops outside an art store in Victoria, BC

Meander our makers and markets

Victoria’s local shopping scene isn’t just about what you take home—it’s about the connections you make, the stories you hear, and the hands-on experiences that stay with you. Discover it for yourself and take a piece of Victoria’s creativity with you.

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Destination Greater Victoria is honoured to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.