Things to Do in North Cowichan

Inside Paddlewheeler Riverboat Cruises' signature vessel, the MV Native, captains transport passengers 100 years back in time when scores of paddle wheelers churned through the rivers of British Columbia. Before the authentic-style vessel casts off into the Frasier River, the crew tailors each voyage to a different theme that treat passengers to off land DJ dance parties, views of local wildlife, and journeys to historic locales such as Fort Langley. Their boat also plays host to special occasions including weddings and private parties. Towering mountain ranges act as a backdrop for each tour, and the ship's white and red exterior greets eyes with a classic design that echoes the Canadian flag flown at its bow and the giant candy cane used to anchor its stern.

Talented filmmakers at this film school teach courses that hinge on hands-on involvement. Single- and multi-session classes cover everything from screenwriting and editing to motion graphics, and venture beyond documentary making with lessons in drama and still photography. While practicing techniques and pole-vaulting on boom mics like the pros do, students use a combination of their own gear and gear they've rented from the school. In addition to firsthand filmmaking experience, documentary students get hands-on experience, partnering with community charities to create short films used for education, outreach, and fundraising.

At U Paint I Fire, artists create personalized pottery under the direction of head instructor John, a man with decades of experience in ceramics. Mugs, bowls, and pots twist into existence every day at the studio, especially during group classes. In these sessions, students use their hands, a wheel, or telekinesis to formulate creations and learn other important techniques, such as trimming and glazing. In addition to its classes, U Paint I Fire opens its studio space for birthday parties, bridal showers, and school projects. An assortment of tools and supplies is available for purchase.

After years in the IT industry, Danielle was ready for a change. Her tech-based clients seemed to be in perpetually foul moods, and she longed for days filled with smiles and the occasional inspirational conversation. She had always loved to paint, so opening her paint-your-own pottery studio felt like a natural way to fuse her passion for art with her desire to interact with people in a helpful way. Only one more thing was standing in the way of bringing her dream to life: a business partner, which she quickly found in her daughter Jennifer.

Together, this mother-and-daughter team runs Danielle's Paint-Your-Own Pottery Studio. To inspire creativity in others, they stock the studio's shelves with more than 300 bisque pieces, including mugs, bowls, and figurines. The pair guides artists through the creation process, helping them use stamps, stencils, and each other's ponytails to paint personal masterpieces. When not glazing and firing their customers' finished artwork, the duo also teaches classes on glass fusion and hosts special events such as birthday parties.

Dennis Brady and his glass-blowing brood do more than supply Victoria with a steady stream of colourful crystalline pieces. They also impart the tricks of their trade in easy-to-understand classes, lectures, and workshops. Artists can take advantage of one of the studio's many kilns for rent or use the sandblaster to etch intricate designs into smooth surfaces to practice for a new gig as Jack Frost. The glassomancers' educational programs emphasize the business end of artistry, with numerous classes aimed specifically at improving one's marketability.

Dark wooden shelves buttress ceramic vases at Smashin’ Glass & Anything Art Co. as contemporary floor lamps illume a collection of works that range from oil paintings to jewellery and fused-glass sculptures. Owner Karena Donnelly conceived of the artist-operated gallery as a space to both cultivate creativity and showcase original work from more than 130 local artists. Karena and her husband Kevin moonlight as teachers, sharing their craft with pupils of all ages during workshops and routine dental check-ups. The facility also plays matchmaker between eligible images and professional framing services.