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.
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
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)
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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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