Back to Reality: Best Places to Visit in BC for Inspiration

Inspiration is a mischievous little trickster for most creatives. Sometimes it can easily be an apple falling from a tree but other times it can be hard to grasp. We may need to physically step out of our boxes to think outside of the box. Luckil,y it’s the start of the autumn season and  fall often feels like its own kind of New Year. From wardrobe resets to dusting off holiday decorations, there’s often a renewed energy once September rolls in—making it the perfect time to refocus and find inspiration. For entrepreneurs and creatives, this could mean discovering community spaces that spark new ideas or reignite long-buried dreams. British Columbia is home to many of these inspiring places. 

 

Attend an Autumn Fair: Connect with Your Industry

Autumn in BC is prime time for fairs and festivals. From agriculture markets to craft expos, these gatherings provide entrepreneurs with networking opportunities, local industry trends, and chances to meet potential collaborators. 

In the Sunshine Coast alone, the region holds a three-day event in October called the Sunshine Art Crawl where over 150 art galleries, artists, and studios open their doors to visitors.

The Sunshine Coast is known to be home to one of Canada’s largest artist population per capita, and they’re not subtle about it. Once you get off the Langdale terminal and make your way to Gibsons, Robert’s Creek, all the way to Sechelt, you will often find signs along the highway that say “potter” and “artist.” 

Whether it’s the creative process you’re curious about or how artists juggle their hats as entrepreneurs, it’s the best chance to take a peek into their lives and creations.  Even between gallery visits, the breathtaking coastline offers plenty of inspiration from nature itself.

 

Find Your Tribe at BC’s Local Bookshops

Bookshops across BC are cozy spaces where creativity and community thrive. Like Gather Bookshop in Squamish, it isn’t limited to just carefully curated books, it’s also a hub for like-minded individuals. You can attend workshops, or have a great time mingling and sharing ideas through their book club. Find your local bookstores in your areas such as Armchair Books in Whistler, Russell Books in Victoria, Windowseat Books in Nanaimo, and Canterbury Tales Bookstore in Vancouver.

Whether you find your tribe through the people you chat with in the bookstore, or the friends you make inside the books, you will find great inspiration either way.

 

Digital Nomad-Friendly Cafés in the Lower Mainland

The Lower Mainland is home to a variety of cafes that cater to the nomadic worker. Many of these offer fast Wi-Fi, appetizing food and a relaxed ambiance that allow you to focus on the work that matters. Whether you’re looking to connect with regulars or find a quiet corner to type away your business plan, these cafés can be the perfect place to ignite a business idea.

Check out more of the best coffeeshops for working and networking here.

 

Find a quiet corner in one of BC’s public libraries

Public libraries are often overlooked as entrepreneurial resources. The Vancouver Public Library, not only houses an extensive collection of books and research materials but also hosts workshops and meetups for budding entrepreneurs. Finding a quiet corner to strategize or attending one of their events can offer fresh perspectives. There are also spaces where you can freely mingle while bringing your own food like the RBC lounge or the rooftop view on the 9th floor. If you’re starting out and looking to start a podcast or video projects, you can book their digital media rooms.

 

Realigning through a return to the land

The return to the fast-paced world can cause us to feel misaligned and harried. Returning to a slower pace and engaging in dialogue with nature can be an opportunity to reassess our priorities and reignite our curiosity. 

For those seeking a more immersive experience, look no further than Indigenous-led businesses who are leaders in sustainable entrepreneurship. These community-driven business models demonstrate how tradition and innovation can coexist. 

Seawolf Adventures offers Indigenous-led tours through the breathtaking landscapes of Vancouver Island. Their sustainable approach, rooted in community values, highlights how businesses can thrive while preserving the natural environment. 

BC’s agricultural roots are also an inspiring resource. Visiting a local farm, offers a chance to ground yourself in the origins of the food we consume. Farm-to-table experiences allow you to reconnect with the land, which can be a refreshing way to recharge both your body and mind. The Cowichan Valley is a great place to explore. According to Tourism Cowichan, there are over 700 farms in the region. 

Go on a trip to the Cowichan Station Creamery, a cheese shop and dairy farm offering farm to table artisanal cheese.

Stay at Keating Farm, for a peaceful weekend while enjoying the 27-acres of land that is home to heritage orchards, and a whole range of farm animals.  

 

Explore opportunities through BC’s resources

Apart from physical spaces, BC is rich with resources and networks designed to help budding entrepreneurs. Many of these organizations hold events and workshops that can propel your business ideas or connect you with peers, mentors and funders. 

BEBC Society advocates for Black entrepreneurs, offering resources, networking, and community support.

Futurpreneur Canada focuses on young entrepreneurs, and provides a platform for funding, mentorship, and workshops tailored for innovation.

IWEP by SUCCESS provides underserved women entrepreneurs with trainings, workshops, and mentorship for business growth.

Small Business BC is a wealth of resource whether it’s advisory services on marketing, finances, business plans, training, and resources for industry specific entrepreneurs.

The Forum supports women entrepreneurs with mentorship, workshops, and tools to grow your business. 

WeBC offers  training, financing, and advice for women entrepreneurs at every stage.