It will be a long road uphill for the artist that made the inner harbour an exciting place to visit over the past four decades. Covid has taken its toll on so many lives. Artists have been walloped as well. 

I took a walk along the causeway this past Saturday, and to my surprise, I ran into a few artists. The causeway was empty compared to the glory days of the pre-pandemic period, but there were some people shopping.  Creative people need shoppers. 

If you are a little tired of being at home.  Maybe a visit to the harbour will lift your spirits and perhaps another person's as well. 

It has been a tough year. Being a artist has never been this tough. Joseph Gonyeau has launced a podcast series on Spotify. Now is the time to plan for 2021. 

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​Believe it or not, markets are happening. It is taking extra work. Extra planning and patients but the Moss street market, James Bay Market Esquimalt markets are open, and as of last week, they started taking non-food items. 

This whole COVID 19 thing has been painful for many and will continue to be for the rest of this year and early next year. Vancouver Island relies on revenue from tourists; some artists get 90 percent of there annual income from selling at outdoor markets during the summer months. Almost 80 percent of this revenue goes back into the local economies.  The Federal and province money has been helpful, but the flow of cash will run out soon. Vancouver Island has 75 days to make hay while the sun shines. 

 The beauty of markets is farmers and artists selling their creations. Shoppers not only get to meet the grower and artists they invest in the local economy. 

Currently, the GVHA has shut down the harbour for their artist along the causeway for 2020. It is hard to see the future as the rules for outside events keep changing. Bastion square has not opened, but the Goldstream farmers market has begun—mixed messages in uncertain times. 

I understand that food is essential, but if it is safe to go to a market to buy food, it would be the same risk as going to an artisan market to purchase art. There is a desire to get the economy going, and the outdoor market scene is an excellent way to start. 

  Inside the Builing located on Pier A .Tickets are selling fast. Get your here 

Ins​Fashion Splash is about making a statement through a fashion show. People that live on Vancouver Island are very close to nature. We are surrounded by beauty and the abundance that the ocean has to offer. When the Ocean is hit by environmental disasters or even the ongoing degradation caused by plastics and other pollutants the people on the west coast feel it. 

Fashion is going through a transition from a throw-away industry to a reuse and recycling industry. Fashion Splash is a show that reflects our passion for the environment and the desire to feel beautiful about what we wear and who we are. We will be showing local designers, local makers on the waterfront at Ogden point. The show will be produced by Joseph Gonyeau who also put on the 1st two Fashion Splash events at Ship Point. 

Expect to see a least 10 local designers and stores, 16 local models in a setting that is fit to showcase our coastal talent.  Inside the heated  Builing located on Pier A 

​Sitting across the new Johnson St bridge is something old. The E&N rail yard is a historic site that allows locals to remember a simpler time. These buildings are anything but simple. 


Built with old-growth beams from the 1800s and colourful red bricks for the facade These buildings create an inviting environment for the curious. This Holiday season it is also a beautiful space for the Nomad Holiday Market.

The Nomad Holiday Market brings Artist from all over Vancouver Island. These fine makers use their creative talents to create works of beauty for the eyes and sometimes tummies. There will be Disterleirs, foodies, crafts, and art. We have some food trucks and live entertainment from local talent. 

Located on the E&N property is an old red rail car. This year we are working with the cool-aid society to fill it full of food and warm clothing for the people that need it. It will be open for the duration of the event. Even if you don't want to shop please bring by a donation. Last year we gathered over 2000 lbs of food and 3000.00 in cash and inkind donations to the Salvation Army. Lets see if we can beat that number.  Information about the event can be found at Here or on Facebook @ nomad market events. 

Vendor information @ ​http://www.victoriavendors.com/nomad-holiday-market.html

The Harbour will be a hive of activity this weekend as the classic boat show and the Blues Bash return. Live music from Saturday to Monday and the Classic boat show will delight boat lovers of all kinds. 
Over 70 artist, performers and food carts will line the causeway and the Ship point market will add over 40 artisans.   ​

​The Dragon boat races add colour and energy to the inner harbour. Hundreds of participants come from all over the world to race in our beautiful harbour. The beat of drums will fill the air as the boats paddle to the finish line. Racers from all age groups will strive to win this weekend making it a great spectator sport. Come on down and support our local teams as they compete against the world. 


There is no Ship Point Market this weekend to make room for the dragons. 

​More info ? click here