Emily Carr Chronicles Walk, Talk & Tour in the Afternoon

Join us on a two-hour historic journey through James Bay, the heart of Victoria, where Emily Carr was born, lived, and created. This tour will take you to 12 significant sites that shaped Emily's life and work, from the place where she was born to the place where she died 73 years later.

We begin our adventure at noon on the patio of For Good Measure, where you'll meet fellow enthusiasts before stepping out into the historic streets of James Bay. Our first stop is Carr House, her family home and now a National Heritage site, where Emily’s story begins.

Next, we'll visit the residences of three of Emily's four sisters, exploring the deep familial bonds that influenced her life and art. Then, we’ll head to the unique apartment building Emily designed and managed for over twenty years, where she wrote The House of All Sorts—a collection of stories featuring her quirky and colourful tenants.

We’ll also visit the residence of one of Emily's childhood art teachers, reflecting on how these early mentors helped shape her artistic vision. From there, we’ll stroll through Beacon Hill Park, a favorite sketching spot for Emily, before stopping at the stone footbridge built in her honour by her sister and how

After a brief rest at the Royal BC Museum, we’ll continue to Helmcken House, the oldest building in BC still in its original location and a National Heritage site. This was the home of Victoria's first doctor and Emily's family doctor, Dr. Helmcken, who figures prominently in her short stories.

Next, we'll visit Crystal Gardens, where Emily Carr delivered her landmark 1930 "Fresh Seeing" speech, defending "modern" art during her first solo exhibition in Victoria. As we explore this iconic site, we’ll share charming stories, including the antics of her mischievous pet monkey, Woo!, and the adventures of her beloved painting caravan, The Elephant.

We'll also touch on the tragic tale of the architect behind Crystal Gardens—Francis Rattenbury—who designed many of Victoria's notable buildings. His life took a dark turn, becoming the subject of an international scandal involving his second wife, a tragedy that ultimately led to his untimely death.

Our next stop is the Emily Carr statue in front of the iconic Empress Hotel. Here, you'll learn about the renowned sculptor behind this striking tribute, discover what made made them so famous and other Emily Carr statues created by a celebrated artist from Saskatchewan.

The second to last stop on the tour is her father’s store on Wharf Street, a significant location in both her life and writings and at one time was operated as an art gallery in her honour. Our final stop takes us to the place where Emily passed away, rumoured to be still haunted by her ghost.

We’ll conclude the tour back at For Good Measure around 2 pm, where you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the life and legacy of Emily Carr, and the rich history of the neighborhood that inspired her.

Upon registration, you will receive:

• a timeline of significant events in Emily Carr's life
• an Emily Carr backgrounder with some of her autobiographical stories and key moments
• access to the text of six books of autobiographical short stories she wrote during her lifetime (including Klee Wyck, The Book of Small, The House of All Sorts, Pause: A Sketchbook, The Heart of the Peacock and Growing Pains: An Autobiography)

Pictured below is where we will meet up at For Good Measure at 579 Niagara Street at noon to introduce ourselves to each other and where we will return to about 2pm.

Feedback on the Emily Carr Chronicles Walk, Talk & Tour on May 23. 2024

"Marilyn at Emily Carr Chronicles was excellent to deal with in booking a private 12 location tour and also as our informative & fun tour guide. I organize Heritage tours for the Newcomer's Club of Greater Victoria and I was able to fill up two walking tours of 15 each. There was huge interest and positive feedback from the club members. I don't hesitate to recommend Marilyn. She brought Emily Carr back to life and was a joy to work with."
~ Kim McVeigh
Newcomer's Club of Greater Victoria

"It was fascinating, especially because of the materials sent ahead of time providing a good base for understanding her as a determined, indépendant minded painter and writer. It definitely deepened my knowledge and understanding of her."
"It was really great! Thanks for all the effort (and Emily-love!) you put into it Marilyn"
"Thank you, Marilyn for providing such a thorough overview."
"Perhaps add a bit more show & tell on her artistic journey to her later paintings. I thought the focus was on her writing more than her painting. Although I now want to read House of All Sorts!"
"Marilyn, I loved your enthusiasm and knowledge, and bringing in other "experts" to share their knowledge.
"Marilyn was a great guide and really knows and respects Emily Carr. "
"The size of the group was good. Cost was reasonable. Thank you."

"Excellent knowledge and information. Thank you Marilyn. The tour [on August 15] was so great. I really appreciated you sending some of her short stories that related to many of the locations we visited in advance of the tour. They made her life come alive for me."

For more information on the tour, the tour guide and Emily Carr, please see:
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

For Good Measure Grocery & Coffee Shop, 579 Niagara Street, Victoria, Canada