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Urban Sketchers Vancouver, North Vancouver, BC (2026)

08/29/2026

With rain in the forecast, it seemed that our Bowen Island sketch visit, might just be a washout. Some of us did the scenic hike out of Snug Cove and through the forest to Killarney Lake, while others showed up there by car. The rest of the group were scattered elsewhere.

In the end the weather stayed mild and dry. We had a good turnout for the throw down and the group photo shoot that followed.

Thank you Bob Altwein for hosting this annual excursion! Photo credit Rui Cui M E R L I N C H A R L S kalyan vaddi Bob Altwein

08/29/2026

*Sorry for re-uploading the post! But the day in the slide has been corrected!*

🏖️ Let’s Sketch at Kitsilano Beach

📆 Date: Saturday, 5th September, 2026

📍 Meeting Point: Outside the building next to Kitsilano Beach Public Washrooms
🕐 Meetup: 2:30 PM

📍 Sketch Throwdown: Same as meetup point
🕑 Throwdown: 5 PM

👩‍🎨 Host: Jill Tsai Small Tsai | Jill

Join us for a relaxing sketch meetup at Kitsilano Beach, one of Vancouver’s most iconic waterfront spots! With sweeping views across English Bay, the downtown skyline, mountains, beach life, and plenty of people-watching, there’s no shortage of subjects to capture.

Find a spot along the beach, wander through the park, or settle under a shady tree and sketch whatever catches your eye.

🎨 Sketch Subjects
🏖️ Beachgoers & summer scenes
🌊 English Bay & shoreline views
🏙️ Downtown Vancouver skyline
⛰️ North Shore mountains
⛵ Sailboats, kayaks & passing vessels
🌳 Kitsilano Beach Park & mature trees
👥 Volleyball, cyclists & everyday beach life

☀️ Weather Note
Primarily outdoor sketching. Bring sun protection, water, and dress for the weather. Shade can be found beneath the trees around the park.

🚻 Washrooms
Public washrooms and change facilities are available at Kitsilano Beach.

🧰 What to Bring
• Sketchbook & drawing tools
• Optional portable stool or picnic blanket
• Water bottle or snack
• Hat & sunscreen

🖊 Sketch Throwdown
We’ll regroup at the designated meeting point to share our sketches and catch up.

🚌 Getting There
Several TransLink bus routes serve the Kitsilano area. Allow some extra time to walk from the nearest stop to the beach.

🚗 Parking
Paid parking and limited street parking are available around Kitsilano Beach. The area can get busy on sunny weekends, so transit, cycling, or arriving early is recommended.

📢 Updates
Check our Facebook group or Instagram Stories on the day of the meetup for any updates.

Let’s spend some time by the water and capture a summer day at Kits Beach together!

08/27/2026

🏖️ Let’s Sketch at Kitsilano Beach

📆 Date: 05th September, 2026

📍 Meeting Point: Outside the building next to Kitsilano Beach Public Washrooms
🕐 Meetup: 2:30 PM

📍 Sketch Throwdown: Same as meetup point
🕑 Throwdown: 5 PM

👩‍🎨 Host: Jill Tsai Small Tsai | Jill

Join us for a relaxing sketch meetup at Kitsilano Beach, one of Vancouver’s most iconic waterfront spots! With sweeping views across English Bay, the downtown skyline, mountains, beach life, and plenty of people-watching, there’s no shortage of subjects to capture.

Find a spot along the beach, wander through the park, or settle under a shady tree and sketch whatever catches your eye.

🎨 Sketch Subjects
🏖️ Beachgoers & summer scenes
🌊 English Bay & shoreline views
🏙️ Downtown Vancouver skyline
⛰️ North Shore mountains
⛵ Sailboats, kayaks & passing vessels
🌳 Kitsilano Beach Park & mature trees
👥 Volleyball, cyclists & everyday beach life

☀️ Weather Note
Primarily outdoor sketching. Bring sun protection, water, and dress for the weather. Shade can be found beneath the trees around the park.

🚻 Washrooms
Public washrooms and change facilities are available at Kitsilano Beach.

🧰 What to Bring
• Sketchbook & drawing tools
• Optional portable stool or picnic blanket
• Water bottle or snack
• Hat & sunscreen

🖊 Sketch Throwdown
We’ll regroup at the designated meeting point to share our sketches and catch up.

🚌 Getting There
Several TransLink bus routes serve the Kitsilano area. Allow some extra time to walk from the nearest stop to the beach.

🚗 Parking
Paid parking and limited street parking are available around Kitsilano Beach. The area can get busy on sunny weekends, so transit, cycling, or arriving early is recommended.

📢 Updates
Check our Facebook group or Instagram Stories on the day of the meetup for any updates.

Let’s spend some time by the water and capture a summer day at Kits Beach together!

08/25/2026

Our Urban Sketchers meetup at the Trout Lake Park Farmers Market on August 15 was a great one. We met at 11:00 AM and spread out across the park to find spots to sketch. Some stayed near the market stalls, while others sat by the lake or in quieter corners. With sun overhead and just a few clouds, the weather was perfect for sketching both the water and the market scene.

Many of us also walked through the market, trying fresh local produce, checking out handmade crafts, and talking with vendors and visitors curious about what we were doing. It was a nice chance to introduce people to our sketching group. Turnout was great, with familiar faces and new sketchers joining in.

We finished around 1:30 PM with a group throwdown near the Trout Lake Park Community Centre, laying out our sketchbooks, share tips, and take some group photos. Overall, it was a fun day of art, sunshine, and good company.

Thank you Parniyan see.you.here for hosting! What a great turnout we had!😳

08/17/2026

🌊 Let’s Sketch at River Market, New Westminster

📆 Date: 30th August, 2026

🕛 Meetup: 12:00 PM
📍 Meeting Point: Outside Tres Galli Gelato Café, River Market

🕑 Sketch Throwdown: 2:30 PM
📍 Throwdown: Same location as meetup (TBC at venue)

👩‍🎨 Host: Peri-laine Nilan Peri-Laine Nilan

Join us for an afternoon of sketching at the vibrant River Market and New Westminster Quay! Just a short walk from New Westminster Station, the area offers a great mix of indoor and outdoor sketching with plenty to explore along the Fraser River.

From waterfront activity and historic boats to trains, construction, architecture, and people, there’s something for every sketching style.

🎨 Sketch Subjects:
🌊 Fraser River & waterfront promenade
🚢 Tugboats & the historic Samson V sternwheeler
🚂 Trains, railway tracks & colourful freight cars
🏗 Cranes, construction & changing skyline
🏙 River Market & surrounding architecture
👥 Market crowds & everyday life

☔ Weather Note:
Indoor and outdoor sketching options are available. River Market provides a great backup if the weather is wet or cold.

🚻 Washrooms:
Public washrooms are available inside River Market.

🧰 What to Bring:
• Sketchbook & drawing tools
• Optional portable stool
• Water bottle or snack
• Weather-appropriate clothing

🖊 Sketch Throwdown:
We’ll regroup at 2:30 PM at River Market to share our sketches and catch up.

🚆 How to Get There:
SkyTrain: Expo Line → New Westminster Station. Exit toward 8th St, cross Columbia St and use the pedestrian overpass across the railway tracks to reach the Quay and River Market.

🚗 Parking:
Paid parking is available nearby. Limited free street parking can also be found farther west along Quayside Drive.

📢 Updates:
We’ll share any changes closer to the date. Check our Facebook group or Instagram Stories on the day of the meetup.

Let’s sketch the people, waterfront, history, and changing skyline of New Westminster! 🌊🖊️🎨

08/09/2026

Let's Sketch Bowen Island — Snug Cove & Coastal Views 🌲⛴️

📆 Date: August 22nd, 2026

📍 Meeting Point: Tell Your Friends Café
400 Bowen Island Trunk Rd, Snug Cove, Bowen Island, BC

🕥 Meetup: 11:15 AM
🎨 Sketch Throwdown: 5 PM

👩‍🎨 Host: Bob Altwein

Join us for a daytrip sketching adventure to beautiful Bowen Island! From coastal views and marinas to forests and charming village scenes, Bowen Island offers a refreshing change of pace and endless sketching inspiration.

After meeting at Tell Your Friends Café, we'll spread out to explore Snug Cove and beyond. Sketch the harbour, cafés, galleries, ferries, forest trails, or even venture to nearby Killarney Lake.

Sketch Subjects:
⛴️ Ferries, docks, and harbour scenes
🌊 Coastal views and shoreline landscapes
🏘️ Snug Cove village life
☕ Cafés, shops, and galleries
🌲 Forest trails and natural scenery
👥 Visitors and island life

☔ Weather Note:
Primarily outdoor sketching. Dress for changing coastal conditions and bring layers.

🧰 What to Bring:
• Sketchbook & drawing tools
• Water bottle or snack
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Optional: portable stool

🚆 Getting There:
• #257 Express Bus from Dunsmuir & Cambie (plan to get on the bus at 9:10 AM)
• Arrive Horseshoe Bay around 9:48 AM
• BC Ferries: Depart Horseshoe Bay 10:35 AM → Arrive Snug Cove 10:55 AM
• Passenger fare approximately $11.60 return

📢 Notes:
This is an all-day sketching opportunity, and participants are welcome to stay as long as they like. Be sure to allow time at Horseshoe Bay to purchase ferry tickets and walk to the passenger boarding area.

🔗 Bowen Island Visitor Information:
https://www.tourismbowenisland.com/⁠
Let's explore, sketch, and enjoy a day on one of Metro Vancouver's most scenic islands! ✨🖊️🎨

08/08/2026

We had a fantastic turnout for the TriCities Urban sketch event at the Mackin House Museum, despite rain in the forecast. Over 45 sketchers joined us at Opus Art Supplies - Coquitlam, including many people new to urban sketching, and some from as far away as New Zealand and Amsterdam.

Sharon, Gina and Naomi shared their sketchbooks along with some of their favorite art supplies and gave an introduction to urban sketching for all the first time sketchers.

Our cohosts from Opus Art Supplies, Suzanne, and Meg, shared the exciting news of their upcoming move to 3030 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam, BC. They also gifted everyone a sketchbook, marker and discount coupon upon leaving the store. The sun came out as we made our way to Mackin House, a 10 minute walk down Brunette Ave. Some sketchers stopped along the way to capture the street views while others stopped at Mackin Park to sketch the gardens and the construction. At the museum, people found spots in the gardens and doorways for a view of the heritage buildings and vintage caboose while others sketched the 1930s furnishings and artifacts inside the building. A few sketchers also ventured across the street to the new Brunette Interim Park.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to sketch in the historic Maillardville and to our photographers. A special thank you to Opus Art Supplies-Coquitlam for co-hosting the event, giving us space for our throw down and for their generous gifts. And lastly, a special shout out to Emily and Chris from Mackin House Museum (Coquitlam Heritage Society), who opened the museum on August 1st just for our sketch group!

08/03/2026

Let’s Sketch at Trout Lake Farmers Market & John Hendry Park 🌿

📆 Date: Saturday, August 15th, 2026

📍 Meeting Point: Lakewood Dr Entrance (North Parking Lot)
John Hendry Park, Vancouver, BC (See map for location.)

🕚 Meetup: 11:00 AM
🕑 Sketch Throwdown: 1:30 PM

📍 Throwdown: Outside of Trout Lake Community Centre (East Side)

👩‍🎨 Host: Parniyan see.you.here

Join us for a summer morning of sketching at the Trout Lake Farmers Market and John Hendry Park! We’ll begin at the bustling market before exploring the lake, beach, and surrounding park. From colourful produce stalls and food trucks to musicians, dogs, and peaceful waterfront views, there’s inspiration for every sketcher.
Feel free to stay at the market or wander into the park—there are plenty of interesting sketch subjects just a short walk away.

🎨 Sketch Subjects
🥕 Colourful produce & local vendors
👥 Market crowds & everyday life
🐕 Dogs & their owners
🎶 Food trucks & entertainers
🌳 Trout Lake, beach & park views
🦆 Birds & local wildlife

☀️ Weather Note
This meetup is primarily outdoors. Please bring sun protection, water, and dress for the weather.

🚻 Washrooms
Available near the beach and community centre.

🧰 What to Bring
• Sketchbook & drawing supplies
• Optional portable stool
• Water bottle & sunscreen

🖊 Sketch Throwdown
We’ll regroup at 1:30 PM at Trout Lake Community Centre entrance to share sketches.

🚆 Getting There
Commercial–Broadway Station is within walking distance. You can also take Bus #7 or #20 to nearby stops.

🚗 Parking
Limited free parking is available off Lakewood Drive and on nearby residential streets. Arrive early if driving.

📢 Updates
Check our Facebook group or Instagram Stories on the day of the meetup for any updates.

We look forward to sketching with you at one of Vancouver’s favourite neighbourhood markets and parks! 🌿🎨

08/03/2026

Let’s Sketch at Trout Lake Farmers Market & John Hendry Park 🌿

📆 Date: Saturday, August 15th, 2026

📍 Meeting Point: Lakewood Dr Entrance (North Parking Lot)
John Hendry Park, Vancouver, BC (See map for location.)

🕚 Meetup: 11:00 AM
🕑 Sketch Throwdown: 1:30 PM

📍 Throwdown: Outside of Trout Lake Community Centre (East Side)

👩‍🎨 Host: Parniyan see.you.here

Join us for a summer morning of sketching at the Trout Lake Farmers Market and John Hendry Park! We’ll begin at the bustling market before exploring the lake, beach, and surrounding park. From colourful produce stalls and food trucks to musicians, dogs, and peaceful waterfront views, there’s inspiration for every sketcher.
Feel free to stay at the market or wander into the park—there are plenty of interesting sketch subjects just a short walk away.

🎨 Sketch Subjects
🥕 Colourful produce & local vendors
👥 Market crowds & everyday life
🐕 Dogs & their owners
🎶 Food trucks & entertainers
🌳 Trout Lake, beach & park views
🦆 Birds & local wildlife

☀️ Weather Note
This meetup is primarily outdoors. Please bring sun protection, water, and dress for the weather.

🚻 Washrooms
Available near the beach and community centre.

🧰 What to Bring
• Sketchbook & drawing supplies
• Optional portable stool
• Water bottle & sunscreen

🖊 Sketch Throwdown
We’ll regroup at 1:30 PM at Trout Lake Community Centre entrance to share sketches.

🚆 Getting There
Commercial–Broadway Station is within walking distance. You can also take Bus #7 or #20 to nearby stops.

🚗 Parking
Limited free parking is available off Lakewood Drive and on nearby residential streets. Arrive early if driving.

📢 Updates
Check our Facebook group or Instagram Stories on the day of the meetup for any updates.

We look forward to sketching with you at one of Vancouver’s favourite neighbourhood markets and parks! 🌿🎨

08/01/2026

An amazing turnout at the Queen Elizabeth Park despite the inevitable uncertainty of the rains.

We gathered at The Lions Clock at 3 PM before spreading out across the park, capturing its beautiful gardens, lively atmosphere, and the tropical oasis inside Bloedel Conservatory.

What began as a light drizzle during our gathering soon turned into a steady rain. Some sought shelter from the rain, others headed to Hillcrest Community Centre to continue sketching in cafés, while a few embraced the weather and sketched outdoors under umbrellas.

Thankfully, the rain eased just in time for our throwdown.

It was amazing to see everyone’s determination to keep sketching despite the weather, resulting in so many wonderful artworks.

Seeing both familiar faces and newcomers was equally encouraging - a reminder that the community continues to grow with every meetup.

Thank you to everyone who came out and made the day so memorable!

Special thanks to Kalyan Vaddi, who hosted an urban sketch meetup for the first time! We seek enthusiastic sketchers who are willing to be a host :)

Urban Sketchers Vancouver

08/29/2026

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