Destination: Art

The Patricia Theatre in Powell River, B.C., is more than the towns only movie theatre its a piece of history, and its been entertaining residents since before the invention of talkies. Founded in 1913, when this small city on the Sunshine Coast was a one-company mill town, the Patricia is the longest-running cinema in the entire country, and its current home, erected in 1928, is an architectural time capsule you wont easily find the likes of in Canada. Spanish Revival movie houses were rarely built in this country, and among the old-timey cinemas that have survived, few are examples of atmospheric theatres, film palaces designed to transport the audience to another realm before the lights go down. Inside the Patricia, the walls have been decorated with sylvan landscapes painted on panels, which were recently restored by artist Whitney La Fortune. Guided tours are offered regularly. (Email to reserve a spot.)

In 2021, the qathet film society, a local non-profit, took ownership of the Patricia, which had been the home of the towns annual film festival since 2012. While preserving the cinema is a priority, their mandate includes more than building maintenance, though theyve made some recent strides in that area. Earlier this summer, they gave the theatre a refresh by updating the screen and seats and adding air conditioning.

This was an important place for the community, said the Patricias theatre manager, Laura Wilson, speaking with CBC News earlier this year. And yet, the theatre has a long history of segregation, a fact the organization doesnt shy away from. Until about 1970, members of the Tla'amin Nation, the local Indigenous community, were barred from the Patricias main auditorium and relegated to a 25-seat balcony only accessible via a separate entrance. The theatre is now reckoning with that history, engaging in reconciliation efforts with the Tla'amin Nation, whove been generous with their time and information throughout the years, said Wilson. The film society consults with the Tla'amin community on topics including theatre programming. We try to just stay connected and follow the lead of the nation, she said.

This is obviously a place for the community in many ways, said Wilson. Throughout the year, we get people stopping in saying theyve heard of us and some people even say this is why they came to Powell River.

Leah Collins

Widely considered the most important modernist room in Canada, the Gander International Airport Departures Lounge is an astonishing time capsule of mid-century art and design. Built during the early days of commercial aviation, the Gander airport was once known as the crossroads of the world, having established itself as a crucial refuelling stop for transatlantic flights. The lounge, which opened in 1959, was part of a nationwide series of airport renovations aimed at showcasing Canada to people at home and abroad as a dynamic and cosmopolitan country.

The room features a bold geometric terrazzo floor, furniture by some of the eras leading designers and, perhaps most notably, a 22-metre mural by renowned Canadian modernist Kenneth Lochhead, depicting various interpretations of flight.

In recent decades, the lounge was mothballed as larger jets with greater fuel capacities diminished Ganders importance for transatlantic travel. However, it was restored and reopened to the public in 2022 after a community campaign successfully rallied for its preservation and the Broadway hit Come From Away brought waves of international travellers to Gander. Today, you can fly back in time no boarding pass required and relax once again at the crossroads of the world. The lounge is open to the public seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Chris Hampton

How cool is this? Every March, Yellowknife throws a month-long party called the Snowkings Winter Festival, and the centrepiece of the event its HQ, really is an architectural wonder made entirely of snow and ice: a citadel that rises over Yellowknife Bay on the shores of Great Slave Lake. Its called the Snow Castle, and like any castle, its presided over by a benevolent ruler. Thats Anthony Foliot, a.k.a. the Snowking, who started the tradition nearly 30 years ago by building a deluxe snow fort for his kids. It was such a hit that his majesty decreed he would keep doing it every year, making his Snow Castle bigger and better until it became one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the North if only until it melts.

Like any snow fort, the castle is built for play its known for epic ice slides and other attractions that could convince any kid to zip up their snow pants and spend an entire subzero day outside. If youve outgrown the playground, the castle also hosts concerts, theatre, dance parties, snow sculpture competitions and art shows, too. The building itself is a rustic work of art, created by an expert team that spends two months pouring ice and snow like concrete. (For its 24th edition, CBC Arts was on the ground to watch it all come together.) The walls typically feature elaborate carvings, and the icy windows are as eye-catching as any cathedrals, but the design is never the same twice. The 2024 edition, for example, was inspired by Spanish architect Antoni Gaud and included a network of Habitrail-esque tunnels for the kids!

Even though its a bit bigger every year, I love how it maintains a DIY spirit, says illustrator Alison McCreesh, whos been living in Yellowknife since 2009. She told CBC Arts that the Snow Castle was an absolute must for this list. I just love it.

Leah Collins

Perhaps the most well-known object in the collection of La Pulperie de Chicoutimi an old pulp mill turned museum dedicated to the culture of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region is the house of a local barber. In 1994, this modest two-storey home was lifted from its foundation just a few streets away and transported whole to the museum, where it now stands as a permanent exhibit.

But why? you might ask. What makes this house so special? Look a bit closer and youll understand why it belongs in a museum. The Arthur Villeneuve House is no ordinary home its insides and large parts of its exterior have been covered with the unique paintings of its former owner, like a Qubcois folk art version of the Sistine Chapel.

Arthur Villeneuve, a Chicoutimi barber, had a revelation during a Sunday mass when the priest quoted a letter from the pope, calling on the faithful to make the most of their talents. Though hed never expressed any artistic interests before, Villeneuve suddenly became obsessed with making art.

From 1957 to 1959, he worked feverishly, covering nearly every surface of his home with frescoes. When he finished, he opened his family home as a museum, which he operated until his death in 1990. The painter-barbers incredible story was immortalized in a National Film Board documentary. Now, at La Pulperie, Villeneuves masterpiece can be appreciated by generations to come. The museums opening hours vary throughout the year, so be sure to check the website before you go.

Chris Hampton

On the shore of Saskatchewans Little Manitou Lake known as the Dead Sea of Canada for its high salinity, buoyancy and reputed healing powers stands a colossal ballroom that rises from the ground like a mirage. Its iconic rainbow signage proudly declares the name of this pleasure dome: Danceland.

Built in 1928, the Manitou Beach dance hall has been a hub of fun and merriment for generations. The ballroom boasts a 5,000-square-foot dance floor, which almost feels like its floating underfoot thanks to its famous horsehair spring bed. (Thats right: Dancelands builder brought in several train cars full of horse tail and mane hair to create a cushion beneath the hardwood.)

For nearly a century, Danceland has been a home to all sorts of music and music lovers from big band, swing and jazz to polka, country and rock. The dance floor is still busy year-round, with dances held most Fridays and Saturdays (always preceded by a buffet dinner) and Toonie Tuesday events throughout the summer. Its also open mornings for walkers, who can exercise and enjoy a cup of coffee inside the historic hall.

Danceland was immortalized in a painting by Saskatchewan artist David Thauberger, capturing the excitement and magic that the beloved hall represents for so many in this beach town.

Visit Dancelands website for the full schedule of events.

Chris Hampton