Emily Carr, born in 1871 in Victoria, British Columbia, was a pioneering Canadian artist and writer whose deep connection to her hometown shaped much of her life and work. Raised in a strict English household on Government Street, she grew up exploring the nearby forests and seashores—early influences that would later define her art.
After studying in San Francisco, England, and France, Carr returned to Victoria where she struggled for recognition, living for many years at the “House of All Sorts,” a boarding house she ran to support herself. Though she often felt stifled by the conservative culture of Victoria, it remained her lifelong base and the emotional core of her identity. From this coastal city, she launched painting trips into Indigenous villages and remote landscapes, returning with canvases that challenged artistic norms. In her final years, Victoria embraced her legacy, and it is here she died in 1945, now celebrated as a Canadian icon.
A Selection of Important Paintings by Emily Carr
Take a journey on foot or on the seat of your pants through the many worlds of Emily Carr
Emily Carr Chronicles Guided Tour
Saturday, January 24 | 10am to noon
Discover the vibrant life and legacy of one of Canada’s most iconic artists on this unforgettable 2-hour walking tour through historic James Bay, Victoria — the neighborhood where Emily Carr was born, lived, worked, and died. If you love art, history, or storytelling, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.
This ten part series runs every second Wednesday of the month from January to July 8, 2026 at the Cook Street Activity Centre and every last Wednesday of the month on ZOOM. See more info about the series on the EVENTS page.
The presentations are organized thematically rather than chronologically. Each one is designed to stand alone—no prior knowledge or attendance is required— but you might not want to miss any of them.
Wednesday, March 11
in person at Cook Street | 1:30 - 3pm
Explore Emily Carr's the House of All Sorts--the book and the house-- through stories, images, and discussions to reveal her chaotic, creative life, eccentric tenants, humour, grit, and enduring artistic spirit.
Wednesday, March 25
on ZOOM | 1:30 to 3 pm
Explore Emily Carr's the House of All Sorts through stories, images, and discussions to reveal her chaotic, creative life, eccentric tenants, humour, grit, and enduring artistic spirit.
hosted, designed & maintained by Marilyn Jones for the Emily Carr courses, presentations, talks & walks she offers in person and online from Victoria, BC.
