Arctic Glass Treks: Where Art Meets Adventure in Canada
Discover the unique fusion of art and travel with curated journeys to Canada's top glass and ceramic centers. Experience immersive itineraries, hands-on creative workshops, and exclusive artisan studio tours designed for individuals, groups, and corporations seeking transformative art-focused experiences in the heart of Canadian craft culture.
Signature Canadian Art & Craft Tours
Explore Canada's acclaimed art and craft destinations with expertly curated itineraries featuring visits to contemporary galleries, museum collections, and live studio demonstrations. Dive into the vibrant world of Canadian ceramics and glass art, discovering local and national talent through guided exploration and interactive learning.
Gallery & Museum Tours
Visit premier Canadian art institutions showcasing world-class ceramic and glass collections. Our guided tours provide insider access to contemporary exhibitions, permanent collections, and curator-led insights into the evolution of Canadian craft artistry.
Live Studio Demonstrations
Witness master artisans at work in their creative spaces. Experience the mesmerizing process of glass transformation and clay shaping as renowned Canadian artists demonstrate techniques passed down through generations and innovative contemporary methods.
Craft Destination Journeys
Discover Canada's hidden gems where art communities thrive. From Vancouver Island pottery havens to Quebec glass art centers, our carefully planned routes immerse you in regions where craft tradition meets cutting-edge contemporary artistry.
Hands-On Ceramics & Glassblowing Workshops
Participate in transformative, hands-on workshops led by expert artisans specializing in ceramics and glassblowing. Develop practical skills, create your own artwork, and bridge creativity with craftsmanship in studios inspired by leading Canadian artists and innovative techniques.
Ceramic Creation Workshops
Master the pottery wheel, hand-building techniques, and glazing processes under the guidance of accomplished ceramic artists. From beginners to advanced practitioners, our workshops accommodate all skill levels and provide personalized instruction.
- Wheel throwing fundamentals and advanced techniques
- Hand-building: coil, slab, and pinch methods
- Glazing, surface decoration, and firing processes
- Take home your finished ceramic artwork
- Small group sizes for personalized attention
Glassblowing Masterclasses
Experience the ancient art of glassblowing in modern Canadian studios. Work with molten glass at 2000°F, learning to gather, shape, and cool your creations under expert supervision in fully equipped professional facilities.
- Introduction to glassblowing safety and techniques
- Creating paperweights, bowls, and vessels
- Color application and decorative techniques
- Understanding annealing and finishing processes
- Professional equipment and studio access
Guided Tours of Artisan Studios & Galleries
Experience exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours of renowned Canadian artisan studios and galleries. Engage with artists, learn about their processes, and access private demonstrations of clay, glass, and enamel artistry. Choose from themed itineraries including contemporary, historical, and community arts.
Meet the Artists
Engage directly with celebrated Canadian glass and ceramic artists. Gain insights into their creative processes, inspirations, and the stories behind their most significant works during intimate studio visits.
Private Demonstrations
Watch exclusive demonstrations of advanced techniques rarely seen by the public. From raku firing to advanced glass sculpting, these private sessions reveal the mastery behind exceptional craft.
Curated Gallery Access
Enjoy special access to private galleries and collections not typically open to the public. Experience curated exhibitions highlighting both emerging and established Canadian ceramic and glass artists.
Behind-the-Scenes Studio Experiences
Step into the creative sanctuaries where Canada's finest ceramic and glass artists bring their visions to life. Our exclusive studio tours offer unprecedented access to working spaces, allowing you to witness the full creative cycle from concept to completion.
These intimate experiences include discussions about material selection, design philosophy, technical challenges, and the business of art. Perfect for collectors, aspiring artists, and anyone passionate about understanding the depth of artistic practice.
Tour Options Include:
- Contemporary glass art studios in Toronto and Vancouver
- Traditional pottery workshops in rural Quebec
- Experimental ceramic facilities in Alberta
- Mixed-media studios combining glass and clay
Custom Art Travel Packages
Tailor your journey with bespoke travel packages designed for art enthusiasts, collectors, educators, and organizations. Each itinerary blends visits to famed destinations, workshops, and unique local experiences based on your specific interests and group size.
Custom Itineraries
Design your perfect art journey based on your interests, timeline, and budget. We coordinate everything from accommodations to studio bookings.
Group Coordination
Specialized planning for groups of any size, from intimate couples' retreats to large organizational tours with seamless logistics.
Collector Focus
Specialized tours for art collectors including gallery previews, private viewings, and direct connections with represented artists.
Exclusive Experiences
Access to limited workshops, special exhibitions, and one-of-a-kind cultural experiences unavailable to general travelers.
Educational Art Experiences for Schools & Groups
Ignite creativity with specialized educational programs for schools and academic groups. Offering hands-on workshops, gallery visits, and interactive seminars, these experiences provide a blend of art appreciation, craft skills, and exposure to contemporary Canadian artistry for all ages.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Artists
Our educational programs are specifically designed to complement school curricula while providing experiential learning that extends far beyond classroom walls. Students engage with professional artists, explore career pathways in the arts, and develop critical thinking through hands-on creative practice.
Each program is age-appropriate and aligns with educational standards, offering structured learning outcomes while maintaining the excitement and discovery that makes art education so powerful.
- Elementary school introduction to clay and glass arts
- Secondary school technical skill development programs
- Post-secondary portfolio development workshops
- Teacher professional development opportunities
- Curriculum-integrated art and science programs
Curriculum Integration
Programs designed to align with provincial educational standards across art, science, social studies, and design technology.
Field Trip Planning
Complete coordination including transportation, meals, safety protocols, and educational materials for seamless school outings.
Skill Certificates
Students receive certificates of completion and documentation of skills acquired, valuable for portfolios and college applications.
Educational Pricing
Special rates for schools and non-profit educational organizations, with scholarship opportunities available for underserved communities.
Corporate Team-Building Through Creative Arts
Reimagine team-building with collaborative ceramic and glassblowing experiences designed for organizations. Boost creativity, communication, and morale by engaging your team in imaginative, hands-on activities led by professional Canadian artisans.
Transform Your Team Through Creative Collaboration
Move beyond traditional team-building activities with immersive art experiences that foster genuine connection, creative problem-solving, and collaborative innovation. Working with clay and glass requires communication, patience, and mutual support—essential qualities for high-performing teams.
Our corporate programs are designed to align with your organizational objectives, whether building trust among new team members, celebrating achievements, or reigniting creative thinking in established groups.
Program Benefits:
- Enhanced communication and collaboration skills
- Stress reduction and mental wellness support
- Creative confidence and innovation thinking
- Memorable shared experiences that strengthen bonds
- Tangible artistic creations to commemorate the experience
Half-Day Workshops
Perfect for local teams, these intensive sessions provide focused creative experiences that fit within busy schedules. Choose from pottery throwing, glass fusing, or mixed-media projects.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Group Size: 10-30 participants
Ideal For: Department meetings, quarterly team events
Full-Day Retreats
Comprehensive experiences combining multiple art forms, gallery tours, and facilitated team discussions. Includes catered meals and takes place in inspiring Canadian art destinations.
Duration: 6-8 hours
Group Size: 15-50 participants
Ideal For: Annual retreats, leadership development
Multi-Day Experiences
Immersive programs featuring progressive skill development, multiple studio visits, and deep collaborative projects. Accommodation and all logistics included.
Duration: 2-5 days
Group Size: 10-40 participants
Ideal For: Executive teams, major milestone celebrations
Custom Corporate Programs
Fully tailored experiences designed around your specific objectives, company culture, and team dynamics. Can incorporate branding elements and company messaging.
Duration: Flexible
Group Size: 10-100+ participants
Ideal For: Conferences, major organizational events
Kiln-to-Table: Culinary Ceramics Experiences
Discover the artistry of ceramic tableware creation paired with gastronomic events. This niche experience invites guests to craft custom dining ceramics and enjoy curated meals highlighting the fusion of culinary and ceramic traditions.
Our Kiln-to-Table experiences celebrate the intimate connection between food and the vessels that present it. Begin by designing and creating your own plates, bowls, or serving pieces with guidance from expert ceramic artists. After firing and glazing, return for an exquisite meal where your creations become part of the dining experience.
Collaborating with acclaimed Canadian chefs, we create menus that honor both craft traditions—where the beauty of handmade ceramics enhances the artistry of thoughtfully prepared cuisine.
Reserve Your Culinary Experience
Eco-Conscious Glass Art Retreats
Delve into sustainable glass art practices with workshops and retreats focused on eco-friendly techniques and recycled materials. Participate in environmental art projects and learn from Canadian artists creating with a green ethic.
These specialized retreats explore the intersection of artistic expression and environmental responsibility. Work with recycled glass, learn about energy-efficient firing methods, and understand how contemporary artists are reducing their ecological footprint while creating stunning work.
Programs include discussions on sustainable studio practices, visits to eco-conscious art facilities, and hands-on projects using reclaimed materials. Perfect for environmentally aware artists and anyone interested in the future of sustainable craft.
- Recycled glass fusing and casting techniques
- Low-energy kiln and furnace operation
- Sustainable material sourcing and preparation
- Environmental art installation projects
- Green studio management practices
Indigenous Clay & Glass Storytelling Journeys
Experience the cultural richness of Indigenous art through curated journeys that feature clay and glass storytelling workshops, guided by First Nations artists. Learn traditional techniques and understand the narratives behind each creative process.
Honoring Indigenous Artistic Traditions
These profound experiences go beyond technical instruction to explore the deep cultural significance of clay and glass work in Indigenous communities. Learn directly from First Nations artists who share not only techniques but also the stories, protocols, and spiritual dimensions of their artistic practice.
Each journey is developed in respectful partnership with Indigenous artists and communities, ensuring authentic representation and appropriate cultural sharing. Participants gain understanding of how traditional methods persist and evolve in contemporary Indigenous art.
Experience Highlights:
- Traditional clay gathering and preparation ceremonies
- Indigenous firing techniques and kiln construction
- Symbolic design elements and their meanings
- Contemporary Indigenous glass art innovation
- Stories and oral histories shared through art creation
- Visits to Indigenous-run galleries and cultural centers
A portion of proceeds from these programs directly supports Indigenous artists and cultural preservation initiatives.
Art Therapy Retreats: Healing Through Ceramics & Glass
Explore therapeutic art programs integrating ceramics and glasswork to promote well-being. Workshops include mindful creation, stress reduction, and expressive kinetic art in a tranquil, supportive environment.
Mindful Creation
Experience the meditative qualities of working with clay and glass. These intentional, focused activities promote present-moment awareness and stress reduction through tactile engagement with natural materials.
Emotional Expression
Art provides a powerful non-verbal language for processing emotions. In a supportive environment, participants explore feelings through form, color, and texture without pressure for verbal articulation.
Personal Growth
Creative exploration builds confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. The process of transforming raw materials into finished pieces mirrors personal transformation and growth journeys.
Supportive Community
Retreats foster connections with others on similar wellness journeys. Facilitated by both artists and wellness professionals, programs create safe spaces for authentic sharing and mutual support.
Our art therapy retreats are designed in consultation with mental health professionals and welcome individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, life transitions, or anyone seeking deeper self-connection through creative expression. While led by experienced artists, these programs complement—but do not replace—professional therapeutic support.
Retreats take place in peaceful Canadian settings conducive to reflection and healing, with options ranging from single-day workshops to week-long immersive experiences.
Why Choose Arctic Glass Treks? Testimonials & Trust
Read real testimonials from satisfied guests, see industry accreditations, and explore case studies of successful workshops and tours. Arctic Glass Treks is recognized for professionalism, creativity, and cultural expertise in the Canadian arts travel sector.
"Arctic Glass Treks transformed our corporate retreat into an unforgettable experience. Our team of 25 spent two days in a ceramics workshop, and the collaboration, laughter, and creativity that emerged exceeded all expectations. The facilitators were incredibly professional, and the studio location was breathtaking. We returned to the office with new energy and stronger connections. Highly recommend for any organization looking to invest in their team culture."
HR Director, TechVision Solutions, Calgary
"As an art teacher, I've organized many field trips, but our week-long educational tour with Arctic Glass Treks was extraordinary. The itinerary was perfectly paced for high school students, combining gallery visits, hands-on workshops, and meetings with working artists. My students left inspired and several have since pursued art education at the post-secondary level. The educational pricing made it accessible, and the attention to safety and logistics was impeccable."
Art Educator, Westside Secondary School, Vancouver
"My husband and I took the Signature Gallery Tour through Quebec's ceramic centers for our 30th anniversary. The experience was magical—we visited artists in their studios, participated in a private glassblowing session, and stayed in charming accommodations. The guides were knowledgeable and passionate, sharing insights that deepened our appreciation for Canadian craft. We came home with beautiful pieces and memories that will last forever."
Art Collector, Montreal, QC
"The Indigenous Storytelling Journey was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Learning directly from First Nations artists about their traditional techniques and the cultural significance behind each piece was profound. The respect and authenticity with which these programs are conducted is evident in every detail. I'm grateful to Arctic Glass Treks for facilitating such important cultural exchanges and supporting Indigenous artists."
Museum Curator, Edmonton, AB
"I participated in the three-day glassblowing masterclass and was blown away by the quality of instruction and facilities. As someone who had always wanted to try glassblowing but felt intimidated, the instructors made me feel comfortable and capable. By the end, I had created several pieces I'm genuinely proud of. The small class size meant personalized attention, and the studio setting in Banff was absolutely stunning."
Retired Engineer, Toronto, ON
"Arctic Glass Treks created a completely custom tour for our photography club focused on documenting the ceramic arts. They coordinated access to multiple studios, arranged for evening presentations with artists, and even adjusted our schedule when weather affected travel. The attention to our specific needs and interests made this feel truly bespoke. Everyone in our group of 12 had an outstanding experience and captured incredible images."
President, Fraser Valley Photography Club, Abbotsford, BC
500+
Tours Completed
Successfully delivered experiences
98%
Satisfaction Rate
Guests highly recommend us
50+
Partner Artists
Renowned Canadian artisans
12
Years Experience
Leading art travel in Canada
Meet Our Team of Artisan Guides
Get to know the passionate art experts, travel planners, and artisans who guide Arctic Glass Treks experiences. Our team blends local knowledge, art background, and hospitality to deliver memorable and transformative trips.
Catherine Morrison
Lead Glass Artist & Tour Director
With 18 years of glassblowing experience and a Master of Fine Arts degree, Catherine brings deep technical knowledge and infectious enthusiasm to every tour. She has exhibited across Canada and mentors emerging glass artists nationwide.
James Whitfield
Master Ceramics Instructor
A third-generation potter, James combines traditional techniques with contemporary innovation. His work is featured in permanent museum collections, and he has taught workshops internationally for over 15 years. James specializes in making complex techniques accessible to all skill levels.
Emily Tran
Travel Coordinator & Logistics Specialist
Emily's background in hospitality management and passion for Canadian arts make her the perfect coordinator for complex itineraries. She ensures every detail—from accommodations to studio bookings—is seamlessly arranged, allowing guests to focus on their creative journey.
Thomas Bearhead
Indigenous Art Guide & Cultural Liaison
Thomas is a Cree artist and educator who bridges traditional and contemporary Indigenous art practices. He works closely with First Nations communities to create respectful, authentic cultural experiences that honor Indigenous artistic heritage while supporting contemporary artists.
Marie Lévesque
Educational Programs Director
A former high school art teacher with a PhD in Art Education, Marie designs curriculum-aligned programs that inspire students while meeting educational standards. Her expertise ensures school groups receive meaningful, age-appropriate experiences with clear learning outcomes.
Robert Harrison
Founder & Creative Director
Robert founded Arctic Glass Treks in 2012 after recognizing the need for specialized art-focused travel experiences in Canada. With a background in both fine arts and tourism management, he has built relationships with artists, galleries, and studios across the country to create unparalleled access for guests.
Get in Touch: Plan Your Creative Adventure
Start your journey today. Contact Arctic Glass Treks to book workshops, request custom packages, or get answers to your art travel questions. Our team is ready to help you design the perfect creative experience.
Contact Information
789 Glacier View Cres., Suite 200
Banff, AB T1L 1C9
Canada