a space for you to play, focus and rest

China Creek Campground offers an oasis for a self-guided artist residency and writing retreat located in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, Canada.

We welcome creatives who demonstrate a commitment to their practice by being self-directed, focused and courteous.

We hope that you will leave your stay feeling inspired, refreshed and rejuvenated.

The Alberni Valley on Vancouver Island! We are just outside of Port Alberni, located at China Creek Campground off Franklin River Rd.

Located 1.5 hours from the Nanaimo (YCD) airport and 3.5 hours from Victoria (YYJ), Port Alberni has all the amenities you need for a relaxing and productive stay. There are taxis and an Airporterย from YCD Nanaimo.

We are a 15 minute drive to grocery stores, cafes and restaurants, our little downtown and Saturday farmerโ€™s market.

If you are interested in exploring more of Vancouver Island, a car is highly recommended.

We are deeply grateful to live, work, play and create in the beautiful Alberni Valley. As guests on these lands we respectfully acknowledge that this is the unceded and traditional Nuu-Chah-Nulth territories of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations.

China Creek “ส”aล‚aat” is an important village for the Tseshaht First Nation. They were using this site every year, during their annual move from Barkley sound to the Alberni Valley. This land provided many food resources: clover roots, cinquefoil roots, camas bulbs, crabapples, blueberries and salal berries. Chum, coho, and spring salmon were caught in the creek and in Alberni Inlet.

Wake-up with ocean front views. Enjoy a warm beverage surrounded by nature in your cozy cabin.

Sit down for some planning at your work-table and peer out your windows to stare down the layered Alberni Inlet. Keep an eye out for soaring eagles, otters, seals and maybe even catch a whale.

Get out of the cabin in the afternoon and stretch your legs, walk along the beach when the tide is low or soak in a forest bath on one of the many hiking trails nearby. If you’re looking for some other fun pop into town to grab a book from Mobius, browse the Grove Art Gallery for inspiration, find a treasure at Good/Kind, grab a bite from Broken Bow or Station Taphouse and don’t leave without a delicious treat and coffee from Wildflower Cafe.

Saturday? Check out the Spirit Square Farmer’s Market from 9am-12pm for your produce needs and check out local artisans. For extra relaxation call Glow Mobile Sauna to drop off the authentic wood burning sauna, enjoy a session and a cold dip afterwards in the ocean or creek at your leisure.

Come in the fall, winter or early spring with your slippers to get cozy with a project. Use the quiet rainy season as motivation to soak up the serenity of mother nature and be inspired to create.

More recommendations and information provided on acceptance.

the accomodations

the details

fees

1 week $600 CAD
2 weeks $1000 CAD
3 weeks $1500 CAD
4 weeks $2,000 CAD

accommodation + amenities

Your private Loft Cabin includes:

  • NO WIFI – a space for digital detoxing

  • Baseboard heating and electricity

  • Double Mattress in the Loft- *MUST BRING OWN LINENS*

  • Microwave, Minifridge, Kettle (Tabletop BBQ can be rented for extra $)

  • A fold out table, 2 chairs and a small sofa bed downstairs

  • Oceanfront patio, picnic table and water tap

Shared Facilities:

  • Bathroom – Located steps away there is a shared washroom, with paid showers ($1 for 3 minutes. Loonies required.)

  • Laundry – Steps away is a paid laundry facility with a washer and dryer.

  • Workspace – Artists have 24/hr access to studio space in our main office building.

studio facilities + supplies

Artists have 24/hr access to shared studio space in our main office building.

Supplies include: work-tables, a printer….

expectations of artists + writers

Artists are responsible for preparing their own meals and keeping shared areas tidy. On departure, they are expected to tidy the cabin and studio space.

We are not able to support workshops or exhibitions at this time.

External guests and parties are strictly forbidden. This residency is a space to decompress, make work, and explore new ideas alongside other artists. We expect you to be respectful of their time, space, and practice.

accessibility

We are unfortunately not wheelchair accessible as the accommodation requires artists to use a set of stairs.

We are in a remote area surrounded by nature.

pets

Pets are welcome in our Loft Cabins and The Bunkhouse.

invest in your creative practice

applications are accepted October – March on a rolling basis

I would like to stay for: *