It’s part skillcation part creativity: Craft travel gives travelers new ways to express themselves and connect deeply to a destination. It’s emerging at the right time, as the World Health Organization recently reported a variety of well-being benefits from arts-based activities and travels.

One destination hopping on the craft travel train is Victoria, British Columbia. In Victoria, travelers can explore their creative side through hands-on experiences highlighting the destination’s coastal landscapes, natural beauty and local traditions. Greater Victoria’s local businesses allow travelers and locals alike to embrace their inner artists.

Create custom bath bombs and candles at Wychbury Ave Soap Studio, or take home a lasting souvenir by designing a mosaic lamp at Mosaic Art Studio. Explore the outdoors and Victoria’s mild climate through seaweed foraging and tasting with Dakini Tidal Wilds.

Delve into the floral side of nature through nature-inspired paintings and flower-pressing workshops at the historic Emily Carr House.

Victoria is Canada’s City of Gardens, and travelers can get their hands dirty at The Gardens at HCP through horticulture workshops including pottery flower dish making and learning gardening skills.

 Beehive Wool Shop allows visitors to participate in small-group classes in crochet, knitting and mending. Guests can learn a new craft and bring home their own handmade souvenir.