Art inspired by nature: the Malcolm Lowry Trail leads to cultural discoveries
Trails like this one have been added to the North Shore Culture Compass to guide people to the region’s arts-filled history and heritage
Artist Ken Lum’s From Shangri-la to Shangri-la seen from the Malcolm Lowry Trail. Photo by North Shore Culture Compass
The North Shore is known for its spectacular hiking trails. Yet there’s more to this nature lovers’ paradise than beautiful flora and fauna. There’s also so much history and culture, which can be discovered on the North Shore Culture Compass Trails.
Consider the Malcom Lowry Trail.
This short trail connects Cates Park | Whey-ah-whichen and Little Cates Park. Ending just south of the site of the Old Dollarton Mill (which operated from 1917 to 1943), it can be enjoyed by foot or bike.
The trail takes its name from famed English writer Malcolm Lowry. He lived in his squatters shack from 1940 - 1954 and wrote much of his most acclaimed work here, including The Forest Path to the Spring, among many other novels.
The Malcolm Lowry Trail. Photo by North Shore Culture Compass
The trail is a fascinating source of social history: the area was once home to a squatter community of artists. They lived off the grid in squats along the waterfront, One of these, the Blue Cabin is now restored and a floating artist-in-residence opportunity. This cabin community inspired Ken Lum’s public art From Shangri-la to Shangri-la, which is located at the Maplewood Flats and features small-scale replicas of the once-popular way of life.
You can also check out a 360° virtual recreation of Malcolm Lowry's cabin on the Polygon Outside app (details can be found through the North Shore Culture Compass).
The Malcolm Lowry Trail also takes people to the heart of area’s literary history that inspired social activism. Under the Volcano Festival of Art & Social Change was named after Lowry’s novel. Having ended its 20-year run in 2010, the fest provided a platform for Indigenous sovereignty issues.
Head to the Cultural and Natural Heritage Category section of the North Shore Culture Compass to find the Trails.
For more information, see North Shore Culture Compass.
The Malcolm Lowry Trail. Photo by North Shore Culture Compass
Post sponsored by North Shore Culture Compass.