You’re in Whistler, you walk into a gallery, and you find the piece.  

Then comes the practical question: What happens if you live in the United States?  

Can you buy art in Canada and take it home? Can the gallery ship it for you? What happens at the border? And what if the artwork is six feet wide and definitely isn’t fitting in your carry-on?  

The good news is that buying art in Canada as an American collector can be relatively straightforward. At Whistler Contemporary Gallery, we regularly work with collectors visiting from the United States and can help with everything from selecting the right work to getting it safely to its new home.  

Here’s what you should know.

View More Artwork HERE

Can Americans Buy Art in Canada?

Yes. American collectors can purchase artwork from Canadian galleries whether they are visiting Canada in person or purchasing remotely from the United States.  

At Whistler Contemporary Gallery, collectors can explore contemporary artwork at our Whistler locations or begin the process remotely with one of our Art Consultants.  

If you discover something while visiting Whistler but aren’t ready to make a decision before heading home, the conversation doesn’t have to end when your vacation does. Our team can provide additional images, dimensions, information about the work and virtual previews after your trip.

Can I Bring Artwork Purchased in Canada Back to the U.S.?

Yes, but purchases made abroad generally need to be declared when you return to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires travellers to declare merchandise acquired abroad.  

For a smaller work, taking it home personally may be practical.  

For a large painting, sculpture or fragile work, having the gallery arrange professional shipping is often considerably easier than trying to navigate an airport with your newest acquisition.  

And yes, we have seen some ambitious attempts.

Is There U.S. Duty on Original Art Purchased in Canada?

This is one of the common questions American collectors have.  

Certain qualifying original works of art are classified as duty-free under Chapter 97 of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule. These include original paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures that meet the relevant classification requirements.  

However, not every object described as art receives the same customs treatment. Classification depends on the nature and characteristics of the individual work, and other import requirements may apply.  

For this reason, collectors should confirm the applicable customs requirements for their particular artwork and shipment.

Can Whistler Contemporary Gallery Ship Art to the United States?

Yes.  

You don’t have to figure out how to get a major artwork from Whistler to California, New York, Texas or anywhere else in the United States on your own.  

Whistler Contemporary Gallery works with collectors outside Canada and can assist with custom crating, professional art shipping and delivery.  

For larger and more delicate pieces, professional packing is especially important. Artwork needs to be protected not just from impact, but from movement and the realities of travelling a considerable distance.

What Happens When Artwork Is Shipped from Canada to the U.S.?

When artwork is shipped internationally, customs documentation provides information about the artwork, its value and the details of the shipment.  

The U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule includes specific classifications for certain qualifying original works of art, including paintings, prints and sculptures.  

Our team can help coordinate shipping arrangements for artwork purchased at Whistler Contemporary Gallery, while U.S. customs authorities determine the applicable import requirements.

Can I Buy Art in Whistler and Have It Shipped Home Later?

Absolutely.  

In fact, this can be one of the easiest ways to purchase art while travelling.  

Choose the work you love, enjoy the rest of your trip, and let us deal with the large wooden crate.  

Our team can coordinate the next steps so you don’t have to travel with the artwork yourself.  

What If I Want to Think About the Artwork After I Leave Whistler?

Also completely normal.  

Buying art is personal, and sometimes you want to see the piece in your own space before making a decision.  

Our Art Consultants can continue working with you after you return home. We can provide additional photographs, measurements and virtual artwork previews to help you understand how a piece could look within your space.  

You can discover the artwork in Whistler and make the decision from home.

Where Can Americans Buy Contemporary Art in Whistler?

Whistler Contemporary Gallery has two locations in Whistler, British Columbia, including galleries at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Resort Whistler.  

Our collection includes established international artists alongside emerging contemporary talent, with paintings, photography, sculpture and mixed media available across a wide range of scales.  

And if something catches your eye while you’re visiting?  

Ask us about it.  

Living on the other side of the border doesn’t have to be the reason you leave the piece behind.

Buying Art in Canada? We Can Help.

Whether you are visiting Whistler from Seattle, California, New York, Texas or anywhere else in the United States, our Art Consultants can help you explore available work and understand the process of getting it home.  

Visit Whistler Contemporary Gallery, explore available artwork online, or contact our team before your trip.

View More Artwork HERE