Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

It was a privilege and an honor to visit this beautiful museum in Whistler. I was able to join a tour lead by Brendan who was knowledgeable and kind. The center has a movie on rotation that is worth seeing. I learned about the importance of Cedar trees, canoe making and today’s indigenous fashion and culture. Highly recommend visiting! Great selection of books for sale in the gift shop as well.

Highly recommend you visit this cultural centre when in Whistler. We had lunch on arriving as we had just been up the Peak-to-Peak gondola and needed a rest! The salmon Chowder with bannock (a sort of fried bread roll) was absolutely fabulous. We then joined the tour (starts in the hour). A young man played a drum and sang a traditional song - beautiful and quite moving. Followed by a short video and a guided tour - really helpful to understand the lifestyle, culture and skills if the two tribes (Lil’wat and Squamish).

Get here. Soak in the story of this place. Watch the introductory video, then meander through 2 floors of exquisite exhibits. Visit the lodge, and the pit house. Take your time. Then look outside, and feel the history made here. Buy a memento or two in the tasteful (not tacky) gift shop, and finish with a coffee and light dessert. You’ll be glad you came. ❤️

A great gallery with very informative tours! The restaurant and coffee shop in the bottom level is one of the best cafés in Whistler with reasonable prices. I recommend the stew and the quinoa salad, and the baddok here is the best I’ve ever had

We were able to join one of the tours (on the top of the hour) and had such a good experience. I don't think we would have learned as much just reading the signs. I found particularly impressive for how long people used to work on their traditional clothing - as well as all the things that can be made with cedar. The building is beautiful and the exhibits are quite interesting, you can see canoes, regalia, stories, building structure, and learn about the language. There is also a nice gift shop with native art and a café to relax.

My friends and I recently visited this beautiful cultural centre in Whistler. Aside from the space being bright and inviting, the exhibits were really interesting. We were just in time for a short walking tour that started after a short video in the theater. I recommend watching the video and taking the tour as the lovely lady provided additional information about the exhibits that was very interesting. Two young gentlemen performed a song with drumming that I sat and listened to and found absolutely enchanting. I even got a bit emotional listening to them. The First Nation appreciation of the Earth and nature is something that I truly admire and appreciate. I highly recommend coming to this cultural centre on your visit to Whistler.

Very much enjoyed the cultural center and learning about the Squamish and Lil’wat cultures. The building is stunning, the displays are very interesting and the film is a definite must. The young staff members did a great job on the tours.

We decided to check it out on a Sunday morning and it was a really good experience! It’s well managed with detailed instructions and descriptions of the Squamish Lil’wat peoples, who have a long history in the area. They have guided tours that are included in the ticket but you can also do a self-guided tour if you’d like. There are two floors, with the upper floor opening up to an open forest area, which was a highlight for me. It’s a forest walk which helps you understand the significance of trees, animals and all things nature in their culture. Must visit! 5/5

Absolutely lovely cultural center - I definitely recommend visitors in the area to stop by to learn about the Squamish and Lil'wat peoples. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and there are free guided tours on the hour. The cafe is also a must-visit. The salmon chowder and bannock taco were both delicious. (Their fried bannock is very light and fluffy!)

Absolutely outstanding museum sharing the traditions of the First Nations people of the area. I'm really upset it took this long for my family to make the time to visit, because the way we connect with the region will be so much richer going forward. I've been to many museums around the world (Smithsonian, Carnegie, Museum of Natural History, you name it!) but this small museum is a standout. Rather than being shown the history of another culture through a western lens, you're warmly invited to experience the culture through song, storytelling, and the sharing of artifacts from members of the tribes. I really recommend making make time for the guided tour because it enriches the exhibits & at one hour it was doable even for our 7-year-old. I learned things I had never learned before, despite being a lifelong northwesterner, and loved seeing my kids shake in terror at the story of the basket ogress. Never gets old! ;) Venison chili & smoked salmon chowder were also fab!

Never been here even at whistler so many times. Always went skiing or HH. Dropped by on a Friday which they were having a pole awakening ceremony and no admission fee because if that. Artist talked about history and story of this pole. Pretty interesting. Center itself is not that big inside. Has a gift shop and cafe on group floor. Plenty of space and trails behind the center for nice stroll on nice warm day

I came here awhile ago actually on a trip, and I was very grateful they let me in to this amazing museum. I was only in Whistler for a day, and I really wanted to make it. I ended up getting to the entrance maybe 15 min before closing, but they had planned to close early for a dinner fundraiser event. They graciously let me in to explore. Even though some of the craft workshops and gift shop were closed, I still loved seeing the various exhibits and learning about the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations. Everyone was so kind, and I wish I had planned my day a bit better to spend a longer time there.

A good opportunity to learn about the Squamish and Lil'Wat people. Great historical information of the surrounding land and it's people.

Easy 5 stars, because it's beautiful, so important, very welcoming, highly informative and honestly an easy museum that doesn't feel like it's too much. I spent 2.5 hours here (I'm a very slow reader) and earned a lifetime worth of better understanding of the culture and history and the curiosity to learn a lot more!

Please go here if you're visiting Whistler! What a wonderful experience! I thoroughly enjoyed the entire museum and tour... and I recommend it... but even if you only go visit their gift shop & cafe - you really must go! The one hour tour was super informative. I knew absolutely nothing about the native peoples of this beautiful land. What beautiful cultures that we should all learn about (and learn from!). The guides were so helpful, warm, informative and knowledgeable. I had goosebumps, tears, laughs... really enjoyed it! The artisans, craftsmanship, history I witnessed was amazing. LOVED the cafe and gift shop, too! What a super place for "souvenirs" and gifts for family back home! Everything was so affordable - and the money goes to a great cause. Plus - you can buy something truly authentic to the area (not just some little tourist trinket). Great variety of gifts for all ages and budgets! The cafe is amazing!!! A big bowl of venison chili served with bannock (a delicious fried bread) or an incredible bowl of fresh salmon and corn chowder and bannock... only $9 each... sticks with you all day! Delicious, pretty darn healthy, super filling, local, and supporting something important. I wish I knew of this cafe earlier - I would have had most my meals there! Salmon salad looked amazing, too. And those berry bars - wow!!! Just go here. If nothing else - visit the cafe and gift shop! But I also highly recommend doing yourself a favor - take the museum tour and learn about the lands you're enjoying. I left with a deeper appreciation for sure!

Wow! Two spinning whorls, suspended from the ceiling greet you as you walk in to the upper level of the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). Big, big, whorls. Gorgeous! During a recent weekend in Whistler, I fell in love with the cafe, located on the lower level. Serene creamy walls, spectacular multi- media artworks. Big cedar framed couches, with comfy black leather cushions. Lots of bistro style seating, too. But wait - the coffee! Roasted by Spirit Bear, the company, not the animal, the Eagle Roast is a faintly chocolate, mouth teasing medium roast of exceptional smoothness. Done! Love at first sip. Nice sturdy ceramic coffee mugs, and a server of such pure heart spirit that I wanted to write poetry about him. So I went back. And back again. Bannock fresh from the kitchen, around 9:30, maybe 10am - ask for it if it is not out front - this warm, yummy, soft inside, crispy outside delight is good alone or smothered with jam. Ask for real butter. Big enough to share, but keep it all to yourself. The lunch specials, posted on the chalkboard: sold out of Squamish salmon chowder! So I opted for the grilled salmon filet. Beautifully moist and tender, this very large filet practically swam on the plate, it tasted so fresh! Poised on a bed of baby spinach, each green leaf a perfection of nature, surrounded by yam, red pepper and red onion, splashed with sunflower seeds, with Saskatoon berry vinagrette on the side. Literally dozens of these salads were devoured by smiling patrons over that lunch hour. At $10.00, this is a meal not to be missed. Eating this fabulous food, surrounded by magnificent art pieces, with a view into the gift shop, I felt as if I had gone to heaven! The SLCC is located just down from the Fairmont Chateau, in the Upper Village. The cafe has a child's corner with books, crayons and a soft, colourful carpet. There is self serve infused water next to the cash register. This is a cafe filled with kindness and generosity. The superbly clean restrooms are down an art filled hallway. The gift shop is filled with scarves, moccasins, clothing, books, carvings - and the SLCC is native owned and operated. Do yourself a favour; stop in, fall in love, maybe write poetry!

To me, this beautiful building is Whistler's gem. Without representation of cultures that have been here for millennia, it would feel like the tourist's experience would have a bit of a hole in it. It's a very relaxing atmosphere and there is some beautiful weaving (both cedar and wood). Unfortunately, I went during covid so I didn't get the chance to see the pit house. The staff were friendly and answered some questions my family had.

Complete rip off. Very little to see. Short small exhibit. 45 bucks admission. Not impressed. Great gift shop though. Admission better spent at gift shop. Forest walk out back is free and missing much of its exhibits. Don't go here you'll just leave feeling ripped off. I'm first nation myself.

There is so much culture in this place and I loved all of the different exhibits. The video in the small theatre is fascinating and educational, and the tour takes you through a rich cultural experience about the First Nations people. There's a hands on section where you can touch the canoes, drums and clothing and you can even make your own cedar bracelet. The carvings, traditional clothes and woven pieces are just stunning and so colourful. Don't rush here, spend a few hours and then grab a bite to eat at the cafe downstairs. I had the salmon chowder with bannock and all I can say is YUM! I'll be back next time I'm in Whistler.

An excellent way to spend a non-skiing day. The architecture of the building is elegant and artful. There are lots of displays, tastefully exhibited and arranged. Admission includes a beautiful 20-minute film, a short musical presentation, and a 20-minute orientation tour. I really wanted to browse their gift shop, but was running late. So that will be a fun activity for another day. Very friendly staff, all natives from the local tribes. I found it a bit challenging to find the parking due to piles of snow, and I may not have arrived at the main lot. The one I used only had about 20 spaces. You have to go in to the reception desk and get a skip of paper to put back on the dashboard. So that takes a bit of time and a couple trips from the car. Well worth it, though. I highly recommend you experience this educational opportunity to understand the local native history.

What a beautiful little place. When we went I hadn't realized that they gave you a guided tour through the museum but it was so well worth it. Our guide was great and we even got to see some items that he personally made for the museum. After the tour they allow you to go back and walk around on your own. They've got a great bistro on their lower level and some amazing fried bread.

I am lost for words when asked to describe my experience at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. It is among one of the finest places (if not the finest) to be educated and even participate in learning the culture of the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations. Upon entering this world class institution, you are greeted by two massive hand carved spindle whorls suspended right above you. If your jaws don't drop, I'd be surprised. A welcome song is sung before you begin your journey through the centre followed by an informative video about the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations. If you take the tour, the guide will teach you more about the art, regalia, language and even have you craft a cedar bracelet! Foods unique to these cultures are available in the cafeteria downstairs including everyone's favourite: bannock! I absolutely love this place and eagerly anticipate the opening of the new exhibit.

Small museum but rich in stories, exhibits and multimedia information. They encourage you to touch some of the exhibit and the docents are the next generation Squamish and Lil'watians.

Every time I come to whistler I visit this place. Great knowledgeable staff that are happy to answer all of your questions. This building and the artwork inside of it is breath taking. Weaving the cedar bracelets is so fun, hands on experiences during a tour :D Come hungry and leave happy, fresh delicious foods in the downstairs with a really pretty view. Bannock burgers, or bison chili this place is great for food. I always buy things in the gift shop, which has a good range of pricing.

This is an overlooked, but essential stop in Whistler, giving visitors a greater cultural sensitivity to the fact the resort is on the traditional territory of the separate Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations. You can stroll through the museum on your own, but the one-hour tour, offered at the top of each hour, is highly recommended. A First Nations "Ambassador" welcomes you with an ancestral song, you view a short film on each First Nation and then gain a greater understanding of canoes, totem poles, and weavings within both cultures. It's also worth it to step outside for a short forest walk after the tour.

Great history, very friendly folks and some fun activities if you do the tour. My kids loved it as well and the restaurant has some great choices. Heck, I've just gone there for a snack even though it's out of the way. :)

This place is very cool! The Tour guides are very informative when talking about their Culture. After enjoying the museum check out the downstairs giftshop, its filled with native made wood carvings and paintings. After shopping have a quick bite to eat at the thunderbird café. The Bannock is amazing. This is the best thing to do in Whistler on a rainy day.

Perfect host for an a unique event. Staff and presenters are top notch. Great views and overall atmosphere. Food and beverage was professional and excellent.

First time and I will definitely be back! A great place with wonderful people. The tour is a great value, especially if you live in BC and will come back with guests. One paid entry is good for one year of visits! There is so much to see here, and the tour guide, Holly, was great. Did I mention the cafe food is wonderful too!