Exhibitions & Tours
The Cultural Centre displays both permanent and temporary exhibitions which showcase the many aspects of the Squamish and Lil’wat cultural history, traditions and practices from ancient times to modern day. Daily, guided tours and seasonal, feature tours are also included with general admission.
Permanent Exhibit
What We Treasure
The permanent exhibit is dedicated to the core of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation) culture; ceremony, language, regalia, and stories told through different mediums. They honour the legacy of their Ancestors by creating objects vital to their culture and each piece is infused with the history of their families. The collection features baskets, blankets, canoes, carvings (also known as totem poles), drums, tools, and regalia (traditional clothing).
Current Special Exhibit
Legends of the Land
Date: April 25 – Fall 2025
Description: Legends of the Land / Sx̱wex̱wiy̓ám̓ tiná7 tl’a temíxw / ptakwlh ti tmicwa shares how traditional knowledge and history were passed down from generation to generation through stories. Guests can experience storytelling, bold artwork, petroglyphs and pictographs showing the connection to the land of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) territory and the Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation) territory. Continuing the tradition of ancestors, these stories tell meaningful connections to the land, anchoring families to specific areas throughout time and strengthening their identities.
Hourly Guided Tours
Guided tours are offered on the hour, every hour, from 10 AM – 4 PM daily. Friendly Cultural Ambassadors from both the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations share their culture and knowledge in this immersive cultural centre. The hourly guided tour includes a hand drum welcome song, inspiring fifteen-minute film and exhibit tour. General Admission includes access to the galleries and exhibits throughout the main level (Great Hall) and mezzanine, After the tour, guests are encouraged to revisit areas of the museum that piqued their interest.
What We Treasure, Legends of the Land and Interpretive Forest Tours*
Tuesdays through Sundays, hourly from 10 AM &ndash 4 PM
Part of Canada's Signature Experiences, the What We Treasure tour is a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience found only in Canada. Your group will view artifacts and hear stories that give an overview of the past and present way of life of the Squamish and Lil’wat peoples. Tours are hosted by a Cultural Ambassador and include a welcome drum song, short film and exhibit tour. Tours are included in museum admission.
*Beginning May 10, 2025, throughout spring and summer, Cultural Ambassadors share a special Legends of the Land feature tour at 3 PM with a welcome song and live storytelling within the exhibit space in Gallery 3. This tour replaces the 3 PM What We Treasure Tour. From June to September, weather dependent, the What We Treasure Tour is replaced with the Interpretive Forest Tour at 2 PM.
Other Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre highlights include:
- Permanent and temporary exhibits from the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations
- Seasonal Live Demonstrations of weaving, carving, cedar prepping, and other cultural regenerative activities
- An outdoor Lil'wat Istken (earthen dwelling) and Squamish Longhouse
- An interpretive forest walk along the Salish Stroll, available from May to September
- Hands-on activities with SLCC Cultural Ambassadors. One-on-one, led crafts where you make your own medicine bag, dream catcher, drum, and other traditional crafts. Throughout the process, Ambassadors share the stories and significance of the craft. Offered seasonally, or through special events or private tours.
- A theatre showcasing a 15-minute film
- Whistler’s largest First Nations gift shop, offering products authentic and unique to the Squamish, Lil'wat, and other First Nations peoples of Canada
- Thunderbird Café, an indigenous-inspired eatery in the SLCC’s admission-free area
- The gift shop and Thunderbird café can be accessed without paying the admission fee to the SLCC, making it the perfect place to pick up a memorable Whistler gift