Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

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 Exhibit

UNCEDED: S7ulh temíxw / Ti tmicwkálha / Our Land

Date: December 21, 2022 – May 21, 2023
Description: Set in breathtaking Sea to Sky locations from K’emk’emeláy (Vancouver) to Ts’zil (Mount Currie) mountain, this exhibit asks guests to look at the world through a different lens. Marrying regalia, elders, chieftainship with the modern world around us, reshaping how we view our presence here, bringing a sense of belonging to both the viewer and the people celebrated in the exhibit. Join the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for a photographic journey into belonging, on the unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and the Líl̓wat7úl, and where their territories meet in Whistler, BC.

Hourly Guided Tours

These 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 traditional welcome song, 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.

Feature Tour – Winter 2023

Saturdays and Sundays at 1 PM until May 21, 2023

Hosted by a Cultural Ambassador, the feature tour includes a welcome drum song, short film, guided tour of the Great Hall, and introduction to the Unceded Exhibition. Tour is included with Museum Admission.

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 in Whistler to pick up a memorable gift

Admission

• Adult (26-64): $20
• Child (6-18): $7
• Child (5 and under): Free
• Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children under 18 years): $45

When to Visit

Spo7ez Winter Feast

March 24, 2023

Join the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for a night at the museum dining experience. Located in Whistler’s Upper Village, the SLCC hosts a First Nations Winter Feast that blends culinary journey and cultural sharing. Enjoy a delicious Indigenous-inspired feast as Nation members share their culture through regalia, storytelling, music, dance and a guided tour of the museum.

To learn more about our two distinct cultures, access the Great Hall and exhibits, including a fifteen-minute film, to delve deeper into our stories, shared territories, and living heritage.

The menu includes winter-centric salads, hearty protein mains, and a seasonal Blueberry Bannock Pudding for dessert. Highlights include Potato and Yam Rosti, Cedar Plank Arctic Char and Red Wine Braised Elk Shank. Veg-forward and gluten-free options abound, making this a feast suitable for all diets.

Doors open to the Great Hall at 5:15 PM. The evening winds down after 8 PM, with guests invited to stay until 9 PM. To learn more about Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, a guided tour led by Cultural Ambassadors starts at 5:30 PM and highlights the museum’s treasures.

Whistler Cultural Pass – $30 per person

The Whistler Cultural Pass provides access to the Audain Art Museum as well as the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre at a reduced price. Save up to 20% when you purchase tickets as a dual admission pass.

Please note that the Audain Art Museum is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays and the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is closed on Mondays. Passes are not dated and can be used at any time.