Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is the first centre of its kind in Canada, located on the shared, traditional territories of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. Two nations came together to celebrate and share their cultures with the world while creating meaningful employment opportunities for members of both the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation, Coast Salish) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation, Interior Salish) Nations. Designed to evoke the form of a Squamish Longhouse and Lil’wat Istken (earthen dwelling), the SLCC embodies the spirit of partnership between two unique Nations who wish to preserve, grow, and share their traditional cultures.

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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).

Special Exhibit

Wisdom of the Animal People

Date: Opens June 13, 2026
This feature exhibit shares how animals play important roles in Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl cultures – they are honoured in many ways. Their hides are worn as clothing, featured in artwork, and are the central characters in stories, songs and dances. They’re important educational tools, sharing history, morals and values with children. Visit the exhibit in Gallery 3. More information to come.


Guided Tours

Guided tours and cultural experiences are offered daily and included with General Admission. Friendly Cultural Ambassadors from both the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations share their culture and knowledge throughout this immersive cultural centre. Tours may include a hand drum welcome song, inspiring short film, and guided exhibit experience. After the tour, guests are encouraged to revisit areas of the museum that piqued their interest.

What We Treasure Tour

Days: Tuesday – Sunday
Time: 10 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 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.

Interpretive Forest Walk

Days: Tuesday – Sunday
Time: 3 PM
This tour begins with a traditional welcome song inside the Cultural Centre followed by a short film. Afterwards, guests visit the Interpretive Forest Trail, Salish Stroll, where a knowledgeable Cultural Ambassador provides insight into the local flora and fauna in their shared territory. Guests will learn how the Nations used them for food, in teas as preventative medicine, and how they transformed some into useful tools. Get a glimpse at how their ancestors lived, and see their intimate connection with the land. Included with Museum Admission, this tour replaces the What We Treasure Tour.


Featured June Wellness Experience

Experience a signature event from the Nourish Whistler Wellness Series, Whistler's annual month-long celebration of well-being.

Rooted Flow with Shayla Stonechild Yoga

Date: June 19 & 20, 2026
A grounding yoga experience rooted in strength, story, and self-connection. Led by Shayla Stonechild, a certified yoga instructor with over 500 hours of training at CMMN GRND, this session offers a deeply intentional approach to movement and wellness.

Buy Tickets

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

Admission

  • Adult (26-64): $25
  • Child (6-18): $12
  • Child (5 and under): Free
  • Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children under 18 years): $50

When to Visit

Weekdays Hours Weekends Hours
Monday CLOSED Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Tuesday 10 AM – 5 PM Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday 10 AM – 5 PM
Thursday 10 AM – 5 PM    
Friday 10 AM – 5 PM    
  • Thunderbird Café open 10 AM – 4 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.

Location

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is located in the Upper Village at 4584 Blackcomb Way. Limited parking is available onsite; additional parking is available along Blackcomb Way and in the Day Lots.

View Map of Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Offers

The accessible features listed above have been self-identified by the individual business or operator. For specific questions, or assistance with booking, please contact one of our Whistler-based Travel Consultants directly at 1.800.944.7853, or via email at reservations@whistler.com.

*Hours of operation and admission prices subject to change.

Two Indigenous cultural ambassadors wearing traditional cedar-bark regalia standing beside a handcrafted canoe and carved totem poles inside Whistler’s Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

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