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Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
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Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

See all things to do
See all things to do
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
4.5
#7 of 71 things to do in Whistler
Civic Centres
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is a three-story, 30,400-square foot award-winning cultural centre designed to blend the traditional Squamish Longhouse with the Lil'wat Istken. Cultural Ambassadors share their knowledge and stories with guests, on a guided tour, augmenting the information shared throughout the centre's curated collection of artifacts and contemporary pieces. Traditional drum songs are shared at the top of each hour. The facility is designed to evoke a traditional Squamish longhouse and a Lil'wat Istken (pit house) and is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. This thriving cultural centre shares meaningful experiences, educating all, and lifts their two distinct cultures. We occasionally close early for private events, for up-to-date hours slcc.ca/visit
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
  • ilovescones
    230 contributions
    Thought provoking museum of First Nations culture.
    The cultural center is not that big, but has a rich variety of artifacts as well as exceptional explanations of them, integrating the objects and the oral traditions of the two nations that historically shared a village near present day Whistler. Some of the exhibits - a photography exhibit called “Unceded” comes to mind - are angry and challenging. Frankly that makes the cultural centre a more important place to visit. The cafe downstairs made a great venison chili with bannock the day we were there
    Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
    Huy Chexw / Kukw`stumc`kalap / Thank you for sharing your experience with us, we appreciate your thoughtful review.
    Written April 7, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 28, 2023
  • Deborah H
    35 contributions
    Well worth a visit.
    I loved this place. The staff were so friendly and helpful. The tour was great, I loved the singing and having the exhibits explained. They fully answered any additional questions. It was a classy gift shop, again the staff were very helpful. The food was fabulous and competitively priced. I loved the salmon chowder and raspberry scone.
    Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
    Huy Chexw / Kukw`stumc`kalap / Thank you Deborah for your thoughtful review, we love hearing about your experience and are glad you enjoyed your time with us.
    Written April 7, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written March 30, 2023
  • Paul H
    12 contributions
    More than a museum could ever be
    Although there are a number of older objects here, this is a living center of cultural exchange rather than just rooms full of old things – it’s alive, and you get to experience a little of the rich cultural lives of these nations rather than just reading plaques about dusty artefacts. I’m glad this exists, and we learned a lot! Pro tip: The guided tour is a real highlight here, and you should plan your visit with this in mind. PS: The cafe is excellent – get the bannock taco!
    Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
    Huy Chexw / Kukw`stumc`kalap / Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We love that you appreciate the living culture that we are able to share, it's our greatest pride that guests can connect with our Ambassadors and bring our stories to life.
    Written April 25, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written April 11, 2023
  • NamasteHello
    Harrogate, United Kingdom1,906 contributions
    Gave a good understanding of First Nation
    Loved this museum. Limited objects,but good interpretation and good guides. Short film adds to understanding of history and its 8mpact on current members of First Nation heritage. Good gift shop and cafe. Wish there had been somewhere like this for similar First Nation history on Vancouver Island. Could have been signposted from the many Trails around aehistler, but wasn't
    Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
    Huy Chexw / Kukw`stumc`kalap / Thank you for such a lovely review. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit.
    Written July 11, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 8, 2023
  • kinx81
    Vancouver Island, Canada810 contributions
    Take the guided tour!
    Excellent guided tour on the hour during opening times. You are welcomed by a song and then a 15 min movie in an air conditioned small theatre. Then a tour of the museum Exhibits which was more exciting than just reading the printed info. All the different canoe types are explained by their use and how they are made. Jay was our guide and he was well spoken and knowledgeable. Everyone should spend an hour here while visiting Whistler, to learn about the local culture.
    Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
    Huy Chexw / Kukw`stumc`kalap / Thank you for sharing your experience and leaving such a thoughtful review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visit, especially the tour with Jay.
    Written August 14, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 12, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,052 reviews
Excellent
704
Very good
284
Average
47
Poor
9
Terrible
8
Tammy F
Jersey93 contributions
Genuinely good experience
Jan 2020 • Couples
We loved our visit - our guide Wolf was obviously so genuinely committed and enthusiastic in ensuring the One Nation communities and values are passed onto future generations. We could all benefit from respecting their principles, but it was all presented in such a fun, informal and informative manner that it is only afterwards that you can begin to reflect and applaud their balance between tradition and embracing new technologies. Highly recommended
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tsekitling
2 contributions
Nothing to see and rude customer service
Sep 2020
We entered the centre from lower floor through the open air farmer market (outside the centre). We walked into the exhibition hall. A staff approached us and shouted “if you pass this point you’ve to pay”. We stopped. Then she went behind the shielded counter and pick up a sign and bang it on the countertop. “Look” she said. The sign probably indicates the fees. Wow, never encountered such a rude customer service in any cultural centre or museum in anywhere in the world, except in Whistler.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Huy Chexw /Kukw`stumc`kacw for taking the time to share your experience, Tsekitling. We will work with our team on kind communication practices to ensure all guests feel warmly welcomed upon entering our Centre. If you are still in Whistler, please contact marketing@slcc.ca and we would be happy to provide complimentary admission for you to revisit our Centre. Between our permanent exhibits, temporary gallery, and outdoor exhibit offerings, we are confident there is plenty to see and learn about from our knowledgeable Cultural Ambassadors, who lead Guided Forest Walks at 11am and 3pm, and a Guided Museum Tour at 1pm. These tours are offered everyday we are open, Thursday - Sunday. Have a great day, Tsekitling, and we hope to hear from you soon.
Written September 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IVD
1 contribution
Great place for a large group dinner
Mar 2020
Our meeting group of about 150 people had our closing dinner at the Cultural Center. Native entertainment was provided to increase the cultural aspect of the event. Within easy walking distance of our hotel, it was a great place for a special event. Our only disappointment was that it started late and took a long time to be served.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Huy Chexw / Kukw`stumc`kalap for your review! We are very pleased you and your meeting group had an overall great experience with us and we look forward to your next visit to explore the SLCC further.
Written July 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Virginia M
Pickering ont.11 contributions
Amazing
Jan 2020
Don’t miss this wonderful cultural centre if in Whistler. Loved everything- start with the 1 hour tour as you will learn a lot . Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting and was able to answer all of our questions regarding the nations culture and history. The building is amazing and visit the displays outside as well.
Also take time to eat at the restaurant on site - the Salmon Panini on Bannock was unbelievable. My friend had the salmon chowder which was equally as good.
Just to say again everyone should visit and take at least 2 hours to take everything in. Also kid friendly.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Huy Chexw /Kukw`stumc`kacw for your kind review and recommendation Virginia! We're delighted that you enjoyed every aspect that the SLCC has to offer from the tour to the Thunderbird Café. We can't wait for your next visit!
Written July 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VHC
United Kingdom68 contributions
Interesting place to visit
Aug 2022
Myself and my 13 year old daughter visited here while staying in Whistler. We arrived a little before opening time and while waiting outside there was a guy named Harry outside carving a paddle for a canoe. He was very interesting to talk to and told us lots about his heritage and his art and allowed us to see photos of his work. When the centre opened we were treated to a welcome song and then watched an informative video. We then had a guided tour to see all the exhibits which was very interesting. We also went for a walk outside on their nature trail. The gift shop also had lots of lovely items. Highly recommend everyone to visit when they are in the area to learn about the interesting culture and history of the Squamish and Lil'wat nations.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Huy Chexw / Kukw`stumc`kalap / Thank you so much for your detailed review, it means so much to us. Art Harry is a wonderful artist and person and we are so glad to hear you were able to connect with him, and that you enjoyed our space and time with us.
Written April 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KBofLB
Littleborough, UK517 contributions
Excellent Project
May 2022
The timetable of the Rocky Mountaineer train allowed a full afternoon in Whistler. The Cultural Centre gave an excellent insight into the history and culture of the local First Nation. We joined a guided tour (and introductory video) which enabled us to then benefit from more detailed examination of the exhibits at our own pace.
The exhibits are well presented in a light and airy building.
Highly recommended for anyone staying in or passing through Whistler.
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucie H
Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada2 contributions
Great Cultural Experience
Aug 2020
This was my first visit to the cultural centre. The main gallery had some beautiful First Nation art. The rest of the galley displayed a range of Squamish and Lil'wat regalia, carvings and jewelry. We were greeting with a song and got a guided tour of the nearby forest
Written August 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Huy Chexw / Kukw`stumc`kacw for your 5/5 review, LucieH1957! It sounds like you explored all our centre's offerings, we are happy to hear you enjoyed yourself and your experience so highly.
Written September 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
THE GREEK
Vancouver, Canada50 contributions
Very informative!
Nov 2020
Took the kids here for what I thought would be a short visit. We stayed for almost 3 hours. They had a live drum/song to start off with and then a great short film. We were then given a tour of the exhibits and had so many very interesting things explained, They answered all of our questions and made it very intersting for the kids and us Adults. The staff were awesome!
Written November 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abien
Bellevue, WA137 contributions
Nice visit in Whistler
Oct 2021
Just happened to arrive at the top of the hour and joined the tour. Especially liked the personal storytelling. After a delicious lunch in the cafe (salmon chowder and bannock taco) went back to see the parts we skipped during the tour. Appreciated the exhibit on residential schools.
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CallyT
Warrimoo, Australia1 contribution
A memorable & enriching cultural experience!
Oct 2019
I visited Whistler primarily to visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre so my expectations where high, but I can thankfully say that I was not disappointed and in fact my expectations were far exceeded! This is mostly thanks to my wonderful guide Redmond Andrews who shared not only his culture with me but personal stories too. This made a normal visit to an amazing museum an extraordinary and memorable experience! I visited a number of similar First Nations cultural centres in British Columbia and this by far was the best I visited. I encourage anyone who visits Whistler and wants to learn about First Nations culture to allow a few hours to visit this amazing cultural centre, you will not be disappointed! If you visit I encourage you to make sure you join one of the hourly tours which includes a knowledgable guide who can shed greater insights into their culture and what you will see in the centre, they will also sing you a beautiful traditional welcome song, which is followed by a short 15 min video and then the tour. A truly memorable, amazing and enriching cultural experience!
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Huy Chexw / Kukw`stumc`kacw / Thank you for your glowing review, CallyTF!
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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