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Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
4.5
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
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
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Bethie
    Moss Vale, Australia243 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic cultural centre.
    We visited the centre this morning and loved every minute of our time there. The welcome drumming and dancing was great, the tour informative and really interesting. We then spent a further hour looking at the exhibits, reading more information and history and would have stayed longer but we had to get on the road to our next destination. Absolutely worth a visit!
    Huy Chexw /Kukw`stumc`kacw / Thank you so much for your wonderful review of your experience with us we very much appreciate you taking your time to visit and also to share your experience.
    Written July 9, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written February 9, 2024
  • smvNYC
    New York City, New York363 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent choice for a morning at Whistler
    This is a well maintained place that provides great information on the First Nations that shared Whistler as a home. Strongly recommend taking the free tour that offered, as it brings a better perspective on what you see. We also enjoyed the cafe that offers food with traditional ingredients.
    Huy Chexw /Kukw`stumc`kacw / Thank you so much for the great review,, sharing your experience is much appreciated!
    Written July 9, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written March 14, 2024
  • William Hurl
    Ontario, Canada120 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing place and artistic craftsmanship
    This place is awesome. The carvings and artwork throughout are amazing. The story of the Squamish people is very interesting. When we were there there was an artist outside carving a totem pole. I could’ve stayed for hours watching him. They have an extremely well stocked gift shop and the prices are amazingly cheap, considering you’re buying handmade authentic items, and it’s located across the street from the tourist trap that is Whistler. I wish I had gone be more time before we left just for second look. Highly recommend taking time for this! This was probably the best thing I saw in the Whistler.
    Huy Chexw /Kukw`stumc`kacw / Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review we truly appreciate it!
    Written July 9, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written April 30, 2024
  • Hermes_NL 🇳🇱
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands21,453 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Looks like no expense was spared
    The Squamish-Lil’wat cultural centre (a not for profit organization) looks like no expense was spared in creating it. Stunning architecture, very luxurious materials. This perhaps explains the relatively high admission price. The artefacts on display are not all that special in my opinion, but admittedly tell an interesting story. A lot of rooms were closed when I visited. The gift shop is attractive and the Thunderbird café popular with visitors.
    Huy Chexw /Kukw`stumc`kacw / Thank you so much for visiting and sharing your experience. We recently increased our pricing on April 1 and appreciate your feedback. We raise our hands to you for taking time to visit us, your visit supports authentic representation, and cultural revitalization for the Squamish Nation and the Lil'wat Nation and meaningful employment for our Nation Members.
    Written July 9, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written May 5, 2024
  • Jude G
    Gibsons, Canada348 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A cultural experience
    A native person gave us a tour of the centre after we viewed a feature film of the history of the early peoples of the area. She was excellent with explanations of culture and history. The museum has some significant pieces of workmanship and is very well laid out.
    Huy Chexw /Kukw`stumc`kacw / Thank you so much for your detailed review we are glad you enjoyed your visit with us and appreciate you sharing your experience with others.
    Written July 9, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written May 24, 2024
  • Happycamper448
    Cinderford, United Kingdom258 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    Absolutely brilliant visit to see the centre and learn so much about the First Nations. There was a prayer to start and our guide Jay had an amazing voice and played on a drum, the acoustics worked so well in the main foyer. Absolutely beautiful people with a beautiful view on life and earth. So interesting and educational.
    Huy Chexw /Kukw`stumc`kacw / Thank you so much for your kindness in sharing your experience here with your guide Jay. We very much appreciate it!
    Written July 9, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written July 3, 2024
  • Lloydie Z
    17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A MUST living history experience!
    From beginning to end, our visit to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center was amazing. Before it open, there were First Nation Peoples gathered outside pursuing a variety of activities- chanting to bless an adventure into the mountains, carving on a statute to be used as part of an exhibit, people getting involved in the culture of the Squamish. The museum was enlightening and the guide was invested in telling the stories of his culture. Shed a whole new light on the Squamish culture and that of other First Nation groups from the area. I will never forget the feeling of importance, almost urgency, shed on me by every staff member at the center. Reconfirms my belief in the importance of oral history. Well Done!
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written August 17, 2024
  • Claire M
    London, United Kingdom4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating and essential.
    Wonderful experience that more visitors to Whistler should make time for. Such an important part of Canada’s history (and present). It’s not always we are privileged to learn about and celebrate minority communities from the people themselves. I felt a huge sense of reverence. I am not Canadian but every Canadian and everyone from a colonialist country should visit and reflect.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written August 17, 2024
  • Anna P
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brilliant small museum.
    Came here at the end of our trip to Canada and it was excellent at answering so many questions we’d had about First Nations things we’d seen. The free guided tour (we had David) was the best part. Definitely worth a visit.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written August 21, 2024
  • Carolyn B
    Toronto, Canada100 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Recommend taking a tour.
    This was a great place to visit. I did a guided tour, which I really recommend. The actual exhibit space is small, it really is a cultural centre with a lot of other things going on, so having a tour guide provide extra context and explain the connection the centre has to the community made my visit a lot more interesting. The cafe in the basement was also really good.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,069 reviews
Excellent
718
Very good
287
Average
47
Poor
9
Terrible
8

Tammy F
Jersey90 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 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.
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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 Kingdom69 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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, UK555 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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, Canada49 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, WA136 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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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SQUAMISH LIL'WAT CULTURAL CENTRE - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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