Welcome to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) – the heart of Whistler’s authentic Indigenous experience – a First Nations Museum, Art Gallery and Gift Shop, and Thunderbird Café. Connect with Cultural Ambassadors as they share a traditional drum song, an inspiring short film, and take guests on a guided tour of the Museum sharing stories from two distinct Nations the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and the Lil̓wat7úl. Experience distinctive carved house posts, canoes, spindle whorls, weaving, regalia, bold artwork, and artifacts throughout the museum and galleries. Admire the extraordinary building designed to evoke a Squamish Longhouse and Lil’wat Istken – and see the traditional Longhouse and Istken Pithouse via the Mezzanine and an interpretive forest walk via the Salish Stroll. Shop handcrafted Northwest Coast art and authentic Indigenous keepsakes in the Gallery & Gift Shop, and enjoy First Nations-inspired cuisine at the Thunderbird Café.
We are open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm (Closed Monday)
The SLCC occasionally closes early for private events. For up-to-date hours and early closures please visit slcc.ca/visit
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is proud to be named in the Original Original Accreditation Program with Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). The Original Original mark of excellence recognizes the SLCC as one of Canada’s best Indigenous tourism experiences and assures visitors of a quality tourism experience. To learn more visit slcc.ca/about-us/
Experience the authentic First Nations Museum in Whistler, with friendly Cultural Ambassadors from both the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation providing guided museum tour experiences on the hour, every hour, 10am – 4pm.
Visit Whistler’s largest First Nations Gift Shop in person during our regular operating hours or Shop Online for Pacific Northwest First Nations handcrafted artwork and merchandise. Shop the best Gift Shop in Whistler for authentic Indigenous keepsakes.
This Indigenous-inspired eatery features unique menu items such as a Bannock Taco with Venison Chili, Salmon Chowder and Smoked Salmon Bannock Panini.
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is an exquisite events venue in Whistler, hosting private events, or SLCC community events and workshops. Click here to learn more about upcoming SLCC-hosted events.
Experience guided tours through the museum with one of our knowledgeable Cultural Ambassadors, starting with a welcome song, and a short film.
MOREView 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.
MOREDiscover our unique selection of merchandise ranging from handcrafted works of art, to home accents, clothing and accessories, jewellery, books and souvenirs.
MOREVisit with your school group and learn about the Squamish and Lil’wat Nation’s rich culture and traditions, from ancient times to modern day.
MOREGroup tours are available for groups of 10+. Work with our Sales Team to incorporate craft workshops, cultural performances, and dining options into your group’s unique experience.
MORETake your taste buds on a journey in our Thunderbird Café and enjoy our boutique menu selection of affordable daily specials with a First Nations twist.
MOREExperience our exquisite venue for grand scale celebrations and memorable weddings, evening galas, corporate events and intimate gatherings.
MOREChoose from a delightful selection of culinary experiences delivered by our own in house catering company, or one of our preferred catering partners.
MOREParticipate in a dynamic range of community engagements including cultural presentation, workshops, film screenings, lectures, book launches, fundraisers and much more.
MOREFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler welcomes guests to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, September 30...
22 September, 2023
Listen, reflect and learn at the SLCC on September 30th...
01 September, 2023
Whistler Excellence Awards 2023 announce SLCC Ambassadors as finalists for Citizen of the Year....
25 August, 2023
Nation and SLCC leaders headline TEDx Whistler. The SLCC was proud to host TEDx Whistler on Sunday, May 7, 2023 in the Great Hall. SLCC Cultural Ambassadors welcomed...
01 August, 2023
For Immediate Release: Feature Exhibition 100 Years of Unity – Celebrating 100 Years of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Amalgamation opens Saturday July 22, ...
20 July, 2023
Master Carver Xwalacktun (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh), carving from June 21 - September 3rd, 2023, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Squamish Nation’s Amalgamation....
30 June, 2023
Welcome to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, which has been built on sharing cultural knowledge to inspire respect and understanding amongst all people. We are a cultural centre in Whistler sharing meaningful experiences, educating all, and lifting our distinct Squamish and Lil’wat ways. We hope that by visiting our cultural centre, you will embrace our vision and live by it.
We celebrate our Squamish and Lil’wat culture, grounded in rich, ancient traditions, and continue growing and evolving in a modern world. We continuously host exhibitions, events, and programs to experience our traditional cultures and proud heritage.
If you want to explore the finest tourist attractions in Whistler, and an authentic Indigenous experience, there is no better place than the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. We invite everyone to experience guided tours through the museum with one of our knowledgeable Cultural Ambassadors, complete with a welcome song, short film. See feature exhibitions or permanent collections throughout our Great Hall and Galleries.
Our friendly Cultural Ambassadors from both the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations provide guided tour experiences on the hour, every hour, from 10 am to 4 pm. It’s an experience you won’t forget and is guaranteed fun and a unique learning experience for the entire family.
The Squamish Lil’wat Culture Centre is a large world-class, award-winning multi-purpose facility perfect for hosting events in Whistler. Whether you’re a senior, with family, friends, or want to explore on your own, you will find an enriching opportunity to immerse yourself in an inspiring facility and engage in authentic Indigenous culture. We, the Squamish and Lil’wat people, proudly invite you to learn about our rich and unique cultures.
Our people have lived on this land forever, and our history and culture are deeply connected to it. You should come and hear our stories, see the forests, rivers, and mountains from our eyes, making it not only one of the best tourist attractions in Whistler but a deeply enriching experience. We have wheelchair accessibility at our cultural centre as we want our guests to experience and learn about our culture.
We guarantee your visit to Squamish Lil’wat Culture Center in Whistler will be one that you remember forever. At the Thunderbird Café, you can discover our unique styles of modern First Nation cuisine, such as venison, bannock, and salmon.
There is also a gallery and gift shop, where you can discover our unique selection of authentic Indigenous First Nations merchandise ranging from home accents to handcrafted artworks, baskets, pottery, jewelry, books and souvenirs, and clothing and accessories.
Want to learn more? Sign up to be the first to know about upcoming exhibitions, events, and programs happening at Whistler’s immersive and authentic Indigenous Cultural Centre.
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre invites everyone looking for public events in Whistler to participate in a dynamic range of community engagements, including cultural presentations, workshops, fundraisers, book launches, lectures, film screenings, and more. We are a frequent host venue for workshops, community events, in Whistler to encourage more public participation. For private events, our spectacular venue offers three distinct venue spaces within one facility to create the perfect backdrop for your unique event, for corporate meetings, conferences or weddings.
