Beautiful center! Our tour guide started off singing, and drumming a Lil'wat song for us. Then we watched a short film, followed by a 30+ minute tour. Our guide was excellent! We learned a lot about the Squamish and Lil'wat tribes - their history and present day cultures. Definitely a good place to visit while in the area. We also ate lunch after the tour in the café downstairs. Food was wonderful - venison chili, salmon pannini, salad - it was perfect. Also spent a fair amount of time (and money!) in the gift shop which offers many items made locally - supports the Cultural Center. If you want to take a break from skiing, make time to come here for a while.
Good example of two tribal groups making it work together. Reasonable array of artifacts, historical information etc. Worth a trip.
Quite thought provoking really. Interesting video to watch, good exhibits and gift shop. Worth a visit if the weather isn't suitable for skiing.
This small cultural centre is a must see if in Whistler. A movie and guided tours leave on the hour so get there as close to the hour. These are the best way to get the most out of the centre and to understand the Squamish and Lilwat tribes and their relationship. The gift shop is good too.
We popped in here during our recent stay in Whistler, taking a well earned rest from the slopes. Adult prices are $18 and include a tour, which I highly recommend. On the tour you watch a video of both the Squamish and Lil'wat tribes and how well they complement each other at Whistler. The cafe serves good food at reasonable prices. Recommended for all visitors to Whistler.
If you get to the end of the (self-spun) rope, tie a knot and...Thanks for the excellent introduction including ceadar ropemaking!
A lot of money was spent to build this museum and cultural centre by the Squamish and Lil'wat peoples. We spent 45 minutes looking around the centre before the hourly singing and tour. Not knowing a lot about the local people's and their culture, we were keen to visit the centre, which is on the Fairmont side of the river at Whistler.When we arrived, there were only a couple of other visitors looking around and when the singing started, my wife and I were the audience. The local lady who took the tour was quiet and, I felt, somewhat sullen. She answered my questions, but in a somewhat perfunctory manner. At the end of the tour, she took us into the lonhouse to demonstrate the making of string from the inner bark of a cedar. I asked a couple of questions about the local people, which she again angered reluctantly and briefly, then suddenly got up and walked out the door. We weren't sure what was going on, but she did not return.It's is a very worthwhile exhibition, which needs a greater connection with visitors who are keen to learn more.
Great afternoon visit(especially on a rainy day). Tour guide was knowledgable and fun. A good look at the history of local indians. Do have lunch there as the selection is very native and good.
With all there is to do in and around Whistler, you might not be inclined to make the time but if you do you'll be richly rewarded. Join one of the hourly tours led by a member of either the Squamish or Lilwat Nation. See the excellent 15 minute movie, browse the displays on your own, visit the gift shop, and enjoy the cafe. Be sure to see the Longhouse and the Istken, or pit house! It's fascinating and fun, and very well done.
Definitely worth a visit. Totally absorbing and charming layout. Watched a drum being made by two delightful local people and fascinated by some of the exhibits. There is rather touching recognition of a black bear and her cub which walked through the site during its development. Very good quality gift shop. A credit to all those involved.