For visitors looking to deepen their connection to Whistler beyond the slopes and trails, the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) offers a powerful and enriching experience. This award-winning cultural museum and gathering place celebrates the living cultures, traditions, and histories of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, the Indigenous peoples whose traditional territories include Whistler and the surrounding Sea-to-Sky region.
Located in the Upper Village at Whistler Blackcomb, the centre is an easy and worthwhile addition to any Whistler itinerary—especially on rest days, snowy afternoons, or rainy days.
What Is the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre?
The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is a collaborative cultural space created by the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations to share their stories in their own voices. The centre combines museum exhibits, guided tours, art galleries, performances, and interactive experiences that highlight both traditional knowledge and contemporary Indigenous life.
Visitors are welcomed into a thoughtfully designed space inspired by traditional longhouses, where storytelling, art, and history come together in a respectful and engaging way.
What You'll Experience Inside
.jpg)
A visit to the centre typically includes:
- Guided cultural tours led by knowledgeable Indigenous ambassadors
- Permanent and rotating exhibits featuring regalia, carvings, tools, and artwork
- Interactive displays that explore language, land, and cultural traditions
- Carving and weaving demonstrations (offered on select days)
- Short films and oral histories sharing Indigenous perspectives
- The Thunderbird Cafe, an indigenous-inspired menu with fresh, local ingredients and great coffee. The Cafe is located outside of the admission area, so it's a great place to visit even if you don't plan on exploring the museum.
- A gift shop showcasing authentic Indigenous art, jewelry, and crafts
Tours provide valuable insight into how the Squamish and Lil’wat peoples have lived on and cared for this land for thousands of years—and how their cultures continue to thrive today.
Where It's Located
The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is located in Whistler’s Upper Village, just steps from the Blackcomb Gondola base. Its convenient location makes it easy to pair with:
- A ski or sightseeing gondola ride
- Lunch or après in the Upper Village
- A scenic walk through Whistler Village
While Whistler is world-famous for skiing, biking, and outdoor adventure, the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre offers something equally important: context and connection. Visiting the centre helps travelers understand the deep cultural roots of the region and appreciate Whistler as more than just a resort destination.