Best Arts and Culture Places in Whistler

"The Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre showcases the history and culture of both the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. Their amazing permanent exhibition, “What We Treasure”, teaches you all you need to know about local historical ceremony, language, regalia and stories, and showcases a variety of baskets, blankets, canoes and carving drums. All these artefacts of ancestral legacy are held in a museum designed as a modern architectural interpretation of the longhouses of the Squamish people and the Istken of our Lil’wat people."

"In a town where the mountains and rivers seem to speak, the Squamish center gives a voice to the fascinating stories of the first settlements in the region. The Squamish and Lil’wat people have lived on this land for a very long time and have influenced the cultural and social landscape of the region. The building of the museum too, has been inspired by their customs and traditions."

"The Squamish and Lil’wat Nations have lived in the Whistler valley since time immemorial. Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about their history, culture, and art. Guides welcome you with drums and song, then take you on a tour of the exhibits including a hand-carved canoe."

"The view of Black Tusk is as quintessential Whistler as it gets. This remnant of a stratovolcano has served as a culturally significant landmark for thousands of years, in the Squamish language it is called t’ak‘t’ak mu’yin tl’a in7in’a’xe7en, “Landing Place of the Thunderbird”. Views from the top of whistler mountain reveal black tusk."

"Look to your left as you drive into Whistler and you will see Black Tusk, the last remaining part of a dormant volcano. Although its black peak can be seen from just about anywhere in Whistler, there are a few spots that provide a better view. The peak of Whistler and the Callaghan Valley are just to name a few."

"The Black Tusk Gallery features native artworks from the Northwest coast. Items for sale include traditional masks, paddles, bowls, totem poles and jewelry. Local Expert tip: Whistler, BC CA V0N 1B4"

"See some of the best stone art in Whistler at Fathom Stone Art Gallery. Each sculpture hand picks stones from the islands of British Columbia, southeast Alaska and the Canadian Rockies, and creates unique treasures for guests to purchase. Stone types include marble, jade, serpentine, limestone and quartz, to name a few."

"The historic Cypress Lodge on Alta Lake and former Youth Hostel has been reclaimed as a community-run art space, a haven for grassroots creative programming, with one of the best docks and lakeside views in all of Whistler. Walk, bike, or paddle to the site to take in live music performances, readings, exhibits and summer camps."

"James Stewart Sculpture Gallery is a small gallery with a big impact. Its current exhibition of large, life-like, and finely detailed sculptures of individuals the artist and gallery owner James Stewart met during his travels around the world is creating quite a stir in a town more accustomed to paintings of wild animals and spectacular landscapes. After building a career in Hollywood by creating visual effects for movies such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Shrek 2, James decided to give it all up and devote his time to his art and to enjoying the wild adventures of Whistler."

"Masterfully-crafted sculptures, masks, and paintings invite quiet contemplation and offer visual inspiration on a more contained scale. The addition of the Audain Art Museum is just one more reason to take a cultural interlude in the mountains."

"There are lots of other fried and yummy items available, like poke, zuke, sushi, bowls, and even deepfried Brussels sprouts, at this Japanese pub in the heart of Whistler."

"A combination of Japanese and Korean food, Harajuku Izakaya has a funky dining room with an adjacent Japanese supermarket where you can pick up a cheap lunch."

"Conveniently located in the Le Chamios Hotel at the base of Blackcomb, Nagomi Sushi features fresh rolls and traditional Japanese food. Newly updated, and a wide variety of dishes makes Nagomi is a great choice for families or groups. Nagomi also offers take out on their menu, so it’s perfect if you’re exhausted after a long day on the mountain."

"I've eaten at Nagomi twice now (first in January 2021), and the high standard was maintained on both visits. There's a nice range of sashimi, s..."

"There are two Tim Hortons locations in Whistler serving up your double-doubles if you like your coffee the same across Canada!"

"Just around the corner from Camp is local coffee roaster Forecast Coffee. In addition to roasting their own beans, Forecast offers a wide selection of coffee and bites for Function Junction goers in search of a pick me up. Housed within the cafe is a small grocery with a basic selection of fresh, frozen, and pantry items."

"A 100% organic sourdough bakery and cafe located in Creekside, there’s no better place to grab a coffee and a baked good before heading up the Creekside Gondola. While you really can’t go wrong with anything in their display case, their sourdough cinnamon buns are a must-try. Although I’ve never met a cinnamon bun I didn’t like, the ones from BReD are something special."

"Tucked away in Creekside with a long established bread following, Bred by Ed is a micro bakery specialising in organic, naturally leavened sourdough products. They are 100% organic and plant based, offering fresh bread loaves (both sweet and savoury), cinnamon buns, cookies & dang good coffee."

"If you’re on your way in or out of Whistler, definitely hit up Fix Café at Nita Lake Lodge before hitting the road. They’ve got every kind of gourmet coffee you’d like along with every kind of dairy alternative, plus some great gluten free baked goods. Neighbourhood: Creekside"

"This little café, also connected with Nita Lake Lodge, is small but they have a couple of decent options to grab and go. For example, their soba noodle salad is delicious, and they usually have a vegan muffin or two. View their current menu here."

"Summary: Cafe with an awesome selection of fresh smoothies and juices, and fresh, fast, breakfast and lunch options. Location(s): Lake Placid Road, located in the Nita Lake Lodge. Why it made the list: Great juice and smoothie offerings."