A wonderful daytrip from Vancouver is to visit the Squamish Lil’wat Centre, opened in 2008, after a relaxing train ride on the Whistler Mountaineer. It’s a nice mix of wildlife sightseeing and learning about BC First Nations culture. Whistler packages are available to expand trips up to four days and include other attractions and activities in Whistler Village.
A prized BC jewel, the Whistler Mountaineer train (604-606-8460 or 1-888-687-7245) is the most peaceful way to get from Vancouver to Whistler. Park the car, show up at the train station and board- no time consuming security checks or waiting at the airport. Instead, be greeted in the morning by hot coffee and friendly staff, and travel back without highway driving or traffic jams.
The route from North Vancouver to Whistler travels beside Howe Sound, the mighty Stawamus Chief glacier, through the town of Squamish and past Brackendale, habitat of over 3,000 bald eagles; climbing up almost 2,000 feet is Cheakamus Canyon and a trestle crossing, then the 60 metre (195-foot) Brandywine Falls and finally Alpha Lake before reaching Whistler.
The train ride on the Whistler Mountaineer takes three hours and includes an onboard meal, transfers to the stations and knowledgeable narrators. A heritage observation car is the place to take the best photos from. Tickets are available for a dome car with more window space or a regular car with wide windows.
- The season begins in mid-May and runs until mid-October
- The train has one departure in the morning for an 11:30 am arrival and leaves Whistler Village at 2:15 pm for a 6:00 pm arrival back in Vancouver
- Prices are $199-$299 CAD roundtrip for one adult
- Overnight Whistler packages are available
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
After getting off the Whistler Mountaineer, grab a taxi to the Squamish Lil’wat Centre (4584 Blackcomb Way, 604-964-0990 or 1-866-441-7522) in the Upper Village. Staff members greet visitors with a drum song and dance, encouraging them to join in by teaching them how to represent a revered animal to the First Nations people.
From there, a guide will take guests through the centre’s Great Hall, where weavings, canoes, exhibits and interactive wall panels are on display. The space was built to resemble a Squamish Longhouse. Outside, notice the circular roof with plants and greenery planted on it. A walk downstairs reveals the Istken Hall, a traditional Lil’wat pit house that’s built underground.
Also in the centre:
- A theatre, where an enjoyable 15-minute film digs deeper into the culture of both local First Nations groups
- A museum with regalia, art and clothing on display
- A café with food like traditional bannock, Squamish salmon chowder and Lil’wat venison chilli
- A gift shop that features gorgeous First Nations artwork
- A hands on craft station is set up for visitors to try their hand at replicating First Nations people’s handiword.
Whistler and Vancouver Travel
For assistance planning trips in the surrounding areas, contact Vancouver Coast & Mountain Tourism (604-739-9011 or 1-800-667-3306). Train tours of the Rocky Mountains can be booked through the Rocky Mountaineer.
Related Article: Whistler Hotels, Canada
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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