Aboriginal Experiences
Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver (Kevin Arnold photo)
Vancouver is a vibrant, multicultural city characterized by strong Aboriginal influences and several First Nations are represented in the Metro Vancouver area.
See galleries of traditional Aboriginal artwork and towering totems in the Museum of Anthropology. In Stanley Park, take photos at the famous totem poles and in summer, visit Klahowya Village for Aboriginal performances, cuisine, tours, crafts and more. View the works of renowned Haida artist Bill Reid at the Vancouver International Airport, or explore Aboriginal culture on a guided kayak tour.
Wondering where to begin? Read on below or check out Aboriginal culture trip ideas in Vancouver.
Museum of Anthropology
Just west of Vancouver, the University of British Columbia’s architecturally stunning Museum of Anthropology boasts an acclaimed collection of Aboriginal art and artifacts from BC and around the world. See traditional canoes, masks, jewellery, carvings, longhouse replicas and totem poles – including the world’s smallest, which measures just 4.4cm/1.7in.
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Stanley Park Totem Poles
One of North America’s largest urban green spaces, Stanley Park is home to a famous stand of eight First Nations totem poles, all of which are on free outdoor display. The totems come from various places on the BC coast, and together are one of the province’s most visited attractions.
Bill Reid Artwork
The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in downtown Vancouver features the jewellery, carvings, sculptures, prints and drawings of internationally renowned Haida artist Bill Reid, as well as the works of several other contemporary Aboriginal artists.
Visitors arriving at the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond can stop in the International Terminal to see Reid’s famous sculpture, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe, which is also featured on Canada’s $20 bill.
Guided Aboriginal Tours
In nearby North Vancouver, Takaya Tours offers the chance to travel the tranquil waters of a glacial fjord in an ocean-going canoe – or explore the shores by kayak – while discovering local Aboriginal culture through legends, songs and stories.
Practical Points
Aboriginal artifacts and regalia have historical and cultural significance. Do not touch items unless you have been given permission to do so by a knowledgeable guide or local.
If possible, also ask permission to take photos – some artifacts such as totem poles have interesting stories, and in asking for permission visitors learn more about the local history.
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5 Aboriginal Experiences in Vancouver
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1
270 Whonoak St
North Vancouver, British Columbia
V7P 1P3
Websitehttp://www.khot-la-cha.com
Toll-free
Phone604-987-3339
We showcase traditional and contemporary Native artwork and crafts. Masks, prints, gold and silver jewellery, wood carvings, textiles and clothing produced by First Nation artists are displayed in a distinctive long-house style building.
A second-generation First Nations owned and operated business, the gallery is located on Capilano Reserve, part of the Squamish Nation. We specialise in work from our community, offering first-hand the tales and legends behind the authentic artwork.
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2
Miniature Train In Stanley Park
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6B 3X8
Websitehttp://www.aboriginalbc.com/klahowya-village
Toll-free
Phone604-921-1070
Enjoy the warmth of our Aboriginal Summer Village in Stanley Park this summer. Klahowya Village welcomes you to celebrate & experience our vibrant culture through song, dance, art & cuisine. There will be dance performances Fridays through Sundays & programming throughout the day, every day, by artisans - wood carving & weaving, crafts for budding artisans, aboriginal cuisine & artisan kiosks. More lasting memories if you hop aboard the Spirit Catcher train for a fun ride through nature. Gate admission to the Village is FREE. Charges apply for Spirit Train rides.
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Other businesses with Aboriginal Experiences
3
639 Hornby St
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2G3
Websitehttp://www.billreidgallery.ca
Toll-free
Phone604-682-3455
A public gallery for Contemporary Aboriginal Art of the Northwest Coast named after the acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid (1920 - 1998). The Gallery showcases the permanent collection of Bill Reid alongside changing exhibitions of contemporary Northwest Coast Art. Highlights include stunning gold and silver jewelry, monumental sculptures and a towering totem pole by James Hart of Haida Gwaii. Visit the Gallery Gift Shop for a selection of original works and prints by local Northwest Coast artists, distinctive jewelry, accessories, books, cards and more. Located in the heart of downtown, just steps from the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Canada Line skytrain.
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4
Websitehttp://www.vancouvertours.com
Toll-free877-669-2277
Phone604-255-7272
Landsea Tours offers daily scheduled half-day & full-day mini-coach sightseeing excursions to include Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler & more - maximum of 24 guests. See it all: Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island Market, Alaska cruise ships, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain & Butchart Gardens. Combine a Victoria tour with whale watching or a floatplane flight, or a Whistler tour with the Whistler Mountaineer train by Rocky Mountaineer. Driver/guides create memorable sightseeing experiences by sharing their extensive knowledge of area history, geography & current events & in answering guests' individual questions.
Private tours and transfers are also available: SUVs, Mercedes Sprinter Vans and Mini-Coaches available.
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5
700 Apex Ave
North Vancouver, British Columbia
V7H 2R5
Websitehttp://www.takayatours.com
Toll-free
Phone604-904-7410
West Coast Canoe Tours:
Explore the rich marine ecosystem while experiencing Coast Salish culture while you enjoy a guided interpretive paddle in one of our traditional 31 foot Coast Salish Ocean going canoes. Gently paddle the protected waters of Burrard Inlet & the beautiful pristine Indian Arm. Trained First Nations Guides share first nation's culture, sing traditional songs & tell legends & the history of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
Rainforest Ground Tour:
Explore the ancestral trails of Whey-Ah-Whichen (Cates Park). Learn about the traditional uses of the local flora and fauna, harvesting methods, traditional medicines & how to identify different plant species.
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