Indigenous Tourism in Vancouver

Be a part of the turning tides.

We recognize the harmful impacts that colonial practices have had on Indigenous people. Our history includes; the displacement from villages and territories, restriction of traditional hunting, fishing and harvesting practices on the land. The resettlement of Indigenous people onto reserves. The outlawing of cultural & ceremonial practices such as Potlatch. The separation of children from families and communities through the residential school system.

Reconciliation in action is acknowledging the truth of the harms done in the past and how they continue to shape our society. It is something we must continue to engage with and work to repair. We are grateful for the guidance of Indigenous people in sharing the truth about our shared past and seeking a better way forward.

When you support Indigenous-owned businesses, you’re taking part in renewed economic wellbeing and encouraging regenerative relationships.

For thousands of years, the ten local First Nations, the q́ićəý̓ (Katzie), q́ʷɑ:ńƛ̓əń (Kwantlen), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), máthxwi (Mat squi), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), se’mya’me (Semiahmoo), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen) and sə́lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) have lived on shared and distinct territories and thrived on the stunning lands that are colonially known as the Metro Vancouver region. The meaningful stewardship and relationship to the land are reflected through Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. This Indigenous knowledge is passed down through generations, integrated and applied to daily living in the distinct languages, oral histories & practices of these Nations. Visitor can engage with these rich living cultures through authentic Indigenous owned and operated experiences.

Before colonization, the waters such as Burrard Inlet & the Fraser River, rise, retreat, and flow around the Vancouver region are home to many fish and wildlife and continue to nourish the local population, inspire technical innovation, and provided a bustling avenue for trade between nations.

The third-largest urban Indigenous population in Canada now lives in Vancouver, weaving diverse cultures, languages, traditions from across Canada. This diversity of perspectives contributes to the rich cultural fabric of the Indigenous community and its brilliant arts scene.

Visiting the Indigenous art in Vancouver brings you to the centre of a worldview deeply tied to the land.

Indigenous art may be a record of knowledge, a map, or a tool that reflects physical needs and cultural systems. It often communicates values and beliefs communities have developed in harmony with the land.

If you find yourself visiting with an artwork, both created today or in decades
past, you are visiting with knowledge transmitted through generations – bringing you in dialogue with the ancestors and the land that sparked its creation.

The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is an Indigenous-owned cultural institution that highlights the artistic traditions of the Northwest Coast while celebrating contemporary Indigenous art that offers diverse perspectives, stories, and artistic expressions. This dynamic space rotates exciting Indigenous-curated exhibitions around monumental sculptures by Haida master artist Bill Reid, also showcasing his other works.

Plan your Bill Reid Gallery visit during artist talks, curatorial tours, and hands-on workshops to maximize your experience and engage in another aspect of Indigenous culture – economic – at the gift shop. The Wickaninnish Gallery on Granville Island and the Spirit Gallery in Horseshoe Bay are also First Nations-owned shops selling contemporary and traditional art and gifts by emerging and established Indigenous artists.

Indigenous tours welcome visitors to share in Indigenous culture, learn from Indigenous people, and support local communities.

Members of Tsleil-Waututh First Nation share traditional songs, tell stories, and point out Indigenous village sites on the paddles and walks offered through Takaya Tours. Operating from their home territory in North Vancouver, they offer group tours and rent kayaks from Whey-ah-wichen (Cates Park).

If you’re traveling solo or with a smaller group, Talaysay Tours strives to make fun, educational and inspirational storytelling tours accessible. Owned by members of the local Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and neighbouring Shíshálh (Sechelt) Nations, they explain that their art, nature, and storytelling tours share “our hearts, culture, ancestors and descendants.”

Can’t make it to one of the land-based tours taking place in Stanley park and other locations daily? You can still share in generations of oral history and teachings at your own pace via the groundbreaking Talaysay Tours app.

From the rocks to the treetops and the creatures who walk, fly, crawl, and swim, Indigenous worldviews include all elements of territory as land. You’ll find salmon, a cultural symbol and traditional economic staple of the West Coast, in abundance at Salmon n' Bannock Bistro.

The only Indigenous-owned and operated restaurant in the city uses in-season ingredients, organic bison and game, and wild-caught fish to serve up authentic West Coast meals with First Nations influence. Even if you’re not visiting during berry season, take heart – bannock is always in season at this thriving Indigenous business.

Vancouver offers many museums, displays, and exhibitions where locals and visitors are welcome to learn about Indigenous history and how Canada, British Columbia, and Vancouver came to be. Indigenous-owned shops, galleries and experiences open the door to how Indigenous people experience the city’s past, present and future – and you’re invited to walk, paddle, or roll through.

When booking an Authentic Indigenous experience or visiting an Indigenous-owned business, your travel choice directly contributes to an Indigenous-led movement toward increased well-being for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples in BC through tourism.

The Authentic Indigenous designation highlights businesses that provide genuine cultural experiences, support their communities, and prioritize sustainability. This means visitors can engage with Indigenous cultures meaningfully and respectfully, knowing their visit helps preserve traditions, empower local communities, and protect the environment.

When booking your trip to British Columbia, support an Indigenous-owned business and book an Authentic Indigenous experience to participate in a meaningful cultural exchange that positively contributes to the protection and preservation of Indigenous lands, cultures, and First Nations communities in British Columbia.

The Original Original mark of excellence assures visitors of a quality tourism experience. It is displayed by businesses that offer products and services that are truly authentic and that have been accredited by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). Any business that earns the accreditation is demonstrating that they have the right standards in place to deliver a quality experience to visitors.

To use The Original Original mark, businesses must meet the criteria of being at least 51% Indigenous-owned and offer a business-ready, visitor-ready, or export-ready experience. The Original Original Accreditation Program looks at recommended practices in six important areas of business: community engagement and support, visitor experience, health, safety & comfort, sustainable Indigenous tourism, marketing and visitor services, business acumen/practices.