Experience Indigenous Culture in Vancouver

Here on Coast Salish territory, Indigenous culture is thriving, evolving and shaping the city today. From contemporary Indigenous art galleries to land-based walking tours, Vancouver’s Indigenous cultural heartbeat is happening in real time.

The city of Vancouver is located on the traditional, unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We’ve compiled some of the most enriching ways to connect with, celebrate and immerse yourself in authentic Indigenous cultural experiences while you visit.

Get Outside with an Indigenous Tour

Experience the culture, history, and tradition of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation in a 35-foot traditional style ocean-going canoe with Takaya Tours. You’ll paddle the waters of Indian Arm while your guides share traditional songs, tell stories, and point out Indigenous village sites.

Or, if plants are your thing, book a combined walking and paddling tour that includes medicinal plant identification and harvesting. Takaya Tours offer group tours and rent kayaks from Whey-ah-wichen (Cates Park), on their home territory in North Vancouver, and at the Belcarra Park Paddling Centre, a 20-minute drive from downtown Coquitlam.

Talaysay Tours invites visitors to discover Indigenous culture and explore nature through their fun, inspirational, and educational storytelling tours. With tours of Stanley Park, Whytecliff Park, Whistler and more, these tours offer a unique way to mindfully connect with the earth under your feet.

Owned by members of the local Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and neighbouring Shíshálh (Sechelt) Nations, this land-based tour operation is rooted in a love for the land that helps people connect to nature, self, and community. 

There’s no need for the learning to stop when you leave Vancouver, either. If you can’t make it to a tour in person, the groundbreaking Talaysay Tours app allows you to share in generations of oral history and teachings at your own pace from anywhere in the world.

Experience Unique Indigenous Art in Vancouver

A thriving Indigenous arts scene lies at the heart of contemporary Indigenous culture in Vancouver.

The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is an iconic cultural institution. The only public Gallery in Canada dedicated to the Northwest Coast, this Indigenous-owned gallery celebrates the vibrant diversity of contemporary Indigenous art.

With regularly rotating Indigenous-curated exhibitions and a stunning permanent collection of larger-than-life sculptures by Haida master artist Bill Reid, a visit to this gallery truly encapsulates what it means to appreciate Indigenous art in Vancouver.

To get the most out of your visit, be sure to plan your Bill Reid Gallery visit around their scheduled artist talks, hands-on workshops, and guided curatorial tours. Then, on your way out, engage with Indigenous makers economically by shopping at the gift shop.

While you’re appreciating the diversity of Indigenous art in Vancouver, be sure to check out the Wickaninnish Gallery on Granville Island and the Spirit Gallery in Horseshoe Bay, too. Both are also First Nations-owned shops selling contemporary and traditional art and gifts by emerging and established Indigenous artists.

Taste Unforgettable Indigenous Food in Vancouver

Indigenous food in Vancouver comes in many forms, from restaurant dining experiences to unique souvenirs on gift shop shelves.

Vancouver’s only Indigenous-owned and operated restaurant, Salmon ‘n Bannock Bistro, creates contemporary West Coast food with a First Nations influence. Using the “local and traditional ingredients that our Grandmothers and Grandfathers used before us,” the menu features bannock, salmon, game meats, and desserts made with fresh local berries.

Jet-setters will want to check out Salmon n’ Bannock On the Fly at the Vancouver International Airport on their way in or out of town. Canada’s only Indigenous restaurant in an airport, they have tons of quick handheld options, and all of their seafood and fish is caught wild off the coast of BC.

Tucked into the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre you’ll find the Thunderbird Café. Located 2-hour drive away from Vancouver in Whistler, you can learn about the culture, art, and traditions of the local Indigenous peoples at the cultural centre, before sitting down to relax and share a tasty Indigenous-inspired meal made with fresh local ingredients.

Coffee connoisseurs will be pleased to know that the Thunderbird Café also serves Spirit Bear Coffee, which is produced by an Indigenous-owned company based in the Lower Mainland.

A little further out of town in the Township or Langley, you’ll find Tradish’s The Ancestor Café. Here, Tradish Founder Chef Sarah Meconse Mierau, a member of the Sayisi Dene First Nation, whips up innovative meals, showcasing Indigenous cuisine while promoting Indigenous sovereignty and community.

While you’re near Langley, stop in for a pint at Locality Brewing, a Métis-owned “field to glass” farm brewery located on MacInnes Farm in North Langley. 100% homegrown and family operated, this craft beer is made with barley and hops grown on site.

From Friday-Sunday, Locality Brewing also hosts Stampede Burger, an Indigenous-owned and operated bison burger food truck serving mouthwatering meals to complement your brew of choice. With Bison Poutine, Keto options, and a killer Black Bean Burger, it’s worth making the trip out on the weekend for this beer and burger combo alone.

Bannock is a staple of many Indigenous cuisines, especially here on the West Coast. Bangin’ Bannock is an Indigenous woman-owned business that honours the richness of its owners’ heritage. Their specially crafted Bannock Dry Mixes and frybread mix make a great souvenir, and can be purchased at places like Stong’s Market across the city or online.

Can’t get enough bannock? Another fantastic bannock business to visit is West Coast Bannock, owned by Richard Mark (Nisga’a-Gitxsan). Known far and wide as the “Bannock King,” Mark whips up scrumptious fried bannock served in creative ways, including bannock tacos, burgers, and sockeye salmon sandwich.

This food truck follows the excitement around town, serving up tasty meals at all kinds of events and festivals. Keep an eye on the West Coast Bannock Instagram to find out where to catch them next.

Finally, seafood fanatics should be sure to try Authentic Indigenous Seafood, a cooperative of Indigenous fisheries in Canada that is committed to sustainability, traceability, and cultural vitality. The cooperative includes members like Tsu-ma-uss Seafoods from Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations on Vancouver Island, who share fishing rights and catch sockeye, chinook, chum and coho salmon.

Authentic Indigenous Seafood products can be purchased at retailers like Snack City Granville Island, as well as major grocery stores. Keep an eye out for their famous wild BC salmon caviar.