48 Hours in Vancouver: Urban Indigenous Getaway

Experience the art, culture, food, and natural wonder of present-day Vancouver from an Indigenous perspective as a guest on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.

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Experience the art, culture, food, and natural wonder of Vancouver from an Indigenous perspective as a guest on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.

DAY ONE

Explore Vancouver and discover the dynamic cultures of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples and other Indigenous BC operators hosted by these lands through interpretive attractions, museums, galleries, Indigenous cuisine and guided  interpretive tours.

Vancouver and Coastal BC With Indigenous-owned Airline

Arrive or depart with Gulf Island Sea Planes, offering regular floatplane service to Vancouver Harbour and YVR, and seasonal flights to Gabriola and Hornby Islands. Planning something special? Gulf Island Sea Planes also offers charter service throughout Coastal BC. Get a bird’s eye view of the area with 20-45 minute scenic flights departing daily year-round from downtown Vancouver Harbour.

Check-in at Skwachàys Lodge: Artful Accommodation for Socially Responsible Travellers

11 AM

Lay the foundation for your Indigenous experience in Vancouver at Skwachàys Lodge– an Indigenous-owned boutique art hotel for socially responsible travellers.

There are 18 unique and modern suites that tell timeless stories, including the Longhouse Suite, Forest Spirits Suite, and Drum Circle Suite. These spaces are thoughtful combinations of colour, light, and texture that have been woven together in contemporary Indigenous interpretations of traditional mythology.

Arrange in advance to meet with artists-in-residence or participate in a rooftop sweat lodge or smudging ceremony led by an Elder. Fairtrade Indigenous art gallery, luxurious beds, and a modern mix of Victorian and Indigenous heritage in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Cedar Root Gallery, located inside the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre on East Hastings Street in downtown Vancouver, is  stocked with authentic West Coast Native artwork: sacred masks, wall plaques, sterling silver Northwest Coast carved jewellery and gift items. The gallery is open Monday-Friday from 11 AM-5 PM.

 

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Salmon n Bannock

Gather for Dinner at Salmon n’ Bannock: Vancouver's Only Indigenous Restaurant

6 PM

Wrap up your first day on the land with an Indigenous dining experience. Salmon n’ Bannock serves free-range game meat, wild seafood, and daily features that bring the changing seasons to your plate. Sample the Indigenous wine list at this comfortable bistro where people and food matter most. Reservations for this dinner-only restaurant are highly recommended.

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DAY TWO

10 AM

Explore Indigenous Art and Granville Island

Visit Wickaninnish Gallery located at popular tourist destination, Granville Island. The Gallery showcases the artwork of many emerging and established Indigenous artists and has become a favourite destination for local shoppers and international guests to select high-quality, affordable Indigenous art, gifts, moccasins, and hand-engraved sterling silver jewellery.  Open seven days a week, from 10AM-6PM.

Experience the Talking Trees Tour with Talaysay Tours

12 PM

Meet one of Talaysay Tours Indigenous cultural guides at the Stanley Park bus loop for a walking tour of Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park. Hear Indigenous perspectives on trees and plants of the Northwest Coast.

Experience Indigenous ways of knowing by spending time on the land with engaging and authentic culture and storytelling. Indigenous guides share local Indigenous history and lessons on the traditional use, preservation, and harvest of local plant life, including red cedar and licorice root.

Schedule in advance and your hosts will prepare traditional Indigenous tea.

Looking to learn on your own schedule? Download the Talaysay Tours App. The app shares Indigenous oral history through technology, with responsive, guided tours of present-day Stanley Park. Open the app in Stanley Park, and Talaysay guides will accompany you as you walk and tell you all about the plant, tree, totem or piece of art you are standing next to. 

 

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Talaysay Tours

Time to Spare? Head to the North Shore

TAKaya Golf Centre in North Vancouver, with its several acres of natural surroundings, provides an environment that is in complete harmony with nature and is in one of the thriving residential communities of the North Shore, just minutes away from the inlet of Deep Cove.

Recently renovated, the centre offers a full service driving range and both group and private lessons. Open Monday-Friday 8 AM-8 PM and Saturday-Sunday from 7AM-8 PM.

Whether you are heading on to another destination or grabbing lunch by the water, visit Spirit Gallery in Horseshoe Bay near the ferry terminal.

Open daily from 10 AM-6 PM, this Indigenous-owned gallery in West Vancouver carries a diverse and impressive collection of contemporary and traditional art and design, including silver, gold and copper jewellery, masks, totem poles, stone, sculpture, prints, clothing and wide range of unique gifts. 

 

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Before You Leave

Welcome to Gyemsax!

In the Tsimshian language of Smalgyax this translates to feel at home. Gyemsax Airbnb in Richmond is located conveniently close to YVR. Available for short-term stays, Gyemsax offers simple and comfortable accommodation, with warm hosts who provide an Indigenous experience. 

Still craving Salmon n’ Bannock?

Catch a bite at their airport eatery Salmon n’ Bannock On the Fly before your flight, daily from 7 AM-9 PM, located post-security at International Departures. The YVR location offers a selection of freshly made sandwiches, meals and snacks, along with coffee, tea, and a variety of beverages.