Local Vibe
Giving you the inside information on what’s happening, what’s fun, and what’s new in Whistler.
Revitalized Legacies
Inspiring Exhibits at the SLCC
Story by Bronwyn Preece | Images by Joern Rohde
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler is an inspiring and vital cultural connector — a hub for continued learning for all who visit, or live, in the Sea to Sky Corridor. It has recently expanded its offerings with a newly revitalized permanent exhibit, the culmination of 18 months’ work with more than 250 community members.
The SLCC houses collections from the two local Nations and revamped interpretive displays throughout the Great Hall and Gallery One. The What We Treasure Collection features renewed storyboards that express the languages and cultures of both Nations.
Curator Mixalhíts̓a7 Alison Pascal reflected, “I’m grateful for every Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7ul member who helped with the project and very honoured to do this work.” The exhibit also features recently repatriated items from the Canadian Museum of History belonging to the Squamish Nation.
Cultural Ambassadors offer immersive guided tours — a signature experience at the SLCC — that welcome and invite guests to engage fully with the displays. Hereditary items such as baskets, blankets, carvings, canoes, welcome figures, house posts, story poles, drums, tools, and regalia are on exhibit. They welcome all to learn more about the cultures through their stories.
The centre’s new special exhibit, Woven Pathways: Fashion and Cultural Continuity, is on display until April 5, 2026. The show features fashion and accessory designers from both Nations, as well as guest artists from the Northwest Coast. slcc.ca
On Point at The Point: Arts and Alpenglow
Story by Bronwyn Preece | Images by Joern Rohde
The Point Artist-Run Centre (PARC) sits on the edge of Alta Lake in a building that occupies a prominent niche in Whistler’s history; it has been a vibrant gathering spot since the 1950s. For the past 16 years, as The Point, it has served as a creative hub: hosting an eclectic variety of artistic programming year-round for locals and visitors alike.
Founded by Stephen Vogler (author of Only in Whistler: Tales of a Mountain Town), The Point’s winter and spring programming includes the Creative Café every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. “It’s not only a place to hang out and meet with friends over an espresso or lunch, but a chance on various weekends to take in some live jazz, a bluegrass jam, or get creative yourself, with painting supplies on offer.” Or, as Vogler points out, “to simply enjoy the lake and mountain views.” The walls will be displaying the Landmarks of the Heart art exhibition until March 1, 2026.
An array of Artist Sessions — from paint-‘n’-sip nights and oil and acrylic courses to screen printing, stop-frame animation, and sewing classes — is offered, as well as weekly jams and live performances by visiting musicians.
Their 11th Annual Winter Carnival kicks off on Feb. 15, 2026, and includes indoor and outdoor festivities for the whole family.
thepointartists.com | @thepointarts
