Top Whistler Museums Celebrate Art, Sports, Culture

Whistler museums feature family-friendly exhibits and activities that celebrate the city’s rich culture. They also provide visitors with interesting places to break from skiing or avoiding the rainy-day blues. No matter the attraction, these Whistler museums educate guests about art and diversity. Learn where to go and what to see.

Whistler Museums to Visit During Your Canada Vacation

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

With a focus on culture preservation, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre celebrates the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. These cultures connect with the area’s mountains, rivers and people, striving to teach others about culture and ancient traditions.

The award-winning center welcomes guests with a song, guided tour, film and craft to take home. Visitors also have the opportunity to dance, visit a Lil’wat Istken and Squamish Longhouse, and play a drum. One exhibit that ranks as a must-see is the Great Hall, home to impressive cedar carvings created by four master carvers and their apprentices. After the tour, recharge at Thunderbird Cafe, which serves First Nations-inspired food using locally sourced ingredients.

Audain Art Museum

Another top among Whistler museums is Audain Art Museum. Showcasing more than 200 works of art, guests journey through coastal British Columbia from the 18th century until present day.

Permanent exhibits feature Northwest Coast First Nations masks, Emily Carr, post-war modernists as well as British Columbia artists. The museum encompasses 14,000 square feet of exhibit space and serves as a work of art itself, as it is nestled in a “grove of Englemann and Sitka Spruce hybrids.” To enhance the experience, attend a class, which includes yoga, family events, meet-and-greets, and summer art camps.

Whistler Museum

The Whistler Museum offers guests a fun way to learn about the city’s culture and history. Open year-round, the museum features exhibits that tell Whistler’s story — from its beginnings to the 2010 Winter Olympic games. Guests can even try on Olympic clothing and take pictures holding the iconic Olympic torch.

Other exhibits include Paralympic athletes, pioneers, fishing resort developers and artists. The museum also hosts family-friendly events throughout the year.

Fathom Stone Art Gallery

See some of the best stone art in Whistler at Fathom Stone Art Gallery. Each sculpture hand picks stones from the islands of British Columbia, southeast Alaska and the Canadian Rockies, and creates unique treasures for guests to purchase.

Stone types include marble, jade, serpentine, limestone and quartz, to name a few. The gallery also hosts art classes for all ages, providing families a fun way to bond. In addition, parents can drop kids off and spend a little quality time together. As an added treat, make sure to see Mother’s Gems, the largest carved fine-stone art polar bears in Canada and Alaska.

Maury Young Arts Centre

Support the community’s youth and lively art scene at Maury Young Arts Centre. Located in the heart of Whistler village, guests see the latest exhibits, sip on beers or cocktails, and listen to live music or artist talks.

With a focus on artists and artisans from the Sea to Sky region, the museum strives to build an artistic community and inspire creativity. Those looking to bring a piece of Whistler home should stop by the gift shop. Items for sale include jewelry, paintings, prints and pottery.

Want to make a night of it? Hang with locals at these Whistler nightlife spots! Then learn why Whistler is an exciting vacation destination.