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48 Hours in Vancouver: Urban Indigenous Getaway
By Indigenous Tourism British Columbia
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.
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.
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.
Visit the Sisters Sage shop, where traditional Indigenous ingredients are used to create modern self-care and wellness products. This Indigenous brand is co-founded by sisters who are honoured to share their Gitxaala, Nisga’a, and Metis heritage and ancestral teachings through hand-crafted wellness and self-care products.
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.
DAY TWO
Experience the Talking Trees Tour with Talaysay Tours
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.
Visit Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art: Contemporary Indigenous Art in Downtown Vancouver
The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art features works by legendary Haida master Bill Reid, and changing exhibitions of contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast. At the Gallery’s Gift Shop, you will find a selection of authentic, original works and prints by local Northwest Coast artists, distinctive jewelry, accessories, books, cards and more.
Time to Spare? Head to the North Shore
Takaya Tours is a premier, cultural tourism business owned by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) of North Vancouver. Operating from bases in Cates Park (Whey-Ah-Wichen) in North Vancouver and (Tum-tumay-wheuton) in Belcarra Regional Park, Port Moody, Takaya Tours offers kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals as well as group cultural tours.
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.
Before You Leave
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.