The word “Klahowya” means welcome, and each summer Aboriginal people from across British Columbia come together to build Klahowya Village in Stanley Park to welcome visitors from around the world, and share authentic Aboriginal experiences, traditions and culture.
Klahowya Village is now closed and will re-open next summer.
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Set in the heart of Vancouver’s beautiful Stanley Park, Klahowya Village immerses visitors in British Columbia’s fascinating and thriving Aboriginal cultures. Travel through the forest on the Spirit Catcher miniature train and discover the Legend of the Sasquatch, watch cultural performances, shop the Artisan Marketplace, sample First Nations fare and much more.
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Browse reviews of Klahowya Village on Trip Advisor.
The theme of last year’s Klahowya Village centred on the Sts'ailes First Nations story of the legendary Sasquatch. The word Sasquatch is thought to be a mispronunciation of the Sts’ailes word “Sasq’ets”, meaning “hairy man.” They believe the Sasquatch is a spiritual being that can vanish into the spirit realm at will, which may explain why the creature is so elusive.
ACTIVITIES at
KLAHOWYA VILLAGE
Spirit Catcher Miniature Train
Travel through the forest on the Spirit Catcher miniature train and help Sasquatch - the supernatural protector of the forest – battle the Evil Chief who is over-harvesting berries and cedar. The story is acted out live by Aboriginal youth in outfits themed with the legends of the animals.
Artisan Marketplace
Visit the Artisan Marketplace and Métis Trading Post for handcrafted and authentic First Nations and Métis jewelry and art that make perfect souvenirs of your experiences at Klahowya Village. On weekends, watch the artisans as they give live demonstrations of their timeworn crafts.
Carving Demonstrations
From Thursday to Sunday, watch master First Nations carvers at work as they demonstrate the skillful techniques handed down from generation to generation for time immemorial, and create beautiful and colourful totem poles, masks and more.
Métis Craft Workshops
The Métis Trading Post is offering Métis craft workshops throughout the summer. Choose from the Hudson Bay Trade Blanket Pouch ($25) or Button Blanket Sampler ($30). Both workshops are 2 hours. Pre-register by calling Hazel at 778-329-6886.
Group Experiences
Group tours are led by a cultural tour guide and begin with a traditional welcome song and introduction. From there, learn about traditional foods, medicine, mythology and music on a guided tour. You'll also get to try your hand at traditional crafts, see a live cultural performance and sample Aboriginal cuisine. Tours are designed for groups of 20 or more and can customized for any group. More info.
Getting Here
Klahowya Village is located right at the miniature train plaza in Vancouver’s Stanley Park – just north of the Stanley Park Pavilion and west of the Vancouver Aquarium.
Parking is available just outside the west entrance of Klahowya Village.
Please note that all parking in Stanley Park is pay parking.
If you are traveling by public transportation, the #19 bus ends it route right at the west entrance to Klahowya Village.
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