North Shore Like a Local: Learn Like a Local

When visiting a new place, one of the best ways to get the full experience is to learn a bit about where you are! Learning about the people, and the history that lives there, you’ll gain a new appreciation for how the place has evolved into where you stand today. This is one of the key pillars we encourage guests of Vancouver’s North Shore to consider before arriving—a handful of ways to get the most out of your stay.

By Learning to North Shore Like a Local, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures that have come together in this region—and get to know the Indigenous communities who have called this land home since time immemorial. Keep reading to uncover fascinating insights about Vancouver’s North Shore and discover how you too can Learn Like a Local.

Photo courtesy of: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation

One of the many vibrant nations of the Coast Salish region, The səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation is one of two predominant Indigenous communities on Vancouver’s North Shore (along with the Squamish Nation). The North Shore, Burrard Inlet and the waters flowing into it have been home to the Tsleil-Waututh since time immemorial, and it’s thought that before the arrival of European settlers, their population was 10,000 strong.  Since that day of first contact, the Tsleil-Waututh people have faced adversity in all forms, but as our collective culture moves towards one of respect and reconciliation, we look to them as the rightful stewards of the area’s land, air, and water. By nurturing the health of these elements, the Tsleil-Waututh take responsibility for how their actions affect nature, and how connection with each one represents the health of the community at large. Their continued presence on the North Shore is a vital element to ethically growing our community in ways that cherish our natural resources and respect every person and culture. 

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation

The history of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation spans many millennia, with archaeological evidence of their presence in this area dating back 8,600 years. With their territory reaching from Vancouver’s North Shore to Squamish, along the Squamish River, the Nation has created a culture that emphasizes the importance of land, water, resources, and people. Through the resilience of this Nation, we learn the strength of community and how each individual acts like a single strand in a great tapestry, with the weight of responsibility shared evenly among everyone. From their traditional longhouses and cedar-carved fishing canoes, to invaluable wisdom about nature, their culture has been passed down through generations of storytelling, and we’re honoured to have the privilege of listening to these stories firsthand.

Indigenous Language

While exploring the North Shore, you might notice signs or public writing in a language you don’t immediately recognize, with characters you’ve not seen before. These signs are written in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim, the languages of the sleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations, respectively, and are there to recognize and preserve the importance of our local Indigenous communities. Keeping language alive is an integral part of nourishing a culture, so these signs are playing a small part in preserving the traditions of the area’s first people.

Indigenous Tourism BC

Are you hoping to plan an immersive tour of our local Indigenous culture? Indigenous Tourism is a fantastic resource for getting acquainted with the attractions, people, and elders who are preserving local culture through stories, food, art and experiences. With their comprehensive site and interactive map, you’ll learn about the outstanding nature and historical points of interest across the North Shore, and even further into the interior of BC.

Museum of North Vancouver (MONOVA) 

Home to a rotating calendar of events and exhibits, there’s always something interesting happening! The Museum of North Vancouver (MONOVA for short) is one of the area’s most vibrant spots for culture and community. A place for learning and perspective, the museum has a dedicated history exhibit that takes visitors through every inspiring and tumultuous event that evolved the North Shore into the place it is today. Inside you’ll find traditional art from the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, videos and news clippings detailing key historical events, and engaging workshops where you can learn techniques from local artists and wisdom from area elders. Be sure to stop by the museum store before you leave for unique gifts, books, clothing and souvenirs.

North Van Arts Council

An all-encompassing art guide to Vancouver’s North Shore,  consider this your resource for everything to do with culture and creativity. Community-led and non-profit, the council is a passionate group of artists and art enthusiasts that champion expression in all mediums. Whenever you’re planning to visit, you’ll find events, workshops, and performances to check out on their site.


By reading through this guide you’re now that much closer to embodying what it means to Learn Like a Local—be respectful, be open to learning and accepting of other perspectives, and be mindful that the place you’re visiting was first home to a community of Indigenous people.

If you think you’re ready to dig in and start exploring, take the Pledge to North Shore Like a Local! It only takes a moment, and a range of guides and resources are available to help you make the most of your visit—while ensuring that everyone helps keep Vancouver’s North Shore a natural treasure for generations to come.