Vancouver - Whistler

Vancouver - Whistler » Festivals, Ceremonies & Celebrations

January
Annual Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival & Count
Jan 1– Jan. 31
Phone: 604 898 3333 Brackendale Art Gallery
Address: 41950 Government Rd., Brackendale, B.C.

Each January eagle-watchers attend the Annual Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival just north of Squamish, BC. This residential community along the Sea-to-Sky Highway is the winter home of the largest gathering of bald eagles in North America. The eagles start arriving from all over North America in mid November and stay until mid February, with the largest concentration gathering here in late December to January to feed on spawning salmon.

The Brackendale Art Gallery sponsors the annual eagle count each January, drawing international crowds. A whole month of festivities centered around the Bald Eagle with tours and information is available from the Art Gallery. A regular speaker on Bald Eagles is David Hancock, Eagle Biologist and owner of Hancock Publishers. Each weekend of January has other speakers.

Eagle viewing is at its peak from mid-December to mid-January but significant numbers of eagles may be present from mid-November to mid-February. Eagle viewing is best enjoyed by the public from areas outside the park boundaries. The main "Eagle Run" viewing facility is located on the municipal dyke, across from the Easter Seal Camp on Government Road in Brackendale. Eagles can be viewed from the Tenderfoot Creek Fish hatchery in the Cheakamus Valley down to the Squamish Estuary near downtown Squamish.

An interpretive display explains the eagles and salmon life cycle. Disturbance by humans during the winter can also have a detrimental effect on the eagles. It disrupts their feeding and forces them to expend precious calories taking flight needlessly. Eagle watchers are requested not to go down on the sandbanks, not to try to get too close, to be reasonably quiet and to keep dogs on leash and under strict control. To accommodate the many tours and individuals drawn to the area during the winter eagle season, an information booth has been set up at the main viewing area on the bank of the Squamish River. Trained volunteers are on hand to field questions and to promote responsible eagle viewing.

The Brackendale Art Gallery Theatre Teahouse was established in 1969 as a community cultural center to foster and further regional and indigenous art and artists in the Squamish Valley. They also work to protect the natural heritage and wildlife of the area and to promote economic activities which encourage appreciation and respect for the environment. The Gallery offers licensed food service, gallery exhibits, concerts, theatre, workshops with visiting and local artists, facilities for celebrations and meetings throughout the year and, in winter, a warm place by the fire after a long day of Eagle viewing.

Their menu includes homemade soups and bread, and espresso coffees. Hours of operation are noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. Follow the Eagle signs and look for the large white unicorn out front.

February
White Rock Pow-wow
4th week-end
Admission: $by donation
tel: 604.531.8354 ext 125
Address: Earl Marriot Secondary School, 15751 16-th Ave in South Surrey.

The Earl Marriott Secondary School's 10th Annual Pow Wow is located on the edge of city limits, on 16th Avenue , which is the street straddling the border between Surrey and White Rock. The celebration features the Host Drum and Arrows to Freedom. Tables for purchasing local arts and crafts are available to guests during the event.

June
National Aboriginal Days
June 21
tel: 604 684-2532
Address: Vancouver art gallery 750 Hornby Street – Vancouver, BC

National Aboriginal Day Celebration at the Art Gallery

The Aboriginal Art & Culture Celebration Society hosts a week-long event to celebrate National Aboriginal Day in Downtown Vancouver at the Art Gallery. The event includes arts & craft tables, live performances, food stands, and off-site evening concerts.

July
Whey-AH-Wichen Canoe Festival

Traditional cedar dug-out canoe competitive racing is held every summer during the Whey-AH-Wichen Canoe Festival at Cates Park. The traditional community canoe races started in the 1990s and now hosts other Salish Nations and First Nations from around the continent. Some efforts have been made to restore representation of Tsleil-Waututh culture in the Park, including installed work by artist Damien George, a new entrance sign by Glen George, and proposed work by Mark George. Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on.

Squamish Nation Powwow
4th week-end in July – 1st week-end in August
Admission: $5
tel: 604-986-2120
Address 100 Capilano RD., North Vancouver

Squamish Nation members are hosts of the Squamish Nation Powwow held at the Capilano Indian Reserve Park in North Vancouver. The event has been drawing International Dancers, artists and other native craftsmen for the past ten years.The Pow Wow features Grand Entries on Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday. The contest features Men’s and Women’s Fancy and Grass Dancers. All profits go to pay the dancers, singers, drum groups, and head staff.

September
Semiahmoo First Nations’ Salmon Festival
4th week-end
Admission: $by donation
tel: (604) 536-3101 Joanne Charles
Address White Rock Beach

Semiahmoo First Nations’ Salmon Festival is held in the seaside village of White Rock. This two day festival is held on the last weekend in September, and is located at the Semiahmoo Park in east beach. This interactive multicultural event features stage entertainment, powwows, family activities and a salmon barbeque.

November
4th Annual Veteran's Traditional Pow-Wow Gathering - Community Event
November 11 - 13
admission: by donation
telephone: 604.898.9716 Diane Billy
Address: Totem Hall, 102 Baker Road, Stawamus Reserve, Squamish

An invitation is extended to the general public to witness the rich culture of our First Nations in the Squamish Valley. Watch the Dancers, from all over Canada and the U.S. compete in various dances and age groups. Enjoy the traditional festival and "Bridge the Gap for All People Alike in the Sea to Sky Corridor and throughout Canada." It is asked that guests bring a non- perishable item for Squamish's food bank. Friday: Grand Entry 7:00pm Saturday: Feast at 12 noon: Grand Entry at 1:00pm, Sunday Grand Entry: 1:00pm

As you drive by Shannon Falls and the mountain called the Chief, the address is on your left coming from Vancouver off Highway 99 and Valley drive. The Totem Hall has a 60 foot welcoming figure on top of the hill.

North American Native Arts & Crafts Festival
4th week-end
tel: 604.294.1645
Address 1607 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

A two-day festival held each year on the last weekend in November. The Aboriginal Cultural Festival draws over 20,000 to a spectacle of native entertainers, arts and crafts, carvers and cuisine.

The Arts and Crafts show is held at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre. Call for dates and to reserve a table. Aboriginal staff available. Wheelchair accessible. Transit accessible.