U'mista Cultural Centre — Attraction in British Columbia

A must see! The collection of original First Nations artwork and artifacts is unparalleled. It's an honour, especially, to visit the potlatch exhibit where the collection of repatriated masks and costumes tell the history and story of the potlatch and it's importance to the Kwakwakaʼwakw people. Truly humbling to be in the same room with these works of art and culture, and to hear these important stories.

You need about 1.5-2 hours to really read all the info boards and absorb the stories. I would not recommend going with young children if you wanted to really absorb everything, although there is a cool kids play area outside. The whole place is...

This is such a powerful place and experience. The exhibits explaining the different purposes for the specific artifacts are so interesting. The area offering cultural context for why and how they were taken in the first place and the people who kept the traditions alive while they were forbidden is SO powerful. And the gift shop has the best selection I have ever seen at any museum of original indigenous art. Any of these three separate things would be worth the trip but to have all three in one location makes this something to base an entire trip around. Go here as soon as you...

The centre has a large exhibit with original Potlatch ceremonial items. I was hoping for a bit more about their day to day lives on the islands but maybe they’ll expand in the future. We took about an hour throughout the center but could have spent longer if we had the time to learn more from the speaker that they had there for the day. I would recommend stopping by the visitor center on Alert Bay first because she can guide you on best timing to go according to your plans. All in all it was 100% worth the entrance fee and would recommend it if you are coming...