July 5, 2014
ABORIGINAL HOTEL DEBUTS IN VANCOUVER, B.C.: Learn about Canada’s rich First Nations culture at Skwachàys Lodge, a new 18-room boutique hotel debuting at the crossroads of Vancouver’s historic Gastown and Chinatown. First opened in 2012 by the Vancouver Native Housing Society, two floors of the building have been transformed into an experiential hotel. Aboriginal artists teamed with Vancouver-based interior design firms to design each themed room featuring various animal spirits — raven, eagle, bear, wolf, orca — and original indigenous
artwork. Guests may access a sweat lodge, artist’s workshop, smudge room (for religious ceremonies), and lounge. The Victorian façade is crowned by a traditional northern longhouse with 40-foot pole. At street level, an interactive 3-D display celebrates aboriginal art and culture. Rates from $225.