SKWACHAYS LODGE, Vancouver – A Smart Stay in the City
About the Hotel
Indigenous Art-Themed Rooms
Skwachàys Lodge features 18 rooms designed by Vancouver hotel designers partnered with Indigenous artists. Each room includes high-speed Wi-Fi, a 43-inch HD TV, Hypnos beds, and ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers. Rooms feature unique installations like the Water Room's orca and salmon motifs, the Drum Circle Room's powwow dancer paintings, and the Paddle Room's salmon weir installation. Some rooms have balconies with patio seating.
On-Site Art Gallery
The hotel houses the Urban Aboriginal Fair Trade Gallery featuring Indigenous artwork including original paintings, limited edition prints, jewelry, pottery, and wood carvings. Most original work comes from local artists. Guests can purchase authentic souvenirs in the lobby gallery, ranging from hand-made moccasins to bentwood boxes and carved masks.
Cultural Experiences Available
Skwachàys offers private Sweat Lodge Purification Ceremonies led by a Sweat Lodge Keeper in the rooftop garden structure. Interactive sessions with professional Indigenous artists provide round-table discussions and hands-on experiences of Indigenous arts and cultural practices. The hotel serves wine from NK'Mip Cellars Winery in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley.
Downtown Vancouver Location
Located in Downtown Vancouver at 29 West Pender Street, the hotel is close to Gastown (1 km), Chinatown, CF Pacific Centre mall, and the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Nearby landmarks include Harbour Centre Lookout Tower (0.5 km), BC Place Stadium (1 km), and Canada Place (1.5 km). The area features heritage buildings and independent businesses in design, culture, and food.
Social Enterprise Operation
Operated by the BC Indigenous Housing Society, Skwachàys Lodge functions as a self-sustaining social enterprise providing affordable development space for Indigenous artists. Overnight stays support housing for Indigenous individuals and families. The hotel opened in June 2012 and features Douglas fir planks salvaged from the original 1906 building structure in its tables, fireplace surround, and ceiling.
Choose the Room
Check Dates & Room Rates
Getting around
All Transportation Options at a Glance
Amenities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
- Concierge desk
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Lift
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
- Key access
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Garden area
- Leisure/ TV room
- Sauna
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Soundproofed rooms
- Terrace
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Sink
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Parquet floor
