Held each year at Whey-ah-Wichen (Cates Park) in North Vancouver, the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) hosts the Whey-ah-Wichen Canoe Festival, a powerful celebration of culture, tradition, and community. As the “People of the Inlet,” canoe racing is deeply rooted in Tsleil-Waututh life, with a revival beginning in 1910 when former Chief George Sla-holt carved the legendary canoe Earwigs. Today, this annual gathering welcomes canoe racing teams from Indigenous communities across the southwest coast of B.C. and Washington State for a weekend of racing, culture-sharing, and celebration.

Set against the stunning backdrop of The North Shore Edge, the festival takes place in early summer, transforming Cates Park into a vibrant village of tents, canoes, and spectators. Races feature youth, women’s, men’s, and masters (50+) divisions, showcasing incredible skill in traditional dugout racing canoes — sleek, fast, and rich with history. More than just a competition, the event brings together communities to inspire youth, celebrate cultural resilience, and share traditions with the public.