Attraction
Stanley Park
Opened in 1888, Stanley Park covers about 405 hectares of forest, beaches and lakes on the Downtown peninsula, circled by an 8.8 km stretch of seawall.
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Founded in 2008, the Bill Reid Gallery on Hornby Street shows the work of the Haida artist Bill Reid alongside exhibitions by contemporary Indigenous artists.
At a glance
- Type
- Indigenous art gallery
- Area
- Downtown, Vancouver, Canada
- Official site
- billreidgallery.ca
Good to know
- Gallery shop
- Free entry for children under 12 and Indigenous Peoples
Why we recommend it
The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art opened in 2008, set up by the Bill Reid Foundation, and describes itself as the only public gallery in Canada dedicated to Northwest Coast art. It is named after Bill Reid (1920 to 1998), a Haida artist who worked as a goldsmith, carver and sculptor, and also as a writer and broadcaster. His sculpture The Raven and the First Men is one of the best-known pieces at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC.
The gallery holds a collection of Reid's masterworks, from fine jewellery to graphic art, sculpture and carving, so you can see how he moved between small precious objects and large public pieces. Alongside the permanent collection it runs rotating exhibitions and learning programmes that focus on contemporary Indigenous artists. Every River Has a Mouth, an exhibition about the visual languages that connect people, runs from 12 September 2026 to 17 January 2027, and Cradled Origins is shown in partnership with the YVR Art Foundation.
This is a compact gallery, so an hour is usually enough, which makes it easy to fit into a day downtown. It suits anyone interested in Indigenous art and design, and it is a useful introduction before or after a visit to the Museum of Anthropology. Admission is free for children under 12, Indigenous Peoples and gallery members, and there are reduced rates for seniors, students and youth, plus a family ticket covering up to two adults and two youth from the same household.
In the winter season, from October to May, the gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Summer hours can differ, so check the website before a visit from June to September. Visitor Services can answer questions by phone on extension 221.
The Gallery Shop sells authentic Indigenous art, merchandise and art books linked to the exhibitions and to Reid's work, and you do not need an admission ticket to browse it. Proceeds support the gallery's programmes. The gallery is on Hornby Street in the heart of downtown, a short walk from the Vancouver Art Gallery at 750 Hornby Street and Robson Square.
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art FAQs
Who was Bill Reid?
A Haida artist (1920 to 1998) who worked as a goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer and broadcaster.
What are the opening hours?
From October to May the gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Check summer hours on the website.
Who gets in free?
Children under 12, Indigenous Peoples and gallery members.
How long should you allow?
About an hour is enough for the collection and the current exhibition.
What exhibitions are on?
Every River Has a Mouth runs from 12 September 2026 to 17 January 2027, and Cradled Origins is shown with the YVR Art Foundation.
Do you need a ticket for the shop?
No. The Gallery Shop can be visited without paying admission.
What is nearby?
The Vancouver Art Gallery and Robson Square are a short walk away along Hornby Street.