Talking Totems
An introduction and comprehensive profile of Salish and Northwest Coast Indigenous art
The iconic Stanley Park totem poles represent many purposes and values amongst our peoples. They showcase a rich, eclectic representation of Northwest Coast Peoples and our art forms. Stories and worldviews of Salish peoples’ Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations who have lived in this region from time immemorial.
About Talking Totems
Experience
Cultural focus: Comprehensive profile of Salish and Northwest Coast Indigenous art
Duration: 60 mins
Distance: Less than 1km
Schedule: Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday 3:30pm pst
Guided tour: Includes an Indigenous cultural ambassador guide
Accessibility: This is a leisurely paced walking tour along paved seawall and gravel paths. Third Wheel can be provided when requested in advance. Our company has access to one third wheel. This would be required for parts of the trail where the gravel is a bit loose.
Guests are also able to enjoy this tour virtually. Learn more here
Rates
$65.00 Adult, $52.00 Youth
GST (5%) applied at payment
Groups
20 - 29 Guests $52.00/guest
30+ Guests
$48.75/guest
Custom Location
$65.00 Adult
$52.00 Youth
School Groups (K-12)
Please email info@talaysay.com for our K-12 School Rates.
Location
Stanley Park, Vancouver
Meeting Location: Totem Poles Gift Shop, Stanley Park (map)
Your Talaysay Ambassador Guide will meet you in front of the Totem Poles Gift Shop in Stanley Park
What to bring
Good walking shoes
Layered clothing - dress for the weather
A water bottle on warm days
A water resistant jacket on light rain days
We embrace all weather
If weather is extreme with respect to rain or wind we will contact you to reschedule your experience
Guest protocol
Tours start promptly
Arrive 15 minutes prior to tour start
Late guests or missed tours are not reimbursed
Individual booking cancellation: 48 hours notice prior to tour is required and a 20% administration fee applies
Group booking cancellation: 10 days notice prior to tour is required and a 20% administration fee applies
Cancellations with less than the required notice are 100% non-refundable
Guest Review
“Our tour guide was very knowledgable and answered all of our questions. As an indigenous artist himself, he shared his insights into the history, culture and artwork of the Northwest Coast. I highly recommend taking a tour with Talasay Tours because an Indigenous guide presents a perspective that other guides cannot. It's really important to hear the voices of people that are from this region. We did the Talking Totems tour and we learned a lot about art, culture, and history of the land and its people. Our guide brought us tea to enjoy at the end which was really nice since it was a cold and rainy day.”