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.”