The Totem Trail - Land of Totems
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DURATION
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DATESMay to October, check BC Ferries’ schedule for sailings
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15 Nights / 16 Days
ROUTEVancouver | Victoria | Campbell River / Quadra Island |
Port Hardy | Prince Rupert | Haida Gwaii | Prince Rupert |
Smithers | Prince George
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impressive totem sites, plus encounter stunning wildlife during whale and bear-watching
tours on this fascinating and captivating itinerary. The totem poles you’ll encounter on
the journey are as varied as the cultures that make them, and recount timeless legends,
clan lineages or notable events. British Columbia is home to the world’s oldest, largest,
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and best examples of totem poles, with many of these ancient works of art still standing
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Discover British Columbia and its rich First Nations culture. Explore ancient villages and
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Suggested Itinerary
in their original, historic settings. Touch these timeless treasures and interact with many
of the world-famous master carvers and artists who live in these regions and share their
heritage and culture as they create their art.
Gift Shop just off the Lions Gate Bridge in
stop at the museum and explore the First
North Vancouver. First Nations activities
Peoples Gallery, one of the permanent
Day 1-2 Vancouver Exploring
include a canoe or covered boat adventure
exhibitions of the museum. This gallery
Vancouver is one of the world’s most
with Takaya Tours. In the evening, enjoy
gives visitors dramatic glimpses of First
beautiful cities, rich with culture, nature
First Nations cuisine at the Salmon n’
Nations cultures before and after the
and world-class shopping, dining and
Bannock restaurant.
arrival of Europeans.
Salish peoples including the Tsleil-
Day 3 Vancouver | Victoria
Day 4 Victoria | Sidney Exploring
Waututh, Musqueam and Squamish
Travel from Vancouver to Victoria on BC
Explore the city sights of Victoria and the
Nations. Explore Aboriginal culture at
Ferries for a scenic ferry ride through the
nearby harbour town of Sidney. In Sidney,
the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park
Gulf Islands. Take the remainder of the day
Sidney Whale Watching welcomes
and visit the nearby Totem Poles. Other
to explore Thunderbird Park next to the
visitors to its traditional territory to
attractions include the Bill Reid Gallery
Royal British Columbia Museum. The park
discover the rich cultural history of the
of Northwest Coast Art in downtown
is home to many totem poles and other
Coast Salish people on whale-watching
Vancouver or Khot-La-Cha Art Gallery &
First Nations monuments. Afterwards
and cultural interpretive tours.
hotels. It is also home to the Coast
The Totem Trail
www.AboriginalBC.com
The Totem Trail - Land of Totems
Day 5 Victoria | Duncan | Campbell
rapids and surrounding wilderness
ferry or by plane,
River | Quadra Island
in the company of Aboriginal guides
head for Tlell. A
From Victoria, travel north up the
from the Gwa’sala and ‘Nakwaxda’xw
charming town
east coast of Vancouver Island to the
Nations with Nakwakto Rapids
mid-island, Tlell
community of Duncan. The route travels
Tours. This fascinating adventure aboard
offers guests easy access to the northern
over the scenic Malahat Highway, which
a 28’ Transport Canada certified vessel
and southern parts of Graham Island (the
offers spectacular views to the Saanich
provides great insights into the magnitude
northern island of Haida Gwaii). Miles of
Inlet and the Gulf Islands. With 80 totems
of the rapids, which can run up to 17 knots
beaches, a meandering river hugging lush
within the city, Duncan is also called “The
during the peak tidal changes, as well as the
forests, an abundance of hiking trails and
City of Totems”. From Duncan continue to
local Aboriginal culture and wildlife. many quaint artisan shops makes this an
Campbell River where you will take a short
ideal getaway for everyone. The Haida
car ferry ride to quaint Quadra Island,
Day 9 Port Hardy | Inside Passage |
House at Tllaal will be your home for the
the home of Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge, the
Prince Rupert (BC Ferries)
next three days.
Oceanfront Resort at Cape Mudge. The
Enjoy the early morning sailing aboard BC
lodge features Pacific Coast Kwagiulth
Ferries to Prince Rupert. This is a full-day
Day 12 Haida Gwaii Exploring
architecture as well as traditional and
journey up the fjord-like waters of the
You may wish to relax at the Haida House,
contemporary Aboriginal art.
Inside Passage. Enjoy the amenities of this
or explore other parts of the island. Visit
vessel, and relax as it winds its way through
Old Massett with 18 totem poles each with
Day 6 Quadra Island Exploring
some of the most rugged and beautiful
its unique design. You can take a tour that
While on Quadra Island you can explore
sceneries in the world. Keep an eye out for
will explain the history and meaning of
the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre or
wildlife along the shoreline, killer whales
each totem pole. In Skidegate, the Haida
partake in wildlife or adventure tours with
and porpoises in the channel or great bald
Heritage Centre invites you to explore the
Aboriginal Journeys. Their whale-watching
eagles circling overhead. Watch for remote
fascinating history and living culture of the
and bear-viewing tours are interwoven
First Nations villages tucked into several of
Haida. Don’t miss the Farmers’ Market in
with insights into local First Nations history
the bays along the route. You will arrive in
Queen Charlotte or the many potlatches
and culture. In the evening enjoy West
Prince Rupert late evening.
and cultural events available during the
Coast seafood cuisine at the resort.
summer months.
Day 10 Prince Rupert Exploring
Day 7 Quadra Island | Port McNeill |
Prince Rupert is home to many of the
Day 13 Moresby Island Exploring
Alert Bay | Port Hardy
Tsimshian First Nations people, as well
Today you will explore many fascinating
The North Island Highway travels through
as members of other First Nations bands
inlets of Moresby Island (the southern
the rugged northern half of Vancouver
in the north. Prince Rupert is a major
island of Haida Gwaii) and Gwaii Haanas
Island. From Port McNeill, a short ferry
transportation hub - it is a deep-sea port
by zodiac boat. The main stop is the
ride will bring you to Alert Bay, home of the
and quickly becoming one of the busiest
ancient Haida village of Skedans. A Haida
Namgis First Nation. In Alert Bay you can
on the West Coast with container and
Gwaii Watchman will be your guide and
explore the rich and vibrant culture and
cruise ships visiting from around the
explain the history of the village and the
history of the Kwakwaka’wakw people
world. Take time to soak in the culture
meaning of the remaining totem poles.
at the U’mista Cultural Centre or at
of the area. The Museum of Northern
the Culture Shock Interactive Gallery.
BC, housed in a magnificent, Northwest
Day 14 Haida Gwaii | Prince Rupert
Today’s journey will end in Port Hardy.
Coast-style longhouse, is a must-see.
Travel aboard BC Ferries or by plane to
Prince Rupert. If time allows, explore
Day 8 Port Hardy Exploring
Day 11 Prince Rupert | Haida Gwaii
the surrounding areas of Prince Rupert.
Explore the world’s fastest navigable tidal
Upon arriving in Haida Gwaii either via
Known for great wildlife-viewing,
The Totem Trail
www.AboriginalBC.com
The Totem Trail - Land of Totems
Prince Rupert is also home to the
deep green forests. There is a fascinating
Gitwangak and Kitseguecla. Over 50
Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary.
abundance of sights and activities of
standing totem poles are located in eight
Aboriginal and cultural significance to
scenic Aboriginal villages.
Day 15 Prince Rupert | Terrace |
be found in this region. In Hazelton, visit
Hazelton | Smithers
‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum. As
Day 16 Tour Ends in Prince George
From Prince Rupert, follow the Skeena
a replicated ancient village, ‘Ksan illustrates
From Smithers, drive to Prince George
River to Terrace and Hazelton. The drive
many features of a Gitxsan village from the
– where you can head back to Vancouver
will take you along beautiful scenery
distant past. Take a self-guided totem pole
or continue your trip to Jasper and the
with rough and craggy mountains and
tour of neighbouring Kispiox, Gitanyow,
Canadian Rockies.
TRIP OVERVIEW
Day
Location
Activities
1
Arrive in Vancouver
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Salmon n’ Bannock Restaurant
2
Vancouver Exploring
Klahowya Village in Stanley Park (Jun - Sep)
Totem Poles in Stanley Park
Khot-La-Cha Art Gallery & Gift Shop
Takaya Tours
3
Vancouver to Victoria
Thunderbird Totem Park
Royal British Columbia Museum
4
Victoria / Sidney Exploring
Whale-watching with Sidney Whale
Watching
5
Victoria to Quadra Island
Explore totem poles in Duncan
6
Quadra Island Exploring
Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre - Quadra Island
Whale-watching or bear-viewing tours with
Aboriginal Journeys - Campbell River
7
Quadra Island to Alert Bay
ending in Port Hardy
U’mista Cultural Centre - Alert Bay
Culture Shock Interactive Gallery - Alert Bay
8
Port Hardy Exploring
Explore the world’s fastest navigable tidal
rapids with Nakwakto Rapids Tours
Quarter Deck Inn &
Marina Resort
N/A
9
Inside Passage to Prince
Rupert
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Inside
Passage from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
The Crest Hotel
10.15 hr
Ferry
10
Prince Rupert Exploring
Museum of Northern British Columbia
The Crest Hotel
N/A
11
Prince Rupert to Haida
Gwaii
Travel by BC Ferries or Plane
Haida House at Tllaal
6 hr by Ferry
or 1 hr by
Plane
12
Haida Gwaii Exploring
Haida Heritage Centre - Skidegate
Explore the 18 totem poles of Old
Massett and the totem poles at
the Haida Heritage Centre
Haida House at Tllaal
N/A
13
Gwaii Haanas Exploring
Zodiac tour to Skedans, an ancient Haida
village site with Moresby Explorer
Ancient totem poles at Skedans
Haida House at Tllaal
N/A
14
Haida Gwaii to Prince
Rupert
Travel by BC Ferries or Plane
The Crest Hotel
6 hr by Ferry
or 1 hr by
Plane
15
Prince Rupert to Smithers
Explore the region ‘Ksan Historic Village and
Museum
Hudson Bay Lodge
348 km
16
Smithers to Prince George
Tour ends in Prince George
The Totem Trail
Information on Totems
Hotel Suggestions
km / Day
Coast Coal Harbour
Hotel or Skwachàys
Lodge
N/A
Eight Totem Poles in Stanley Park
- these totems are the mostvisited attraction in all of BC
Coast Coal Harbour
Hotel or Skwachàys
Lodge
N/A
Thunderbird Park hosts many
totem poles (mostly Gitxsan,
Haida, and Kwakwaka’wakw)
Abigail’s Hotel
70 km / 1.30
hr Ferry
Abigail’s Hotel
52 km
Tsa-Kwa-Luten, the
Oceanfront Resort at
Cape Mudge
267 km
Tsa-Kwa-Luten, the
Oceanfront Resort at
Cape Mudge
N/A
With 80 totems within the city,
Duncan is also called “The City of
Totems”
The world’s tallest totem pole (173 Quarter Deck Inn &
feet) can be found in Alert Bay
Marina Resort
Over 50 standing totem poles
located in eight scenic Aboriginal
villages
240 km
371 km
www.AboriginalBC.com