Stanley Park Indigenous History Walking Tour
Metro Vancouver, Vancouver
This experience shares unique Indigenous stories, oral histories, and perspectives on encounters with explorers, traders, settlers, and the vibrant realities of our tribal communities today.
Spoken Treasures is an Indigenous-led historical walking tour in Vancouver's Stanley Park, suitable for those interested in Coast Salish culture and history.
Highlights
- Explore Stanley Park through an Indigenous lens
- Hear stories of resilience and truth
- Learn about pre-contact life and colonial impacts
- Visit the iconic Stanley Park Totem Poles
- Discover Coast Salish history and living culture
Description
Spoken Treasures offers a guided walk led by a Talaysay Cultural Ambassador, sharing the lived histories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) peoples, whose ancestors have lived in this area since time immemorial.
The tour presents an unembellished account of pre-contact life, the impacts of colonization, and the ongoing resilience of Indigenous communities. It encourages guests to listen respectfully and reflect on the continuous story that shapes the region today.
Reciprocity is central to the experience. Guests are invited to hold shared knowledge with care and consider their responsibility to the land.
The walk ends with a cup of Indigenous tea, providing a moment for reflection, questions, and dialogue.
Includes
- Indigenous-led storytelling experience
- Exploration of Stanley Park from a Coast Salish perspective
- Visit to the Stanley Park Totem Poles
- Insights into pre-contact life and colonization
- Small-group, intimate walking experience
- Stories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Nations
- Understanding of living Indigenous culture today
- Time for reflection and dialogue
- Walk along the Stanley Park Seawall
- Authentic cultural experience rooted in reciprocity
Important Information
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Distance: Approximately 1.2 km (0.75 miles) walking
- Cultural focus: Indigenous and settler shared history
- Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
- Time: 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM PST
- Tours begin promptly at the scheduled start time
- Late arrivals are considered no-shows and are non-refundable
- Rescheduling assistance available when possible
- Children are welcome; parental discretion advised due to historical themes
- All guests must complete a digital waiver prior to the tour (link provided in confirmation email)
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, wear comfortable walking shoes and arrive 10 minutes early. Booking in advance is recommended as group sizes are limited.
