Stanley Park Totem Poles, Vancouver, Canada

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Stanley Park, Vancouver’s oldest and largest park, is always worth a visit. There is never a lack of entertainment; try a walk around the seawall, soak in the summer vibes at second beach, have a tasty fish and chips at Lumberman’s Arch, or watch an outdoor concert in Malkin Bowl for starters.

Stanley Park’s Totem poles at Brockton Point are a colorful reminder of the of the area’s first inhabitants. The thunderbird, killer whale, wolf, wise one and the beak of a mythical bird (Huxwhukw) are depicted in the Chief Wakas pole above of the Kwakiutl or Kwakwaka’wakw people.

The Thunderbird sits atop a Grizzly bear who is clutching a human. This pole was once used as a support column for a huge traditional First Nations house.

This replica Thunderbird house pole was carved by Tony Hunt to replace the original (now in the Vancouver museum) carved by Kwakiutl artist Charlie James.

Ga’akstalas pole was carved by Wayne Alfred and Beau Dick. The Quolus (a legendary bird), red Cedar bark man holding a canoe, Sisyutl (a double headed serpent), Siwidi riding a Killer Whale are shown in the photograph above.

The Skedans Mortuary Totem Pole was originally erected in Haida Gwaii and the Raven Chief of Skedan’s remains were behind the large cross member at the top.

Grandma took us all to the Vancouver Aquarium. Vaji and Vilian had an awesome day, the highlight was the 4D movie.