Thunderbird Park — The Lost Totems

Your quest begins at Thunderbird Park, a site established in 1941 as a sanctuary for totem poles rescued from across British Columbia. Here, adjacent to the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, you'll discover replicas of primarily Gitxsan, Haida, and Kwakwaka'wakw poles. This is the ideal starting point to explore Canada's Indigenous heritage. From 1952 to 1992, master carver Mungo Martin led a 40-year restoration program, crucial work to preserve Kwakwaka'wakw traditions and other West Coast Canadian cultures, making this park a major cultural attraction in Victoria.

Continue your exploration of Thunderbird Park to admire the Mungo Martin House, the historic residence of the renowned master carver. Accessible to visitors, this house is an integral part of the park's cultural journey and a living testament to Mungo Martin's work. Nearby, behind the park, stand Helmcken House and St. Ann's Schoolhouse, two late 19th-century buildings. While distinct, these structures adjacent to the park illustrate Victoria's architectural evolution and offer an interesting contrast to the wood carving workshop within the park, where the work on totem poles continues.

Your itinerary then leads you to the Royal BC Museum, directly adjacent to Thunderbird Park. It is here, since 1992, that the collections of original totem poles, including the Totem Hall, have been housed for their preservation. The museum also maintains the official archives and records of the poles restored by Mungo Martin, offering invaluable insight into the history of Indigenous carving. A visit to this site in Victoria is essential to understanding the scope of the conservation effort for British Columbia's Indigenous heritage.

Venturing slightly from downtown Victoria, you will reach Beacon Hill Park, home to one of the world's tallest totem poles, standing at 38.9 meters. Located at Camas Circle, this totem is an impressive monument and a highlight of any visit to Victoria. A commemorative plaque at its base honors the Indigenous peoples of British Columbia who perished during World War I, adding a historical and moving dimension to this site. It is a place that deeply embeds Gitxsan, Haida, and Kwakwaka'wakw culture within the urban landscape.

Concluding your journey, you will have traversed downtown Victoria, easily accessible on foot from Thunderbird Park. The park, open year-round, allows visitors to experience its cultural richness in any season. This interactive walk will have enabled you to trace the history of British Columbia's totem poles, from Mungo Martin's vision to the preservation of collections at the Royal BC Museum. You will carry with you a deep understanding of Gitxsan, Haida, and Kwakwaka'wakw cultures, and the efforts to safeguard this Indigenous heritage of Canada, making this visit a memorable and educational experience in Victoria.