Stanley Park Totem Poles, Vancouver: Guide with hours, location, parking & history

The Stanley Park Totem Poles at Brockton Point are a series of carved wooden poles representing West Coast Indigenous art and culture, set within Vancouver’s large urban park. This guide explains how to reach the totem poles, what to expect on site, opening times, parking, and practical details for first-time visitors.

It covers access logistics, nearby facilities, best times to visit, and frequently asked questions so you can plan your visit with confidence.

History and overview of the Stanley Park Totem Poles

At Brockton Point in Stanley Park you’ll find nine tall carved totem poles set against the backdrop of Burrard Inlet and forested parkland. These poles are among the most visited cultural attractions in British Columbia and reflect the carving traditions of Indigenous peoples from the Pacific Northwest Coast. While totem poles are not traditional art forms of the local Coast Salish, the current collection includes works created by artists of Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw, Nisga’a and other nations, acknowledging the broader Indigenous cultures of the region.

The collection began in the 1920s with the purchase of totem poles from Alert Bay on Vancouver Island, and expanded over time with pieces from Haida Gwaii and the central coast. In the 1960s the poles were moved to the more accessible Brockton Point location within Stanley Park so that more visitors could see them. Today they stand alongside interpretive panels and gateways created by Coast Salish artist Susan Point that recognise the traditional lands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

The poles play a small part in making Vancouver one of the best cities in the world for outdoorsy types.

How to get to the Stanley Park Totem Poles

The totem poles are near the eastern edge of Stanley Park at Brockton Point. If you are using public transport, take local buses to the park’s entrance near Coal Harbour, then walk or cycle along the Seawall toward Brockton Point. Walking from downtown Vancouver along the waterfront pathways is another appealing option in good weather. The Seawall is popular with cyclists and pedestrians and provides clear views en route.

Stanley Park’s main vehicle entrance from downtown Vancouver is via Georgia Street, which becomes Stanley Park Drive. Follow this road around the park to the Brockton Point area where the totem poles and small parking lot are located. Signage in the park helps orient visitors once inside.

Parking at the Stanley Park Totem Poles

Parking close to the totem poles is available in a small paid lot off Stanley Park Drive near Brockton Point. This lot serves visitors who are stopping to see the totem poles and nearby attractions including the Portuguese Joe Statue and Brockton Point Lighthouse. Spaces are limited and fill early on busy summer days and weekends, so arrive early or consider parking elsewhere in Stanley Park and walking in. Separate parking zones in Stanley Park generally require payment, and passes are valid within each zone rather than across the whole park.

Opening hours for the Stanley Park Totem Poles

The totem poles are accessible whenever Stanley Park itself is open. The park generally opens from about 06:00 in the morning until 22:00 in the evening, though washrooms and some facilities may close earlier at dusk. There are no separate opening hours or ticketing for the totem poles beyond these park hours, so plan your visit during daylight for best visibility and safety.

Best time to visit the Stanley Park Totem Poles

Early morning or late afternoon brings softer light and fewer crowds, making these the best times to visit if your schedule allows. The totem poles sit beside Brockton Point, which also offers views of water and city skyline, so photography conditions vary with the angle of the sun. Summer days see higher visitor numbers, while cooler shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) provide quieter conditions with colourful foliage and comfortable walking temperatures.

Facilities at the Stanley Park Totem Poles

There are basic washroom facilities near the totem poles and a gift shop in the immediate area. Benches and open grass areas around Brockton Point offer spots to rest. There is no café directly at the totem pole site, but nearby sections of Stanley Park and the park’s edges in Coal Harbour have cafés and picnic spots if you plan to make a longer visit. The Seawall and surrounding paths make it easy to combine the totem poles with other park attractions.

Accessibility at the Stanley Park Totem Poles

Paths leading to the totem pole site are paved and generally level, supporting access for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility aids. The park’s pathways vary in surface and grade, so if you plan to walk from further inside the park check local maps or signage. Provision of accessible washrooms is available near main visitor areas and park entrances.

Nearby attractions

• Brockton Point Lighthouse
• Stanley Park Seawall and scenic waterfront paths
• Prospect Point viewpoints
• Lost Lagoon and gardens
• Vancouver Aquarium

Practical questions about visiting the Stanley Park Totem Poles

The Stanley Park Totem Poles combine cultural history with scenic surroundings in one of Vancouver’s most visited outdoor landmarks. Plan to visit during daylight, combine the stop with other park attractions, and allow time to enjoy the waterfront views and park paths around Brockton Point.