Walk among the most dramatic totem pole collection in British Columbia, anchored by the World's Tallest Totem Pole at 56 metres, with a Kwakwaka'wakw cultural guide interpreting every crest and ancestral narrative carved in ancient red cedar. The adjacent Big House (Gukwdzi) completes a picture of living ceremonial culture.
What to expect
The park sits in a stunning coastal setting with poles rising against forest and sea. Your guide narrates the crests of the great Kwakwaka'wakw families — the Thunderbird, Grizzly Bear, Killer Whale — carved with virtuosic precision. The adjacent traditional Big House is one of the few remaining in active ceremonial use in British Columbia. The World's Tallest Totem Pole, raised in 1973, is a feat of both artistry and engineering that demands to be seen in person. The walk is flat and accessible, roughly 1–1.5 hours.
Good to know
The park is a 10-minute walk from the dock along the seafront. The Big House interior is not always open to visitors; your guide will advise on the day. Photography of the poles is welcomed; always ask your guide before photographing the Big House or any ceremonies. Combine this with the U'mista Cultural Centre for a full-day cultural immersion.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Alert Bay — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.