Downtown
Duncan Totem Tours!
May - September, 2011
Discover the magic of Duncan’s marvelous collection of totem poles, newly refurbished and relocated in Downtown Duncan. This collection continues to preserve the history of our local First Nations heritage. You can learn all about this ancient art through A FREE guided walking tour, available in the summer season. Meet our Guide by the Train Station on Canada Avenue, he will be waiting to take you for a very educational journey.
Schedule: Full tours are offered every hour on the hour and takes about 45mn
Monday - Saturday from May 2nd to August 27
Monday - Friday from August 19 to September 23
May, June and September 10 am - Last full tour starting at 1 pm
July and August - 10 am - Last full tour starting at 2 pm
In the off days and season, you can still enjoy our mighty totems and take a self guided tour by following the painted footprints throughout downtown to each pole. *To add to your experience pick up a copy of the Totem Walk of Duncan booklet by Joan Chisholm, which explains the myths, legends and stories behind each of the totem poles. The illustrated guide sold at the Train Station Museum at 130 Canada Avenue will add to your personal tour in a quick easy to read format. More books and information on totems are also available downtown at the Judy Hill Gallery located at 22 Station Street.
*In the Off Season ( October – April) tours can be booked through the DBIAS office at 715-1700 or square@downtownduncan.ca.
Totem Tour Details:
The guided tours takes about 45 minutes and will give you a general introduction to the local First Nation Heritage and art of totem carving. You will also be entertained by the many legends and myths that accompany each of the 37 poles featured such as the classic Raven Steals Light story, and the tale of Dzonoqua the Wild Woman of the Woods.
Among the tours highlights see the Richard Hunt's Cedarman which is the world's largest pole in diameter, measuring 6' 7" across!
The ancient art of totem carving has been handed down through generations as a way of preserving the history of local First Nation heritage as well as honoring tribal rituals and sacred spirits. Traditionally the totems have been a pictorial record of a family's legendary and spiritual ancestry or their wealth and standing in the community. They were also used to guard a family's home, welcome guests, honor the dead and even make fun of enemies or to embarrass a rival. Duncan has made a name for itself as the City of Totems since its Mayor began promoting local First Nation carving back in 1985. Totems in the downtown area were first erected in 1987.
Thank you to totem carvers Richard Hunt, Harold Alfred. Doug La Fortune, Francis Horne and Simon Charlie for the use of their art on this website and to the City of Duncan for the use of their totem collection. For more information on the totem collection, please go to the City of Duncan site