Talking Trees: Stanley Park Indigenous Walking Tour Led by a First Nations Guide
Recommended by 100% of travelers
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Vancouver, Canada
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enjoy a more immersive way to explore the natural highlights of Vancouver's Stanley Park—and benefit from the knowledge of an Indigenous guide—on this walking tour. Led by a First Nations cultural ambassador, this tour provides insight into how Native people have lived on and managed the land for countless generations. A little more than 1 mile (2 kilometers) long, this accessible walk offers an educational activity for families and history buffs.
- Gain insight into local indigenous history and culture from a First Nations descendant
- Learn about the local vegetation used by First Nations tribes
- Enjoy a relaxed, easy-paced tour suitable for all fitness levels
- Choose from several departure times to suit your schedule
What's Included
- Local Cultural Land Ambassador (Guide)
- Coffee and/or TeaTalaysay Hush Tea (Indigenous Tea Blend) - Single Cup
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Parking FeesStanley Park has paid parking throughout the park.
- Public transportationPublic transportation to get to meeting location is not included in the cost of the tour.
- Gratuities(Optional)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Historic Stanley Park Bus LoopStanley Park, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
This location is at the round wooden Gazebo (Public Transit drop off location right in Stanley Park) via Pipeline Road. The site is called the Stanley Park Bus Loop Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
This interpretive walking tour in Vancouver is ideal for families, history buffs and nature lovers. Meet your guide—a trained First Nations Cultural Ambassador—at a designated point in Stanley Park.
Your guide, a member of a First Nations tribe, will share his or her own family history and background, before leading you to the base of the trail to begin your interpretive forest walk around Beaver Lake.
Learn about the Coast Salish First Nations people and the first settlers of this area. At a leisurely pace covering a little more than a mile (two km), hear about how the aboriginal people have lived and managed the land for generations. Your guide points out local plants that were harvested for food, shelter, art. and medicine.
By the end of your trip, you will gain a deeper and richer understanding of the history of the First Peoples. Your tour ends with your guide taking you back to the departure point, where you can catch a bus or cab, or return to your vehicle.
Your guide, a member of a First Nations tribe, will share his or her own family history and background, before leading you to the base of the trail to begin your interpretive forest walk around Beaver Lake.
Learn about the Coast Salish First Nations people and the first settlers of this area. At a leisurely pace covering a little more than a mile (two km), hear about how the aboriginal people have lived and managed the land for generations. Your guide points out local plants that were harvested for food, shelter, art. and medicine.
By the end of your trip, you will gain a deeper and richer understanding of the history of the First Peoples. Your tour ends with your guide taking you back to the departure point, where you can catch a bus or cab, or return to your vehicle.
1
Historic Stanley Park Bus Loop
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Beaver Lake Trail
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Historic Stanley Park Bus Loop
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 100 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
This was a great way to learn about the relationship between trees and other plants and humanity. Amira was passionate about her history and the connections between nature and her culture. The walk was fairly easy and mostly flat. There were several stops while Amira offered explanations.
We really enjoyed this walk with our guide Jaden. We learned about our nature relatives in the park and the Squamish culture. Highly recommend it!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
It means so much to hear that you enjoyed your time with Jayden! We’re glad the walk gave you a chance to connect with the nature relatives of the park while learning more about Squamish culture and teachings. Thank you for joining us and for sharing your experience; we truly appreciate the recommendation!
Huy Chexw A (thank you)!
This is a more a cultural talk about some of the plants that are important to indigenous tribes, not a botanical identification of many trees. I wanted to learn how the native people used natural resources available in their surroundings and I felt this tour was a great intro. I would gladly take a 3 hour tour next time. The herbal tea was an unexpected treat.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful reflection on your experience with us. We are so glad you came with an interest in learning how Indigenous peoples have built relationships with the natural resources around them and that the tour offered a meaningful introduction to those teachings.
The plants of the forest hold many important stories, uses, and connections, and we appreciate you recognizing that the experience is centered around cultural knowledge and relationships with the land rather than simply plant identification. It means a lot to hear that this perspective resonated with you.
We would be delighted to welcome you back for a longer experience in the future. There is always more to share, and we would love the opportunity to continue exploring the teachings, stories, and relationships connected to these lands with you. We are also happy to hear the herbal tea was an unexpected treat!
Thank you again for joining us and for taking the time to share your experience.
Huy Chexw A!
very nice young man led the tour. He shared some interesting stories and taught us quite a few things.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're so glad you enjoyed your time with us. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to Gavin; he'll be delighted to hear that you enjoyed his storytelling and learned something new along the way. We hope to welcome you back for another experience in the future!
Huy Chexw A (thank you)!
South a nourishing , grounding , beautiful , healing experience . Thank you Jayden . Thank you Talaysay . Thank you Nature . For wisdom , knowledge, love and generosity shared . I am beyond grateful to you ♥️🙏
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for this beautiful review. We’re deeply grateful to hear that your Talking Trees experience with Jayden felt nourishing, grounding, and healing. It means so much to know the wisdom, knowledge, care, and generosity shared on the walk stayed with you in such a meaningful way. Thank you for joining us, and for receiving the land, stories, and teachings with such an open heart.
This is a phenomenal walk through a part of Stanley Park and Beaver Lake with insightful insights by our Squamish guide. We learned so much about the culture and practices of First Nations inhabitants and it was so much more real than reading about it in a book. Delightful experience and wonderful guide.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much, Frank. We’re grateful you joined us for Talking Trees in Stanley Park and Beaver Lake, and we’re so glad to hear the walk felt meaningful and memorable.
One of the most powerful parts of being on the land with a Cultural Land Ambassador is that the learning becomes rooted in place, story, and lived connection. We’re honoured to hear that the experience helped bring Indigenous culture, practices, and perspectives to life in a way that felt real and personal.
Thank you again for spending quality time with us in Stanley Park and for sharing such a thoughtful review.
We had an absolutely amazing time. Our guide Ruby was a wealth of knowledge. We could not have asked for a better tour and it was a highlight of our 2.5 week trip through Alaska and Canada!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your time with Ruby was such a memorable part of your trip through Alaska and Canada. She will be so happy to know her knowledge and guiding helped make the experience a highlight. We truly appreciate you joining us and taking the time to share this lovely feedback.
The tour was fascinating. Jayden (sp?) was so incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to the subjects from history to cultures to science and more. The tour links the present to the past while focusing on Stanley Park's indigenous foundations. Viator should definitely offer more of Talaysay Tours offerings.
Response from Host, May 2026
It’s wonderful to hear that the tour was such a meaningful and engaging experience for you. Jayden’s deep knowledge and passion for sharing the history, cultures, science, and stories of the land truly help bring those connections between past and present to life, especially within Stanley Park’s Indigenous foundations.
We also appreciate your feedback about the broader availability of Talaysay Tours’ offerings, it means a lot to know the experience resonated so strongly. We’ll be sure to share your reflections with Jayden and the team.
Huy Chexw A (thank you)!
We were lucky to have two indigenous women share their knowledge of the land that Stanley Park is on. Both very connected to the land, the flora and fauna. I very much recommend this tour.
Guide was very knowledgeable and shared so much historical information as well as information about plants/trees area.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We are s thankful that you took time to share your kind words with us! We enjoyed sharing time, knowledge and walking the land with you. We hope to see you again soon!
Huy Chexw a (Thank you),
The Talaysay Team!
I really enjoyed the experience. It is not strenuous, flat walking. The meeting place is where the tram bus stops. Gavin our guide was fantastic, great to meet someone with a desire to learn about his culture and to share that journey with those who wish to “smell the roses”. Well worth it.
I'm 80 and use a cane but found the walk comfortable. Our guide lead is on a walk around Beaver Lake, explaining various trees & how they were used including diapers made using cedar tree parts. We picked & ate berries. Enjoyed tea midway. He explained medicinal properties of trees & bushes. He was very knowledgeable and our party completely enjoyed the experience.
A wonderfully informative tour! Our small group made it very personal and gave us the opportunity to ask questions. Our guide Shay (sp?) was wonderful and even brought tea for us to share. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re delighted to hear that the smaller group setting made your tour feel more personal and gave space for questions and connection. Shay has such a thoughtful way of guiding, her warmth (and her tea!) always make for a special experience.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and would be honoured to welcome you back on the land again in the future.
Huy Chexw a (Thank you),
The Talaysay Team
The tour was very informative, our guide was extremely knowledgeable and such a pleasant person to show us her perspective on the flora and fauna of Stanley Park. We were in Canada on a Horticultural tour of Vancouver and Vancouver Island, and we agreed that this walk in Stanley Park was the best experience and most educational of the more than dozen gardens and parks we toured. The history and stories were incredibly moving and although the First Nation history is extremely broad and complex, we felt like we received a well-informed glimpse into it.
I highly recommend this to anyone (adult or youth) who wants to peek into the history and culture beyond the beauty of the park itself.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful reflections with us. We’re honoured to hear that your time with us in Stanley Park was such a highlight of your horticultural journey through Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Our guides are passionate about weaving together the beauty of the land with the history, stories, and knowledge of the First Peoples, and it means so much to know this resonated with you.
The histories are indeed broad and complex, and we’re grateful that you felt the glimpse we shared was both moving and meaningful. We truly appreciate your recommendation and would be delighted to welcome you back in the future to continue learning and walking the land together.
Huy Chexw a (Thank you),
The Talaysay Team
We found the tour very informative and engaging; learning the cultural significance of the different flora in Stanley Park offered a different lense through which to enjoy its beauty. Gavin was an engaging tour guide who offered interesting personal context.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback. We're truly grateful you joined us for the Talking Trees tour and are so pleased to hear you found the experience both informative and engaging. It's wonderful to know that Gavin’s storytelling and personal insights helped offer a new perspective on the beauty and cultural richness of Stanley Park.
We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him, it means a great deal to our team.
We would be delighted to welcome you back in the future for another meaningful experience. Until then, thank you again for your support and curiosity.
Excellent tour,about the importance of nature as nutriments,medications,for people from first nations...guide is very knowlegeable,knows a lot about history,and answers a lot of questions
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We deeply appreciate you sharing your kind words with us. Our guides truly provide such an abundance of knowledge and stories learned from oral history, lived experiences and shared knowledge. We're honored to share time, knowledge and walk the land with you.
Huy Chexw a (Thank you),
The Talaysay Team
Easy to hike, very powerful stories and a lot of knowledge, guided by people who have a deep connection with the land
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Christina thank you for joining us on Talking Trees. You truly appreciate your feedback. Warmest regards, Candace Campo - co-owner
My tour of Stanley Park with Shay was so lovely! I came up from Seattle for the weekend to enjoy Vancouver and this was an absolute highlight of my trip.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're so honored to be a part of your trip from Seattle and hope to see you again in the future!
Huy Chexw a (Thank you),
The Talaysay Team
I shared this experience with my partner and two kids (ages 8 and 10). It was a beautiful experience learning about the traditions and customs of the land we stood on. Everyone should do this tour.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
It means so much to know that your family shared this experience together. Hearing that you, your partner, and your children connected with the traditions and customs of these lands is exactly why we do this work. Thank you for taking the time to be with us, and for sharing your experience with others. We hope to welcome your family back again soon.
Huy Chexw A (thank you)!
The Talaysay Team
Our guide was wonderful, encouraged questions, and was patient in his explanations. My husband and I learned so much. We were able to enjoy stepping away from the hustle and bustle to appreciate nature and learn more about our relationship to it.
I had an amazing time and learned so much. Thank you!
The guide was super kind and natural but also taught us important historical facts!
It’s been a few days since our tour, and I’ve grown more and more appreciative as time’s drawn on.
Truly, this tour was life changing. Learning about the history of this land as the traditional territory of Coast Salish First Nations, including the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh was essential to appreciating and acknowledging “Stanley Park” (as it’s now known) and its true history.
As someone who grew up in Vancouver and has spent plenty of time in these forests, I was blown away by the history and wisdom of this land.
I’ll never forget our guides and their wisdom, kindness and knowledge imparted. I recommend this tour to absolutely anyone - you will remember jt forever.
Patrick our guide was extremely knowledgeable and tolerant of my many questions. The tour was wonderful, exploring parts of Stanley Park that I may not have explored on my own. I feel like I am a better person after having taken this tour.
Our guide was very personable and friendly. She told us of her people's traditions and way of life. She also pointed out local vegetation and Stanley Park features. Midway through the talk, she gave us some traditional tea. It was welcome, as the day was cool and rainy.
Response from Host, Jan 2020
Hey there, thank you so much for joining me on our Talking Trees tour. It was my pleasure to host you on this tour. Wishing you all the best!
Candace
Our tour guide Tyrone, was informative and passionate and most of all interesting. Our tour included a local native tea, which capped off a great tour!
If First Nations and their connection with the land interests you, this is the tour for you!!
Response from Host, Aug 2019
Hey there, I am so delighted to see that you enjoyed your tour with Tyrone. Tyrone had a great time hosting you on the Talking Trees Tour, and he always loves to share his knowledge of the eco system with our guests. Wishing you safe travels, Candace :)
I felt like escaping the summer crowds and connecting with nature so booked this tour. When I saw Alfonso waiting there with his ancestral drum I knew I had made the right decision. It was just the two of us and he shared from the heart about the forest, the plants and some history. I appreciated that he told his whole story - it touched me deeply and continues to resonate. Highly recommended. Thank you Alfonso!
Response from Host, Jul 2019
Caroline
Thank you so much for joining us. Alfonso has shared that he had a wonderful afternoon with you in Beaver Lake. Thank you for taking the time to join us on our Talking Trees Tour. We are happy you enjoyed your experience with us. Very best wishes, Candace
Alfonza was an outstanding tour guide. He was knowledgeable and generously shared his personal story. I learned so much! I highly recommend it.
Response from Host, Jun 2019
Joan,
Thank you so much for joining us. Truly appreciated. We are happy that you enjoyed the history and the indigenous cultural uses of the forest shared in our Talking Trees Tour with Alfonso. I will for sure share your note with him. Warmest wishes, Candace
Alfonso gave an absolutely fantastic tour- he was knowledgeable, and the tour felt very personal as he connected his own ancestry to the story. I wish I could go on another! Cheers for the great job, and thanks for making Stanley Park much more special and interesting. I highly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about First Nations cultures, and the flora & fauna of the park. Thanks again, Alfonso!
Response from Host, Jun 2019
Dear Angela,
Thank you for your kind review. Alfonso is very passionate about his work and loves to share history and culture with our guests. With guests such as yourself, you are supporting the creation of our dream to be storytellers and ambassadors to our communities. Not to mention, to be able to work on our land in the outdoors and to meet people from throughout the world. We thank you and I will pass on your note to Alfonso. All the best. Candace
Candace was an excellent guide to both Stanley Park and First Nations culture. She was very knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge which people who knew little about her culture. We all learned a great deal and felt that the tour was most worthwhile. I would highly recommend it and Candace as a guide.
Response from Host, Jun 2019
Hello, thank you so much for the kind words. It was an absolute delight hosting your tour! Wishing you all the best, Candace.
This was a great experience, I had a lovely guide in Wes and it was just him and I. The walk was informative and Stanley Park is a great location. It was Winter so it was cold but the lovely tea Wes provided to try was very warming
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