Talking Trees: Stanley Park Indigenous Walking Tour Led by a First Nations Guide
Recommended by 100% of travelers
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.
- Learn about Indigenous history and culture from a First Nations guide
- Enjoy a new way to explore Beaver Lake and Stanley Park
- Easy level of walking appropriate for all fitness levels
- Choose from several departure times to suit your Vancouver 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
- 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
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 their 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 1 mile (2 kilometers), hear about how the Native 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, gain a deeper and richer understanding of the history of the First Nations. Your tour ends back at the original 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 their 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 1 mile (2 kilometers), hear about how the Native 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, gain a deeper and richer understanding of the history of the First Nations. Your tour ends back at the original departure point, where you can catch a bus or cab, or return to your vehicle.
1
Stanley Park Bus Loop
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Beaver Lake Trail
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
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 86 reviews
Gretchen_H, Sep 2025
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!
Allen_T, Aug 2025
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.
Vera, Jul 2025
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.
Elise_A, Jul 2025
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
Linda_L, Jun 2025
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
Kimberly_S, Jun 2025
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.
Daniel_G, Mar 2025
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
Cristina_C, Mar 2025
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
MOJI_I, Jan 2025
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
Natasha_K, Jul 2024
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.
Lourielys_M, Apr 2024
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.
Fides_H, Mar 2024
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!
Gemma_B, Dec 2023
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.
Denise_D, Aug 2023
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.
Michael_B, Nov 2019
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
Glenn W, Aug 2019
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 :)
omcarolineom, Jul 2019
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
Kelly_C, Jun 2019
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
Angela F, Jun 2019
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
William_D, Jun 2019
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.
Rebecca_L, Mar 2018
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
Michelle H, Feb 2018
Very informative and interesting tree walk led by elders Candice and Denise. We learnt so much about the Salish and Squamish cultures, customs, plus how they traditionally lived and accessed their natural environment in a sustainable way. Highly recommend this tour for a personal insight into the first nations.
Eric J, Jun 2017
Our tour with Wes from Talaysay Tourism was awesome. We learned so much from him about nature and his native culture in that hour and half. His remarkable singing voice was kind, gentle and spiritual when he sang and drummed a welcome to us and to the day.
Karen L, Aug 2016
My husband and I were the only visitors on this walking tour and we had a lot of difficulty meeting our guide as the directions were inadequate. However a couple of phone calls to Viator finally resolved our problems and let us know that our guide was looking for us. Our guide was a lovely young university student and member of a First Nations community of British Columbia. The tour took us on a trail to the beaver lake in Stanley Park that we had walked earlier that day so though the trail was familiar, she shared her insights about growing up and following the many traditions of her people in using and respecting the natural resources found in the forests. She was totally charming and very informative. I hope that the Interpretive Walking Tour group can improve the communications and instructions for future visitors to avoid the initial confusion and potential loss of the entire experience.
Frank_H, Sep 2024
Hallo, die Führung gab uns Gelegenheit , einmal persönlich mit einem Angehörigen der First Nations zu sprechen.
Mr. Thomson, ein Haida, war ein sehr freundlicher junger Mann, der uns allerlei interessante Aspekte erläuterte.
Wir konnten viel fragen.
Es hat viel Spaß gemacht.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Vielen Dank für Ihre freundlichen Worte! 🤍 It was truly a pleasure to host you.
We’re so glad you enjoyed your time with Mr. Thomson and appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and connect more personally. Creating space for meaningful exchange and shared learning is very important to us.
Thank you again for joining us, we’re grateful for your presence
Ulrich_B, Aug 2023
Der Guide war äusserst höflich, respektvoll, humorvoll und kompetent.
Wir waren sehr beeindruckt und haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt!
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