By WAHEEDA HARRIS
Totem poles at UBC’s Museum of Anthropology (Photo: Adam Jones)
The iconic Coastal Mountains may dominate the west coast skyline, but the landscape includes another native attraction: indigenous totem poles, original to this part of North America. (more…)
Discovering Totem Poles: A Guide for Travelers by Aldona Jonaitis
Are totem poles worshipped as sacred by Natives? How old are most of the totem poles still in existence? These are just a couple of the questions answered in Discovering Totem Poles: A Traveler’s Guide by Aldona Jonaitis ($19.95; Douglas & McIntyre). Focusing on specific poles in Vancouver, Seattle, Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and Alaska, the book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through Native legends and lore. At bookstores, or order it online, below.—Sheri Radford
BC Ferries photo by Andrea Johnson courtesy Tourism BC
1 BC Ferries, now celebrating its 50th birthday.
2 Heading east to visit Fort Langley (where BC had its beginnings) before lunch overlooking the vines at Domaine de Chaberton Winery’s Bacchus Bistro.
3 Joshua Jackson. He was born in Vancouver, he appeared in The Mighty Ducks and Dawson’s Creek, and he’s back in town right now shooting the third season of Fringe.
4 Why I Love Vancouver, by Linda Solomon. Find it at local bookstores.
5 Shopping for everything local at Trout Lake (and other) farmers’ markets.
6 Hanging out all morning in wide-open garage-door cafes, such as JJ Bean Coffee Roasters at Main and 14th and Kitsilano’s Bistrot Bistro.
7 Fireworks during the HSBC Celebration of Light (Jul. 21, 24, 28, 31).
Fireworks photo by Danielle Hayes courtesy Tourism Vancouver
8 Celebrating Canada Day (Jul. 1).
9 The seawall.
10 Listening to the waves lapping while barbecuing hamburgers on Third Beach as the sun sets somewhere behind Howe Sound.
11 Dapper dogs in mini tuxedos. Find clothes for your own posh pooch at Barking Babies.
12 Spending an afternoon strolling through the Vancouver Art Gallery.
13 Unusual cuts of meat on the menus at Salt, Refuel, Campagnolo and The Irish Heather, part of the “waste not, want not” philosophy of the local nose-to-tail dining movement. Your taste buds won’t be disappointed.
14 Totem poles in Stanley Park.
15 Perfect summer days that never seem to end.
Mask by Reg Davidson courtesy Coastal Peoples Fine Art Gallery
To find the perfect BC souvenir, visit Aboriginal art galleries. Masks, jewellery and prints by Haida master Bill Reid are at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. Other gorgeous pieces (think carvings and totem poles) are readily available; try Coastal Peoples Fine Art Gallery, Douglas Reynolds Gallery, Eagle Spirit Gallery, Hill’s Native Art, Lattimer Gallery and Spirit Wrestler Gallery. Inuit Gallery of Vancouver and Marion Scott Gallery offer a wide selection of Inuit art, including drawings and stone sculpture.—Kristina Urquhart
Totem poles are illuminated in the Museum of Anthropology at UBC's Great Hall. Photo by KK Law
History buffs head to the University of British Columbia’s stunning Museum of Anthropology. The award-winning, Arthur Erickson-designed building just underwent a $55.5-million facelift; check out expanded exhibit space, a new ceramics gallery and 10,000 objects from around the world in the Multiversity Galleries. Soaring glass walls in the Great Hall (pictured) form a pretty backdrop for totem poles—which you’ll also find on the museum grounds, as well as indigenous plants and grasses.—Kristina Urquhart