Vancouver: Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tour & Totem Poles

Summary

Stanley Park’s stories by carriage, totem poles, and sea air

You’ll ride a horse-drawn carriage through Vancouver’s Stanley Park with a local guide narrating stories as you go. Expect pauses at famous totem poles for photos, fresh sea air mixed with cedar scents, and views toward Lions Gate Bridge — all at an easy pace that lets you take it in without rushing.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the horses to be so calm about all the city noise — honestly, I was a little jumpy myself at first, with the clang from the marina and that weird mix of cedar and salt in the air. But once we rolled out from the ticket booth (don’t forget to check in there first, by the way), it felt like time just slowed down. Our guide — I think her name was Janine — started telling us about Deadman’s Island right as we passed it, her voice kind of mixing with the clip-clop of hooves. There was this old couple behind me whispering in French about Coal Harbour; I caught maybe half of it but their laughter made me smile.

We stopped at the totem poles for a few minutes, which is honestly shorter than you’d think — enough time for photos but not really enough to read every plaque unless you’re quick. The colors on those carvings are so much brighter up close than they look in postcards. I tried asking Janine how to pronounce one of the names and she grinned, “I’m still learning too.” The air smelled damp, like rain even though it wasn’t raining yet. It’s that Vancouver thing, you know?

The rest of the Stanley Park horse drawn tour is mostly just letting yourself drift past things you’ve probably seen on Instagram — Girl in a Wetsuit statue (smaller than I thought), Empress of Japan Figurehead, glimpses of Lions Gate Bridge through trees that are somehow older than my grandparents. Sometimes people waved from bikes on the Seawall or called out “nice ride!” and it felt weirdly communal for such a touristy thing. We finished near where we started; I kept thinking about how quiet everything seemed after getting off that carriage. Maybe it’s just what happens when you slow down for an hour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stanley Park horse-drawn sightseeing tour

• Check in at ticket booth
• Board horse-drawn carriage
• Travel along Park Drive
• Stop at Totem Poles for photos
• Continue to Girl in a Wetsuit statue
• View Empress of Japan Figurehead
• Ride north side with Lions Gate Bridge views
• Return to departure station

Top questions

How long does the Stanley Park horse drawn tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour from departure to return.

Where does the horse drawn carriage depart in Stanley Park?

The carriages depart from next to the information booth near Coal Harbour in Stanley Park.

Do I need to reserve a specific time for this tour?

No reservations for specific times are taken; tours operate on a first come first served basis.

Is there a stop at the Stanley Park totem poles?

Yes, there is a 5-minute stop at the famous totem poles for photos during the tour.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair access is available for this horse drawn tour.

What happens if it rains during my scheduled tour?

The operating schedule may change due to weather conditions; check at the ticket booth on arrival.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I do when I arrive for my tour?

You must check in at the Ticket Booth first to receive your boarding pass before joining your carriage.

What’s included

Your experience includes live narration by a professional guide throughout your journey, all taxes and fees covered (including GST), plus flexible boarding based on availability after checking in at the ticket booth near Coal Harbour — just bring yourself and curiosity.