Two Brothers Totem Pole
1 / 10

Two Brothers Totem Pole

4.5
·53 reviews·Jasper, Canada

A towering 13.7m Haida totem pole, celebrating Indigenous art and the connection between coast and mountains.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best for photos & viewing

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Two Brothers Totem Pole

Two Brothers Totem Pole

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best for photos & viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A towering 13.7m Haida totem pole, celebrating Indigenous art and the connection between coast and mountains.

4.5
(53 reviews)

"A beautiful landmark to commemorate harmony between the native people and early settlers!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Great for a quick photo stop, especially if arriving by train! :camerawithflash:

🚻 Convenient Facilities

Public washrooms are located just a few steps away from the totem pole. :toilet:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Two Brothers Totem Pole

The Two Brothers Totem Pole

Jasper Via Rail Station

A towering 13.7m Haida totem pole, a vibrant symbol of Indigenous art and heritage.

Mountain Views

Mountain Views

Adjacent to the Totem Pole

Catch a glimpse of the unique mountain shaped like a sleeping man.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Two Brothers Totem Pole is a year-round attraction, but consider visiting during daylight hours for the best viewing and photo opportunities. It's conveniently located near the Jasper Via Rail station, making it an easy stop for travelers arriving by train.

Cultural Significance

This 13.7-meter Haida totem pole, raised in 2011, represents a significant piece of Indigenous art and cultural heritage. It tells a story of connection between Haida Gwaii and the Rocky Mountains, commemorating harmony between native peoples and early settlers.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Best for photos & viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#LanguageLearning #water #wegotthis #jasper
@burnt.mt.center
90.9K likes • 676.1K views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Great for a quick photo stop, especially if arriving by train! :camerawithflash:

🚻 Convenient Facilities

Public washrooms are located just a few steps away from the totem pole. :toilet:

Featuring: Two Brothers Totem Pole, Jasper National Park. Totem poles are indeed fascinating works of art and cultural heritage, primarily crafted by the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. The process of creating a totem pole involves several steps, and as you mentioned, the choice of wood is critical. Here’s an overview of how they are made: 1. **Selecting the Tree**: Typically, a lar...
lensbugphotography
34 likes • 1.4K views
More inside looks of my sketchbook! This drawing is loosely based on the Two Brothers Totem Pole, located in Jasper, Alberta, Canada. #hoovprints #sketchbook #totempole #twobrothers #twobrotherstotempole #parkscanada #art #artist #drawing #penandink #freehand #illustration #canadianartist #torontoartist #indigenouscanada #haidastory #jasper #alberta #rockymountains #canada #hoov
hoovprints
25 likes • 268 views

🚗 Easy Parking

Street parking or temporary parking at the train station is available. :car:

🎨 Artistic Inspiration

The pole's intricate carvings can inspire artists and sketchers. :art:

reddit.com

Did the Two Brothers Totem Pole Survive?

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Great for a quick photo stop, especially if arriving by train! :camerawithflash:

🚻 Convenient Facilities

Public washrooms are located just a few steps away from the totem pole. :toilet:

🚗 Easy Parking

Street parking or temporary parking at the train station is available. :car:

🎨 Artistic Inspiration

The pole's intricate carvings can inspire artists and sketchers. :art:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(53 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Two Brothers Totem Pole to be a beautiful and significant piece of Indigenous art, conveniently located near the Jasper Via Rail station. Its impressive size and cultural importance are frequently highlighted, making it a worthwhile photo stop. Some note the mountain view nearby as an added bonus.

"This is a nice monument right next to the Jasper Via Rail station. The Two Brothers Totem Pole in Jasper National Park is a vibrant piece of Indigenous art and cultural heritage. It was raised in 2011 as a replacement for the original Raven Totem Pole, which was carved in 1870 by the Haida artist Bill Reid and later moved to Jasper in 1915."

Cirrus Sanofi

"This a lovely photo stop especially for Tour Buses as there is parking and washrooms available just next to this Totem pole.
From here You can see the mountain that's shaped like a sleeping man."

Sweeton Dmello

"2022 June 3.5★
Located off the main street in the town, you can't miss this..... Especially if you need to go to the public washroom which is a few steps away.

Jasper's Raven Totem Pole 1915-2009 is colourful. Big and tall (aren't they all?)

Street parking or park temporarily at the train station."

K W

What People Like

Beautiful Indigenous art
Convenient location
Impressive size

What People Dislike

Can be a quick visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The totem pole is conveniently located right next to the Jasper Via Rail station, making it easily accessible for train travelers. For those arriving by car, street parking or temporary parking at the train station is available. Reddit+1

Yes, the area around the totem pole is generally flat and accessible, with nearby facilities. It's a straightforward stop for most visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, viewing the Two Brothers Totem Pole is free and open to the public. It's a landmark that can be admired at any time. Reddit

The totem pole is an outdoor monument and can be viewed at any time, though daylight hours offer the best visibility for appreciating its details. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Daylight hours are ideal for capturing clear and vibrant photos of the totem pole. Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer, more dramatic lighting. Instagram

Many visitors capture the full height of the pole against the Jasper sky or with the nearby mountains in the background. The intricate carvings also make for great close-up shots. Instagram+1

🎫 🏛️ History & Culture

The 13.7-meter Haida totem pole, raised in 2011, tells a story of connection between Haida Gwaii and the Rocky Mountains, celebrating Indigenous history and culture and the harmony between native peoples and early settlers. Reddit

The totem pole was carved by Haida artists Jaalen & Gwaai Edenshaw. TikTok

It serves as a prominent landmark and a beautiful commemoration of Aboriginal history and culture, symbolizing the connection between the west coast and the Rockies. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Two Brothers Totem Pole is a fantastic, quick stop for families. Its impressive size is sure to capture children's attention, and it offers a great opportunity to introduce them to Indigenous art and culture in a visually engaging way. The nearby public washrooms are a definite plus for families on the go. Reddit

It's also conveniently located right by the Jasper Via Rail station, making it an easy point of interest if you're arriving or departing by train. The surrounding area is open, allowing kids a bit of space to move around while you admire the pole and take photos. Reddit

🚆 Train Travelers

For those arriving or departing via the Jasper Via Rail station, the Two Brothers Totem Pole is an unmissable landmark. It's situated directly adjacent to the station, meaning you can easily visit it before boarding or right after disembarking. Reddit

This makes it a perfect spot for a quick stretch, a photo opportunity, or a moment to appreciate the local culture without needing to venture far. The availability of parking and washrooms nearby further enhances its convenience for rail passengers. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of the Two Brothers Totem Pole

The Two Brothers Totem Pole is more than just a landmark; it's a significant piece of Haida art and cultural storytelling. Carved by Jaalen & Gwaai Edenshaw and raised in 2011, this impressive 13.7-meter pole stands as a testament to Indigenous heritage. The intricate carvings depict a narrative that bridges the distant Haida Gwaii islands with the majestic Rocky Mountains, symbolizing a profound connection and historical journey. InstagramReddit

Each element of the pole carries meaning, reflecting the rich traditions and cosmology of the Haida people. The process of carving such a monumental piece requires immense skill, dedication, and a deep understanding of the stories being conveyed. Visitors often marvel at the detail and the sheer presence of the totem pole, appreciating its role in preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture. Instagram

This totem pole replaced an earlier Raven Totem Pole, highlighting a continuous effort to honor and display Indigenous artistry in Jasper. Its placement near the Jasper Via Rail station makes it a welcoming sight for many travelers, offering an immediate cultural immersion upon arrival. Reddit

Jasper's Totem Pole History

Jasper National Park has a history with totem poles, with the Two Brothers Totem Pole being a more recent addition. The original Raven Totem Pole, carved by the renowned Haida artist Bill Reid, was originally created in 1870 and later moved to Jasper in 1915. Sadly, over time, this original pole succumbed to the elements and was worn and torn. Reddit

In 2011, the Two Brothers Totem Pole, carved by Jaalen & Gwaai Edenshaw, was raised in its place. This event was a celebration of Aboriginal history and culture, reinforcing the connection between the west coast Indigenous communities and the Rocky Mountains. The new pole not only serves as a beautiful artistic monument but also as a symbol of continuity and respect for Indigenous heritage within the park. Reddit

This ongoing presence of totem poles in Jasper underscores the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the Indigenous peoples who have long been connected to this land. It provides visitors with a tangible link to the region's deep cultural past. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2