Set beside the Royal BC Museum in downtown Victoria, Thunderbird Park is a small green space packed with history, culture, and eye-catching public art. Here you can see towering totem poles, the Kwakwaka’wakw big house known as Mungo Martin House (Wawadit’la), and historic buildings that help tell the story of this region.
This is an easy, low-effort stop that works well as part of an Inner Harbour walk. You can pause here between visiting the Royal BC Museum, the BC Legislature, and the Inner Harbour, or simply enjoy a quiet moment among the carvings. The park is free to wander through, and you can often combine your visit with a peek at Helmcken House and St. Ann’s Schoolhouse when they are open with Royal BC Museum programming.
What to expect at Thunderbird Park
- Type of experience: Outdoor cultural site featuring totem poles, a traditional big house, and historic buildings.
- Time needed: About 10–30 minutes for a quick walk through the park; longer if you visit Helmcken House or St. Ann’s Schoolhouse when open.
- Cost: Walking through the park is free. Separate admission applies to the Royal BC Museum and some indoor exhibits.
- Accessibility: Flat, paved walkways and open lawn areas make this an easy stop for most visitors, including those in wheelchairs and strollers. Some surfaces around the poles and buildings can be slightly uneven.
- Best time to visit: Year-round. Buildings such as Helmcken House and St. Ann’s Schoolhouse usually open for limited hours tied to Royal BC Museum programming, so check their website for current details.
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Located in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Thunderbird Park is more than just a green space in the heart of Victoria; it’s loaded with culture and history that offer a deep dive into the rich Indigenous heritage of British Columbia. This South Vancouver Island experience is perfect for anyone looking to take in some history and take a break from Victoria’s busy downtown core.
Whenever we have guests visiting, we always make sure to take them through Thunderbird Park. It’s conveniently located and a wonderful addition to any Inner Harbour walking tour, whether you’re heading to Beacon Hill Park or the Royal BC Museum. We highly recommend it!
— Thunderbird Park is part of our self-guided “Victoria One Day Tour” —
History & Significance
Thunderbird Park is linked to the Royal BC Museum and was established in 1941 to display totem poles from the provincial collections. In 1952, a forty-year restoration program began with Chief Martin as the head carver. In 1992, all of the totem poles were replaced with replicas, and the originals were moved inside for preservation.
Mungo Martin House, Wawadit’la
A traditional Kwakwaka’wakw “big house.” Built in 1953, the Mungo Martin House pole bears Nakapankam clan crests. The house is a replica of the Nakap’ankam tribal house in which he was born in Fort Rupert (Tsaxis).
The traditional hereditary rights to Wawadit’la get passed down and are now the property of Martin’s grandson and the house continues to be used for First Nations events.
Elliott Street Square
Behind Thunderbird Park is a late 1800s street home to the Helmcken House and St. Ann’s Schoolhouse. These two buildings are free to visit and are often open to explore on Saturday and Sunday from noon until 2:00 pm.
- Helmcken House: This is one of the oldest houses in British Columbia still on its original site. Built in 1852, it was the home of Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon for the Hudson’s Bay Company and a significant figure in BC’s entry into the Canadian Confederation. The house is now a museum that showcases Victorian-era artifacts and furnishings.
- St. Ann’s Schoolhouse: Built in 1844, and may be the oldest building still standing on Vancouver Island. It was constructed in the Hudson’s Bay Company Red River style and was purchased in 1853 for use as a Roman Catholic school. It was donated and moved to the Museum grounds in 1974.
Helpful Information
Thunderbird Park is conveniently located in downtown Victoria, adjacent to the Royal BC Museum, making it easily accessible whether you’re a local or a tourist. The park is open year-round, allowing visitors to experience its beauty and cultural richness in every season.
- Virtual Tour: The Royal BC Museum has a virtual tour of the grounds and inside the Schoolhouse and Helmcken House
- Location: 675 Belleville St, Victoria, BC – Directions
- Hours of Operation: The park itself is open 24/7, although the Helmcken House open hours may change and visitors should confirm the most up-to-date schedule on the Royal BC Museum website.
- Admission Fees: One of the best parts about Thunderbird Park is that it’s free to visit!
- Parking: Underground parking is available at the Government Street Garage
Summing up Thunderbird Park
Thunderbird Park is more than just a collection of totem poles and historical buildings; it’s a vibrant cultural hub that offers a unique and enriching experience for every visitor.
From its towering totem poles and the iconic Mungo Martin House to the educational events and serene atmosphere, the park is a must-visit landmark in Victoria, BC.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture vulture, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Thunderbird Park promises a memorable experience.
Visiting Victoria? Here are some helpful trip planning links.
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