Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Discover
Places to see
Belgium
Wallonia

Canadian Totem Pole in Virton

Discover
Places to see
Belgium
Wallonia

Canadian Totem Pole in Virton

Highlight • Monument

Canadian Totem Pole in Virton

Recommended by 7 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Parc naturel de Gaume

Save

Share

  • More

    • Loading

    Location: Wallonia, Belgium

    Save

    Share

  • More

    • See hikes here

    Take Me There

    Routes here

    Best Hikes to Canadian Totem Pole in Virton

    4.0

    (2)

    5

    hikers

    1. Around Virton — loop in the Gaume Natural Park

    4.10km

    01:05

    40m

    40m

    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Navigate

    Send to Phone

    Save

    Easy

    4.7

    (12)

    76

    hikers

    2. Virton Market Square – Le Ton River loop from Virton

    7.32km

    01:56

    70m

    70m

    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Navigate

    Send to Phone

    Save

    Easy

    4.2

    (9)

    30

    hikers

    3. Naisse Mill – Le Ton River loop from Virton

    11.1km

    03:00

    140m

    140m

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Navigate

    Send to Phone

    Save

    Moderate

    Tips

    July 23, 2025

    Under the NATO agreements, the air forces across the Atlantic established strategic bases in Europe, including Marville, in the Meuse department (France). In 1955, Virton, like Florenville and Longuyon in France, welcomed hundreds of Canadian military pilots from the 1st Wing seeking refuge for themselves and their families.
    The Canadian period was deeply affecting the lives of the residents of Virton, and such strong bonds of friendship were forged that a celebration was organized for their departure on March 11, 1967. The totem from Canada that they presented to Virton and Longuyon in France was a special sign of recognition and gratitude for the excellent way in which the residents had welcomed the Canadians. This gesture has special significance, as totems held a deeper meaning among Native Americans. In 1992, the original totem, which had been severely damaged, was recreated identically by Claude Goffinet and inaugurated on October 30th.
    (Visit Wallonia)

    Translated by Google •

      January 21, 2024

      If you are looking for a unique and memorable attraction in the Gaume region of Belgium, you should visit the Canadian Totem Pole in Virton. This colorful and impressive sculpture was donated by the Canadian airmen who stayed at Virton in 1955, as part of the NATO agreement. The totem symbolizes friendship and gratitude between Canadians and the local population, who welcomed them warmly. The original totem, carved by Pacific Coast Indians from a fir tree, was resculpted in 1992 by Claude Goffinet, a local artist. You can admire the totem in rue des Grasses Oies, near the Maison du tourisme de Gaume. It is a remarkable work of art and history that tells a story of cross-cultural exchange and hospitality.

      Translated by Google •

        April 29, 2023

        there is even a totem pole here

        Translated by Google •

          April 12, 2025

          I preferred the old version of the totem but hey it was falling apart :D

          Translated by Google •

            In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

            Sign up for free

            Details

            Informations

            Elevation 280 m

            Weather

            Powered by AerisWeather

            Today

            Friday 14 November

            16°C

            12°C

            0 %

            If you start your activity now...

            Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h

            Most visited during

            January

            February

            March

            April

            May

            June

            July

            August

            September

            October

            November

            December

            See hikes here

            Take Me There

            Loading

            Location: Wallonia, Belgium

            Other Popular Places to Check Out

            Chapelle Notre-Dame du Bonlieu

            Small Waterfall on the Chemin des Songes

            Picnic Area in Parc naturel de Gaume

            Ruines des forges de Buré d'Orval.

            La Bourriqueresse Shelter

            The Protective Arch

            Montauban Ancient Ironworks Ruins

            View of Parc Naturel de Gaume

            Forteresse de Montauban

            Gros Cron Stream

            Ethe Laclaireau Military Cemetery (1914–1918)

            Railway Bridge in Parc Naturel de Gaume

            Explore
            RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepacking
            B2B
            PartnersConnectEmbed routes
            Company
            PressWhat's NewPioneersProduct UpdatesAmbassadorsAdventure Hub
            Community
            Help GuidesSupportKomoot Treasure Hunt
            Download the app
            Follow Us on Socials

            © komoot GmbH

            Privacy Policy
            Terms of Service
            Community guidelines
            Vulnerability disclosure program
            Imprint
            Information for law enforcement