Name: Canadian Totem Pole in Virton
Rating: 2

Routes

Route planner

Features

Product updates

Get the App

Discover

Places to see

Belgium

Wallonia

Canadian Totem Pole in Virton

Discover

Places to see

Belgium

Wallonia

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

Location: Wallonia, Belgium

Save

See hikes here

Take Me There

Routes here

Best Hikes to Canadian Totem Pole in Virton

4.0

(2)

hikers

1. Around Virton — loop in the Gaume Natural Park

4.10km

01:05

40m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

4.8

(9)

hikers

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

7.45km

01:58

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)

hikers

3. Naisse Mill – Le Ton River loop from Virton

11.1km

03:00

140m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Intermediate

Tips

Dominiek Van Dooren

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 •

Paul_C

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 •

DiefenbachA🍎

April 29, 2023

there is even a totem pole here

Translated by Google •

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

Details

Informations

Elevation 280 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 23 September

12°C

9°C

100 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Wallonia, Belgium

Canadian Totem Pole in Virton

1. Around Virton — loop in the Gaume Natural Park

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

3. Naisse Mill – Le Ton River loop from Virton

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️