Lucas CloutierAre you looking for a magical adventure that will bring you to an ancient world? Try exploring Vancouver Island’s old-growth forests with towering trees that are centuries old, hidden waterfalls, and breathtaking views.
This curated guide unlocks 17 awe-inspiring forests home to Vancouver’s ecological treasures. So, put on your hiking boots and embark on a journey through time as we visit these old-growth forests.
- 1. Big Tree Grove
- 2. Cathedral Grove
- 3. Goldstream Provincial Park
- 4. Giant Cedar Trail
- 5. Ancient Cedars Loop
- 6. Rainforest Trails
- 7. Big Tree Trail
- 8. Harris Creek
- 9. Cape Scott Provincial Park
- 10. Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park
- 11. Juan de Fuca Trail
- 12. West Coast Trail
- 13. Rathtrevor Provincial Park
- 14. Kitty Coleman Provincial Park
- 15. Schoen Lake Provincial Park
- 16. San Josef River Recreation Site
- 17. Nahwitti Lake Recreation Site
1. Big Tree Grove
Website: https://vancouversbigtrees.com/stanley-park/
Address: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC
Contact details: 604-257-5300
Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Several old-growth sections at the Big Tree Grove in Stanley Park offer a glimpse into the Pacific Northwest rainforest ecosystem before extensive logging began in the region.
The Stanley Park Forest contains species such as Douglas-fir, Western Red Cedar, and Sitka Spruce, estimated to be over 700 years old. A notable tree at the Tall Tree Grove is the “Eagle Tree,” a dead Douglas fir that serves as a perch for bald eagles.
| Pro tip: To fully appreciate the old-growth sections, visiting during quieter times is best to avoid crowds and distractions. Take your time exploring the trails, listening to the sounds of the forest, and observing the diverse plant and animal life. |
2. Cathedral Grove
Website: https://bcparks.ca/macmillan-park/
Address: MacMillan Provincial Park, Highway 4, Coombs, BC V9Y 1R5, Canada
Contact details: 250-725-0095
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cathedral Grove is a stunning old-growth forest located within MacMillan Provincial Park. It’s named for the awe-inspiring towering Douglas fir trees that dominate the landscape, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere.
The show’s stars are the Douglas fir trees, some of which are over 800 years old and reach heights of 75 meters with circumferences of up to 9 meters. It’s a rare and endangered remnant of an ancient Douglas fir ecosystem that once covered Vancouver.
| Pro tip: Several short, easy trails wind through the forest, allowing you to get up close to the giant trees and appreciate the beauty of the old-growth ecosystem. The main trail is a 1.2-kilometer loop that takes about 30 minutes to complete. |
3. Goldstream Provincial Park
Website: https://goldstreampark.com/
Address: Langford, BC V9B 0C8, Canada
Contact details: 250-391-2300
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Goldstream Provincial Park is known for its old-growth forest, waterfalls, and salmon runs. It’s a temperate rainforest ecosystem dominated by Douglas fir trees, some over 600 years old.
The park is home to various hiking trails, including the Goldstream River Trail, which leads to Niagara Falls, a 47.5-meter waterfall. It’s also a popular spot for salmon watching, mainly when chum salmon return to spawn in the fall.
| Pro tip: Wear sturdy shoes when visiting the old-growth forest, as the trails can be muddy and uneven. It is also a good idea to bring insect repellent, as there can be a lot of mosquitoes in the summer. |
4. Giant Cedar Trail
Address: Canoe Creek Recreation Site, Bamfield Road, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 0A1
Contact details: 250-727-9500
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
This Giant Cedar Trail is more challenging, with steep sections, muddy patches, and creek crossings. The out-and-back hike leads to two impressive landmarks: a 600-year-old Western Redcedar and cascading Kennedy Falls.
The trail winds through a dense temperate rainforest with ferns, moss-covered rocks, and towering Douglas firs. These ancient giants have stood for centuries, witnessing historical events and holding cultural significance for indigenous communities.
| Pro tip: Be prepared for muddy conditions, especially after rain. Wear proper footwear and bring hiking poles for added stability. Stay on designated trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and pack out all your trash. |
5. Ancient Cedars Loop
Website: https://www.wildpacifictrail.com/
Address: Highway 14A, about 5 km west of Ucluelet
Contact details: 250-726-7744
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Ancient Cedars Loop is a short, easy trail that takes you through a grove of towering old-growth cedars, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock trees over 800 years old. It’s home to some of the oldest and largest trees on the Ucluelet peninsula.
These ancient trees withstood centuries of gale-force winds, lightning strikes, and a local tsunami 300 years ago. The forest is also home to plants and animals, including mosses, lichens, and ferns and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
| Pro tip: Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy in wet weather. |
6. Rainforest Trails
Website: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/
Address: Rainforest Trail Parking Lot, Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC V0J 2Z
Contact details: 250-726-7339
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Rainforest Trails wind through a temperate rainforest with towering Douglas firs, Sitka spruces, and western red cedars, some estimated to be over 800 years old. These giants are cathedral-like with gnarled branches draped in emerald moss.
The forest floor is a tapestry of salal and other sword ferns, so watch for banana slugs, red-legged frogs, and bird species flitting through the canopy. The trails themselves are well-maintained boardwalks and help protect the delicate forest floor.
| Pro tip: Two rainforest trails, A and B, offer slightly different experiences. Trail A is shorter and more accessible, while Trail B is longer and has more elevation gain. |
7. Big Tree Trail
Website: https://www.tla-o-qui-aht.org/
Address: Meares Island, Clayoquot Sound, Tofino, British Columbia, Canada V0R 1G0
Contact details: 250-725-3433
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Big Tree Trail on Meares Island is home to some of the largest and oldest trees in British Columbia. The forest consists of a dense canopy of western red cedars, Sitka spruces, and western hemlocks, many over 1,000 years old.
The largest tree on the trail is the Hanging Garden, a western red cedar estimated to be 2,000 years old and 18 meters wide. The forest is also part of the cultural heritage of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, who have lived on Meares Island for thousands of years.
| Pro tip: The Big Tree Trail is a short and easy hike, but it can be muddy in wet weather, so wear sturdy shoes. Also, respect the forest and its inhabitants, so leave no trace and avoid disturbing the plants and animals. |
8. Harris Creek
Address: Pacific Marine Road, between Port Renfrew and Honeymoon Bay on Vancouver Island
Harris Creek is home to various old-growth trees, including the Harris Creek Spruce, considered one of Canada’s largest Sitka spruce trees. The forest also has diverse wildlife, such as bears, deer, and eagles.
The Harris Creek Spruce measures 4 meters in diameter and is 80 meters tall. It’s considered one of the most iconic trees on Vancouver Island and a popular stop for visitors traveling along the Pacific Marine Circle Route.
| Pro tip: Harris Creek is a great place to swim on a hot day, which you can do after hiking. Just be sure to be careful of the currents. |
9. Cape Scott Provincial Park
Website: https://bcparks.ca/cape-scott-park/
Address: Cape Scott Provincial Park, BC, Canada
Contact details: 250-949-6123
Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Cape Scott Provincial Park is home to towering Sitka spruce trees, some exceeding 3 meters in diameter and hundreds of years old. Western red cedars of similar size stand alongside them, their reddish-brown bark contrasting with the green spruces.
The park’s location at the northern tip of Vancouver Island means that the old-growth forest is exposed to the Pacific Ocean’s harsh winds and salt spray. This has created a unique ecosystem that is adapted to these challenging conditions.
| Pro tip: Hike the Cape Scott Trail. This challenging 23.6-kilometer trail takes you through the heart of the old-growth forest, past stunning beaches, and to the Cape Scott lighthouse. |
10. Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park
Website: https://bcparks.ca/carmanah-walbran-park/
Address: Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park, Port Renfrew, BC V0S 1M0, Canada
Contact details: 250-726-7889
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park covers an area of 16,450 hectares. The park protects diverse forest ecosystems, including a giant Sitka spruce ecosystem representing 2% of British Columbia’s remaining old-growth forest.
Carmanah Walbran is home to some of the world’s largest Sitka spruce trees, some reaching heights of over 95 meters and living for 800 years or more. The park is also home to ancient, gnarled cedars estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
| Pro tip: Hike the Valley View Trail. This easy 2-kilometer trail takes you through the heart of the old-growth forest, past towering trees and beautiful waterfalls. |
11. Juan de Fuca Trail
Website: https://bcparks.ca/juan-de-fuca-park/marine-trail/
Address: China Beach near Sooke to Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew
The Juan de Fuca Trail is a 47-kilometer backpacking trail known for its diverse ecosystems and challenging terrain. You’ll pass through sections of temperate rainforest featuring Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, and western red cedar trees.
Along the trail, you’ll find remnants of the past, like First Nations petroglyphs and historical artifacts. The trail also hugs the rugged Pacific coastline, offering breathtaking ocean views, Juan de Fuca Strait, and the Olympic Mountains in the distance.
| Pro tip: Juan de Fuca Strait is a prime location for whale watching. After hiking, you can watch for orcas, grey, and humpback whales, especially during the spring and fall migrations. |
12. West Coast Trail
Address: Port Renfrew to Bamfield, Vancouver Island, BC
Contact details: 800-663-6344
The West Coast Trail winds through some of Canada’s oldest and largest trees, like Douglas firs, which tower over 1,000 years old and reach up to 80 meters.
The forest also meets the ocean in rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and hidden coves.
The forest floor is a lush tapestry of ferns, mosses, and other plants, providing habitat for various creatures, from tiny insects to majestic Roosevelt elk. You’ll enjoy the fresh air and the sounds of crashing waves and the calls of birds.
| Pro tip: While the main trail is well-maintained, there are often opportunities to explore side trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, secluded beaches, and other natural wonders. Just be sure to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings. |
13. Rathtrevor Provincial Park
Website: https://bcparks.ca/rathtrevor-beach-park/
Address: 4202 Rathtrevor Rd, Parksville, BC V9P 2V2, Canada
Contact details: 250-940-7060
Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Rathtrevor Provincial Park boasts Douglas fir trees estimated to be between 200 and 800 years old. These giants tower up to 50 meters tall and 2 meters wide, creating a genuinely awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Several trails wind through the forest, offering glimpses of the towering trees and the diverse plant and animal life. It also provides a stunning 2-kilometer stretch of sandy beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
| Pro tip: Walk along the beach at sunset to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Strait of Georgia. If you’re lucky, you might even see some whales swimming by. |
14. Kitty Coleman Provincial Park
Website: https://bcparks.ca/kitty-coleman-beach-park/
Address: 4536 Whittaker Rd, Courtenay, BC V9N 8R6, Canada
Contact details: 250-338-7337
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Kitty Coleman Provincial Park is home to various towering trees, including Douglas firs, cedars, and hemlocks, some of which are estimated to be over 500 years old. The old-growth trees provide a habitat for species and help regulate the climate.
The forest is home to various plant and animal life, including some species found nowhere else. The forest is also significant to the Coast Salish people, who have lived there for thousands of years.
| Pro tip: The Kitty Coleman Loop Trail is a short, easy hike that takes you past some of the park’s most impressive trees. After hiking, you can swim at the beach or picnic in the park. |
15. Schoen Lake Provincial Park
Website: https://www.campingrvbc.com/sites/bc/schoen-lake-provincial-park-campbell-river/
Address: Schoen Lake Provincial Park, BC, Canada
Contact details: 800-663-6144
Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Schoen Lake Provincial Park is a wonderland of towering giants like Douglas fir, western red cedar, and mountain hemlock with amabilis fir stands and grassy meadows. The park experiences less rainfall, resulting in a different ecosystem.
The old-growth forest provides vital shelter and sustenance for various animals, including Columbian black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, and predators like black bears and cougars.
| Pro tip: Be prepared for a rustic adventure, so pack essentials like food, water, proper clothing, and insect repellent. You can also hike on the various trails, paddle on the serene Schoen Lake, or simply relax by the campfire and soak in the beauty of nature. |
16. San Josef River Recreation Site
Website: https://vancouverislandview.com/san-joseph-bay-and-cape-scott-provincial-park/
Address: San Josef River Heritage Park, Cape Scott Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Contact details: 800-663-6344
Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The San Josef River Recreation Site boasts towering Douglas firs, cedars, and Sitka spruces, teeming with birds, fish, and even the occasional black bear. You can paddle on the San Josef River, which is teeming with salmon and offers views of the old-growth forest.
With limited facilities and an off-the-beaten-path location, the campground offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. You can also hike or kayak to the nearby San Josef Bay, a secluded beach embraced by towering trees.
| Pro tip: Take a guided kayaking or canoeing tour on the San Josef River. This is the best way to immerse yourself in the old-growth forest and witness its wonders from a unique perspective. |
17. Nahwitti Lake Recreation Site
Website: https://www.canoevancouverisland.com/canoe-kayak-vancouver-island-directory/nahwitti-lake/
Address: Mount Waddington B, BC V0N 1Z0, Canada
Contact details: 800-663-6443
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Nahwitti Lake Recreation Site is a small, unserviced campsite nestled amongst a beautiful grove of old-growth forest consisting of towering Douglas-fir, western redcedar, and hemlock trees. Some of these giants are estimated to be over 400 years old.
These ancient trees provide critical habitat for various species, including marbled murrelets, red-legged frogs, and Roosevelt elk. They also play an essential role in regulating the climate and filtering water.
| Pro tip: Nahwitti Lake is a popular spot for camping and kayaking, so be sure to book your campsite well in advance, especially during peak season. The campsites are small and basic, so be prepared to be self-sufficient. |
