Old growth forest, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
Vancouver Island is renowned for its extensive old-growth forests, particularly on the west coast. Popular areas for exploring these ancient forests include Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and the forests near Port Renfrew.
Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park: This park is celebrated for its massive old-growth trees, particularly in the Carmanah and Walbran valleys.
Here you will see Sitka spruce and Giant Western Red Cedars. Some of the trees, including the Carmanah Giant (a Sitka spruce), are among the tallest in Canada, with some reaching heights of over 95 meters (314 ft). These trees, along with other species like western hemlock and coast Douglas-fir, contribute to the park’s rich and diverse ecosystem.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: The western side of the island, including Pacific Rim, is home to lush rainforests and accessible trails that allow visitors to experience the old-growth forests. Meares Island, accessible through tours, is a noteworthy destination.
You will see Giant Western Red Cedar and Sitka spruce, as well as understory plants like moss, lichen, and ferns.
Port Renfrew: Known as the “Tall Trees Capital of Canada,” Port Renfrew boasts a concentration of large trees and old-growth groves, many of which are accessible through the Port Renfrew Big Trees Map.
You will see the Red Creek Fir (the world’s largest Douglas-fir tree), San Juan Spruce, Harris Creek Spruce, Big Lonely Doug (Canada’s second-largest Douglas-fir), and more!
Hiking:
Many of these areas have well-established hiking trails that allow for close-up exploration of the old-growth forests.
Protecting the Forests:
There are ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Vancouver Island’s old-growth forests, with organizations like the Ancient Forest Alliance advocating for their conservation.
Other Notable Areas:
Cathedral Grove in McMillan Provincial Park offers a magical walk among giant trees. Francis/King Regional Park in the Victoria area also features large Douglas-fir trees.
Photos from the Walbran Overview Ancient Alliance
Tree Weaver 