Big Tree Trail

Big Tree Trail

The big tree trail on Meares Island is a short, breath-taking 10-minute water taxi ride from Tofino. There are two ways to enjoy this particular trail. One way is to stick to the boardwalk where the larger trees are located. There's a mix of Spruce, Hemlock, and ancient Cedars.

The largest of these cedars has been named the Hanging Garden and is located at the end of the boardwalk. This tree boasts an 18.3 m circumference and was once considered the largest Red cedar in Canada. The boardwalk is a 2.4 km hike in and out for 1 to 1.5 hours. If one wishes to further the journey along the loop trail, which requires adequate footwear as it is a dirt trail, it is a total of 4.2 km, approximately 2.5 hours.

In 1984 the Nuu-cha-nulth nation along side with some environmental organizations were successful in protesting Macmillan Bloedels intent to log Meares island. Today it is under the stewardship of the Tla-o-qui-aht tribal park guardians. Today this forested area of Clayoquot sound is the largest remaining intact rainforest on Vancouver Island. A 5$ fee is included and will go towards the tribal park guardians.