Vancouver Island View

This week, I’m sharing several places where you can experience Vancouver Island’s magnificent old-growth forests without visiting Cathedral Grove. From easy woodland walks to waterfall trails and remote backroad adventures, each offers a different way to appreciate these remarkable giants.

Hidden Gems members can also explore my newest article about our journey to Canada’s largest known tree. Reaching it takes considerably more effort, but standing before a tree of that magnitude is an experience I won’t soon forget.

Canada’s Largest Tree

Hidden deep within the remote wilderness of southwestern Vancouver Island, this giant is the largest known tree in Canada. My newest Hidden Gems article shares our journey to this extraordinary western redcedar, including what to expect and important details to help members plan their own adventure.

Available exclusively to Hidden Gems members.

PS. There are many more hidden old-growth articles in the database as well.

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

Little Qualicum Falls offers far more than its beautiful waterfalls. The forested trails lead beneath towering old-growth Douglas firs and along a dramatic river gorge, creating a wonderful mix of ancient forest and rushing water. With several trail options, you can enjoy a short walk or spend more time exploring the park.

Elk Falls Provincial Park

Elk Falls Provincial Park combines towering old-growth Douglas firs with a powerful waterfall, deep canyon and dramatic suspension bridge. The Old Growth Loop is particularly worthwhile if you want to step away from the busier viewpoints and spend a little more time beneath the forest canopy.

Goldstream Provincial Park

Just outside Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park protects an impressive forest of massive Douglas firs and western redcedars. Its network of trails also leads to waterfalls, river views and several lesser-known features, making it easy to turn a walk among the ancient trees into a full day of exploring.

Port Renfrew’s Biggest Trees

The forests surrounding Port Renfrew contain some of Vancouver Island’s most famous giants. From enormous Sitka spruce and Douglas firs to wonderfully gnarled western redcedars, this part of the Island offers several opportunities to experience trees of remarkable size and age. Some require a backroad journey, so always check current road and trail conditions before setting out.