Walk among giant trees in Cathedral Grove

In the heart of MacMillan Provincial Park, just a few kilometres east of Port Alberni, you’ll find a forest whose sheer scale is hard to take in. Cathedral Grove is known for its enormous Douglas firs – some over 800 years old, up to 76 metres tall and with a trunk circumference of more than 9 metres. It’s a place where you suddenly feel very small.

A short circular trail leads you right into this natural wonder. You walk on soft forest floor, beneath moss-covered branches, past fallen giants and living monuments. The path is well developed and can be walked in just a few minutes – an experience that doesn’t require a long hike but stays with you for a long time.

The car park is right on Highway 4, but it is small and often fills up quickly in the high season. It’s best to plan your visit for early in the morning or later in the afternoon – then you might even have the giant trees almost to yourself.