There’s no place better to explore if you’re a tree lover than Carmanah Walbarn Park in B.C., a remote park that’s considered one of Vancouver Island’s most “remarkable wild places.” The dynamic, ancient ecosystem has developed over thousands of years, functioning perfectly if left undisturbed, according to BC Parks.
Some of the world’s largest spruce trees
“Old-growth forests consist of trees of a variety of species and age, a mix that is only possible in a forest that has been undisturbed for hundreds of years,” explains BC Parks. “As old trees die and fall over, they are replaced by younger ones that grow beneath the canopy.”
It never feels great to think about these remarkable “forest giants” falling to the forest floor, but their death marks the beginning of a new life for many organisms over a long period of time. And rest assured, the park is still home to more than a couple of towering, ancient trees, including some of the largest spruce trees in the world.
According to BC Parks, these spruces reach heights of over 95 metres, and have been growing in the area for over 800 years.
There are also ancient, gnarled cedars to take in that are estimated to be well over 1,000 years old!
Hike to the park’s most iconic trees
Situated 20 kilometres northwest of Port Renfrew on the southwestern coast of the Island, the Carmanah Valley is considered remote, with several hiking trails providing access to some of the park’s most iconic trees.
Visitors can see the trees from a variety of viewpoints, which can be reached from the park’s main trail leading up and down Carmanah Creek.
To kick off your big tree adventure, head to the Carmanah Valley Trailhead and keep an eye out for a junction 1.3 kilometres in. From there, you have the option of travelling upstream towards August Creek or downstream towards the Randy Stoltmann Commemorative Grove.
Here are all the marked hikes at Carmanah Walbran Park
- Coast Tower (1.2 kilometres each way)
- Junction (1.3 kilometres each way)
- Three Sisters (1.5 kilometres each way)
- Heaven Tree (1 kilometre each way)
- Randy Stoltmann Commemorative Grove (Formerly Heaven Grove – 1.3 kilometres each way)
- Grunt’s Grove (4 kilometres each way)
- Paradise Pool (5.5 kilometres each way)
- August Creek (7.5 kilometres each way)
As per BC Parks, there are viewing platforms located at Coast Tower, Three Sisters, and Heaven Tree.
“An elevated platform at Three Sisters offers visitors a different perspective of this majestic old-growth forest. These viewing platforms also help to protect the vegetation surrounding these natural wonders,” it states.
As the region is known for its random “heavy downpours,” it’s best to prepare ahead of your trip with plenty of layers, waterproof gear, and a comfortable pair of boots.
Also good to note – the park is accessible to the public via private logging roads.
So there you have it, tree lovers. It’s time to plan your next Vancouver Island adventure.
How to get there: Take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, to Nanaimo, follow the Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 to Cowichan Valley Highway/BC-18 West in North Cowichan, and continue until you reach Pacific Marine Road and Parkinson Road in Port Renfrew.
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