Off The Trails: A Hiker's Guide to the Outdoors

Driving past Cameron Lake, sits an ancient forest filled with moss covered vines, hollow tree trunks and toppled logs, and some of the trees in this forest are 800 years old! This forest is so otherworldly, taking a walk through it can make you feel like you’re in another world. The other world part is somewhat true, George Lucas used this same forest in Star Wars VI: Return Of The Jedi to represent the Ewoks home. The forest also appeared in Jurassic World: Dominion.

Governor General Viscount Willingdon is credited with the name in the 1920. Even back then the area was a popular tourist destination. Originally marked for logging, the public unsuccessfully petitioned the government to preserve the area. In 1944 a forester named H.R MacMillian donated 136 hectares and 3 years later the land he donated became the provisional park that bares his name.

However, this park isn’t famous for Hollywood or history. It’s famous for its old growth and age. Old growth can be ambiguous because everyone’s definition of old can vary. However, Cathedral Grove has some of the oldest trees in British Columbia and across Canada. Most trees in the grove are about 300 to 350 years old and were reseeded after a forest fire destroyed the area. The forest wasn’t completely destroyed by the fire, some trees did survive, and those that did are about 800 years old. Those that survived also bare the scars of the fire, and tower over the grove. The largest and oldest tree in the grove is an approximately 800 year old Douglas Fir. The tree stands 250ft (76ft) tall and has a diameter of 30ft (9 meters).

With a forest this old, nature has lots of time to take over, and everything has a purpose. The low lying ferns provide shelter for insects and the moss help the trees absorb and retain water. Even logs along the floor have a purpose. In addition to providing shelter for insects, fallen trees will replenish nutrients in the soil as well as plant seeds for the next generation.

When in Cathedral Grove, it’s easy to admire the age. However, don’t forget to look up too. The canopy is about 200ft high (60 meters) and provides constant shelter and shade to the grove. Even on the brightest days there is a nice cool shade. The dampness and cool temperature are the perfect conditions to support the

Cathedral Grove is part of the MacMillan Provincial Park and sits right along highway 4. It’s an easy stop if you’re traveling between Port Alberni and the west coast. Walking the park takes about 45 minutes and is perfect for all ages. In 2021 a raised wooden boardwalk was constructed ti protect the forest floor from increased foot traffic. Along the trail there are information boards and even a self guided video tour (as long as you have a phone with internet access). Highway 4 bisects the groves with trails on both sides; so be sure to take your time and admire this one of a kind forest.

Parking: BC-4, Port Alberni, BC V0R 1G0, Canada

AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/poi/canada/british-columbia/qualicum-beach/cathedral-grove