Big Tree Trail, Meares Island, Tofino, BC

Big Tree Trail, Meares Island
Location: On Meares Island
Length: Leisurely 3 kilometre walk on boardwalk round trip
Find it: Get there from Tofino by kayak (1 hour paddle in relatively calm water) or charter boat (10 minutes).
Trailhead: A bit of trail tape on a branch marks the trailhead. Look for other kayaks moored there.

Meares Island is famous throughout the world as a place of old-growth forest with ancient cedars rising high into the sky. An leisurely kayak paddle or a trip over on a charter boat will get you to the start of the trail. The head of the trail can be a bit tricky to get to from a boat or kayak. You don't have to be an athelete but good coordination is helpful. The trail is all boardwalk through the stunning cedar forest to the Hanging Garden Tree at the end of the boardwalk. The boardwalk has been there a long time and parts are narrow and uneven but even so it's not a difficulet walk. It is mostly level ground with some small stair sections.

Start of the Big Tree Trail as seen from the ocean. | Wind your way along the boardwalk through the forest.

Old growth cedar trees line the Big Tree Trail. | The boardwalk is fairly level with some stair sections.

Lush rainforest of Meares Island, Clayoquot Sound | Remember to look up, and up and...

Does that sign say nest... | ...as in huge eagle nest in that tree?

Just a couple more steps and we're there. | The Hanging Garden Tree at the end of the boardwalk.

The Hanging Garden Tree of Meares Island. | Normal size people, big size tree!

The Hanging Garden Tree is estimated to be more than 2,000 years old
and is 18.3 metres (60 feet) in circumference.

We start the trip back along the boardwalk... | Hey, how did we miss this big tree on the way in?

We continue on our way back to the trail head... | ...where we find our trusty kayaks waiting for us.

View the Big Tree Trail, Meares Island Slideshow with lots of big photos here.

Big Tree Trail, Meares Island
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