Ancient Forest Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park
Step into a world of giants at the Ancient Forest, home to the world's only inland temperate rainforest and trees up to 2,000 years old.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery and fewer crowds
Ancient Forest Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park
Best Time
Lush greenery and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a world of giants at the Ancient Forest, home to the world's only inland temperate rainforest and trees up to 2,000 years old.
"A must stop if you are in the area. The history of the trees is fascinating and awe inspiring given their age."
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Boardwalks can be slippery when wet; sturdy shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable walk .
🎒 Pack Out Your Trash
There are no garbage cans, so be prepared to take all your waste with you .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Red Cedars
Throughout the park
Stand in awe of colossal red cedar trees, some over a millennium old, in the world's only inland temperate rainforest.
Boardwalk Trail
Main loop trail
A beautifully constructed boardwalk offers an accessible and immersive walk through the heart of the ancient forest.
Waterfall Viewpoint
Along the loop trail
A scenic stop to admire a cascading waterfall, adding to the park's tranquil natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ancient Giants
Plan for Peace and Quiet
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Boardwalks can be slippery when wet; sturdy shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable walk.
🎒 Pack Out Your Trash
There are no garbage cans, so be prepared to take all your waste with you.
⏱️ Allow an Hour
An hour is usually enough to explore the main loop, including the waterfall and big tree.
🌳 Connect with Nature
Disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in the peaceful sounds of the forest.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Boardwalks can be slippery when wet; sturdy shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable walk.
🎒 Pack Out Your Trash
There are no garbage cans, so be prepared to take all your waste with you.
⏱️ Allow an Hour
An hour is usually enough to explore the main loop, including the waterfall and big tree.
🌳 Connect with Nature
Disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in the peaceful sounds of the forest.
📸 Capture the Giants
The sheer scale of the ancient trees makes for incredible photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ancient Forest Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park for its awe-inspiring ancient trees and the beautifully maintained boardwalk trail, making it an accessible natural wonder. Many highlight the peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for a rejuvenating stop on a road trip.
"A must stop if you are in the area. The history of the trees is fascinating and awe inspiring given their age. The board walk is well maintained and makes for a gentle walk with benches along the way if you need to rest. Highly recommend if you are driving by and have the time to visit."
David Webb
"Amazing spot. So lush and peaceful. The old trees and ground foliage are incredible. Grew up in Jasper and made it here for the first time during the wildfire.
Set an hour aside on your trip past this place and go connect with the ancient forest and disconnect from everything else. Thanks to the trail builders for making this place accessible and well protected."
Logan Ireland
"Excellent place for a stretch. Definitely worth a visit. The trails are all wood plank with shingles for grips. Still you need to have proper footwear.
The kids had a blast and we have quick hikers and we did the whole loop to the waterfall and big tree in an hour.
The views are amazing. The trees are stunning. Recommended.
They also have a gazebo and picnic tables. No garbage cans so prepare for that.
There are two outhouses that seemed clean."
Richard Krahn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located about 120 km east of Prince George, BC, just north of McBride. It's easily accessible from Highway 16, making it a convenient stop on a road trip through northern BC.
Public transport options are limited in this region. It's best to have your own vehicle for convenient access to the park.
The park is accessible via Highway 16, which is generally well-maintained. However, always check road conditions, especially during winter months.
Yes, there is parking available at the park entrance, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, it's a feasible day trip from Prince George, though it's a significant drive. Many visitors stop here as a break during longer journeys.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Ancient Forest Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park is free. It's a provincial park, so no admission fees are required.
The park is open year-round, but the boardwalk trail is most enjoyable during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times posted for general access.
There is no entrance fee to visit Ancient Forest Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park. It's a protected area accessible to all.
While there aren't typically guided tours offered by the park, local guides or tour operators might offer excursions. It's best to check with local Prince George or McBride tourism offices.
The park is a protected area, so visitors are asked to stay on marked trails and not disturb the natural environment. Pack out everything you pack in.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park's main draw is its status as part of the only inland temperate rainforest in the world, featuring ancient, colossal red cedar trees that are 1,000-2,000 years old.
The primary trail is a well-maintained boardwalk with shingle grips, making it accessible and safe for walking, even in wet conditions.
Most visitors can complete the main loop trail, including stops at the waterfall and the largest tree, in about an hour.
Yes, the park has two outhouses that are generally clean, and there are gazebos with picnic tables available for visitors.
Absolutely! Kids often have a blast exploring the giant trees and the boardwalk trail.
📸 📸 Photography
The towering ancient red cedars are the star, offering dramatic shots of scale and texture. The boardwalk winding through the lush forest and the waterfall also provide beautiful photographic subjects.
Morning light can create a magical, misty atmosphere in the rainforest. Midday sun can be harsh, but the dense canopy offers shade. Late afternoon light can also be beautiful as it filters through the trees.
A standard camera or smartphone is perfectly adequate. The natural beauty speaks for itself. However, a wide-angle lens can help capture the immense size of the trees.
Drone usage is typically restricted in provincial parks to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. It's best to check BC Parks regulations for the most current information.
Try capturing the scale by including a person in the frame next to the trees, or focus on the intricate details of mosses, ferns, and the textured bark of the ancient cedars.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are picnic tables available, but no garbage cans, so you'll need to pack out everything you bring in.
🚗 Road Trippers
Many travelers use this park as a refreshing pause, appreciating the chance to immerse themselves in the ancient rainforest before continuing their journey. It's a chance to experience something extraordinary that stands out from typical roadside attractions.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
The ancient red cedars are truly breathtaking, with some dating back millennia.While the main trail is a boardwalk, its length and the surrounding old-growth forest provide a satisfying experience for nature lovers. The peaceful ambiance, with sounds of creaking trees, flowing water, and birdsong, offers a profound connection to the natural world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Inland Temperate Rainforest
The sheer age of these trees, some estimated to be between 1,000 and 2,000 years old, is awe-inspiring. Walking among them feels like stepping back in time. The dense canopy creates a perpetually shaded, humid environment, fostering a rich undergrowth of mosses, ferns, and other shade-loving plants. This creates a truly immersive and almost mystical atmosphere for visitors.
Protecting this rare ecosystem is crucial. The park's designation ensures that these ancient giants and their unique habitat are preserved for future generations. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and appreciate the profound natural heritage they are experiencing.
Accessibility and Trails
The main loop trail is designed to be manageable for most visitors, with benches strategically placed along the way for those who need to rest. Many reviewers mention completing the entire loop, including a detour to a waterfall and the largest tree, in about an hour.
While the boardwalk is the primary feature, the park's design emphasizes ease of access and enjoyment. The presence of outhouses and picnic areas further enhances the visitor experience, making it a comfortable and welcoming natural destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit