Big Tree Trail Meares Island
Walk among giants on Meares Island's Big Tree Trail, home to ancient cedars and a magical old-growth rainforest.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Big Tree Trail Meares Island
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk among giants on Meares Island's Big Tree Trail, home to ancient cedars and a magical old-growth rainforest.
"Standing beside trees thousands of years old is a humbling and unforgettable experience."
👟 Wear Grippy Footwear
Boardwalks can be slippery; off-trail sections get muddy. Hiking boots are recommended.
💧 Pack Waterproof Gear
Rain is common. Splash pants and waterproof jackets will keep you comfortable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Western Red Cedars
Meares Island
Stand in awe of colossal cedar trees, some over 1,500 years old. Their sheer size is breathtaking.
The Boardwalk Path
Big Tree Trail
Navigate through the old-growth forest on a rustic, hand-split wooden boardwalk.
+1
Forest Bathing Experience
Meares Island
Immerse yourself in the serene energy of the ancient forest, a true 'silvotherapy' experience.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Boardwalk (and the Mud!)
Water Taxi Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Grippy Footwear
Boardwalks can be slippery; off-trail sections get muddy. Hiking boots are recommended.
💧 Pack Waterproof Gear
Rain is common. Splash pants and waterproof jackets will keep you comfortable.
🚤 Book Water Taxi
On-demand services are available, but booking ahead ensures your spot.
🚶♀️ Consider a Guide
Local guides share insights into the forest's history and ecology.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Grippy Footwear
Boardwalks can be slippery; off-trail sections get muddy. Hiking boots are recommended.
💧 Pack Waterproof Gear
Rain is common. Splash pants and waterproof jackets will keep you comfortable.
🚤 Book Water Taxi
On-demand services are available, but booking ahead ensures your spot.
🚶♀️ Consider a Guide
Local guides share insights into the forest's history and ecology.
📸 Capture the Giants
Wide-angle lenses are great for the massive trees. Look for unique perspectives.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Big Tree Trail for its awe-inspiring ancient cedars and the unique experience of walking through an old-growth forest. The rustic boardwalks and the journey via water taxi add to the adventure. Some find the trail moderately challenging due to mud and uneven terrain, recommending appropriate footwear.
"This is my second time in this trail and it is always a fabulous experience. The boardwalks can be a bit rough, and hence calling it moderately difficult. It is mostly a level walk but could be slippery on a rainy day l, but the boardwalk saves the land from all the traffic. We took Tofino Water Taxi out and back which was also a positive experience."
Garth Wintle
"Make sure to use Meare’s Island Water Taxi service for on demand pick up and drop off.
We did the hike two days after a big rain. We did the full 4 km loop with 4 kids ranging from 3 yrs old to 13 years old. Everyone had a blast. The kids said it was the “funnest” hiking trail they’ve ever done. It was definitely mucky and a bit technical with a 3 yr old who sometimes needed to be lifted over obstacles. The 3 year old did, however, manage to walk the whole trail on her own! It would have been tricky to attempt to carry her, even with a proper hiking child carrier, due to the climbing, ducking, mud pit avoidance, balancing on logs etc required to complete the trail.
We did the trail relatively unprepared with just our running shoes. If you wanted to be better prepared, consider hiking boots, hiking poles, gaitors and/or splash/rain pants to help keep your shoes/clothes from getting so muddy.
In addition to the lovely old growth cedars, we also were lucky to see starfish clinging to the rocks by the boat dock at the end of our hike—such an exciting bonus for us as we don’t live near an ocean.
My kids would rate this hike 10/10 and wanted to do it again as soon as we were done.
Don’t hesitate, just go. You will have fun."
Brittni Webster
"This place was stunning, trees 800 to 1300 years old. We did the whole loop and as others have said it does get muddy once you are off the board walk so bring some shoes with grip and leave the shiny white sneakers at home."
cj betty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Big Tree Trail is located on Meares Island, accessible only by water taxi from Tofino. Several water taxi services operate, offering on-demand or scheduled trips. The journey typically takes about 10 minutes. +1
While specific recommendations vary, 'Tofino Water Taxi' is frequently mentioned. It's advisable to search for 'Tofino water taxi' to find current operators and book your trip.
Yes, Meares Island is a popular day trip destination from Tofino. The Big Tree Trail can be completed in a few hours, allowing ample time for travel and exploration.
Kayaking to Meares Island is possible, as some visitors have done. However, be mindful of tides and currents, and ensure you have appropriate experience and gear.
Parking in Tofino can be limited, especially during peak season. It's recommended to arrive early or consider alternative transportation if you're driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entrance tickets for the Big Tree Trail itself. Your primary cost will be the water taxi fare to Meares Island.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours, as it's an outdoor natural area. Water taxi operating hours will dictate your available time.
Meares Island is a Tribal Park, and while there isn't a direct admission fee for the park, the water taxi is the required mode of transport and has a fee.
Yes, booking your water taxi in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred departure times.
No specific hiking permits are generally required for the Big Tree Trail. However, it's always good practice to check with local authorities or your water taxi operator for any updated regulations.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The Big Tree Trail is often described as moderately difficult. While parts are on a boardwalk, there are also muddy sections and uneven terrain, especially on the full loop.
The main Big Tree Trail is approximately 3.5 km (2.2 miles) round trip. Some sources mention a full loop of 4 km.
You'll primarily see ancient Western Red Cedar trees, some estimated to be over 1,500 years old. The forest also includes spruce and hemlock.
Yes, families with children enjoy the trail. However, younger children might need assistance with muddy sections or uneven boardwalks.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip. Waterproof pants and a jacket are also advisable due to potential mud and rain.
📸 📸 Photography
The massive ancient cedars are the main subjects. Look for unique angles, the textures of the bark, and the dappled light filtering through the canopy. The boardwalk itself also offers interesting photographic lines.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the scale of the giant trees. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions under the dense canopy.
Absolutely. Cloudy days can provide soft, diffused light that is excellent for forest photography, reducing harsh shadows and bringing out the rich greens.
Drone usage is generally restricted in natural parks and protected areas to minimize disturbance to wildlife and the environment. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
Morning light can be magical as it filters through the trees. However, the diffused light on a cloudy day is also excellent for capturing the forest's atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
The trail's rustic nature, with its hand-split boardwalks and occasional muddy sections, adds to its wild charm. Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park and its ecological significance. +1📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Ancient Cedars
+1 Standing at the base of these colossal trees, some with circumferences that take many people to encircle, is a truly humbling experience. The sheer scale and age of these trees evoke a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world that is hard to find elsewhere. These trees are a testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of conservation. They have witnessed centuries of change, standing tall through storms and seasons. The old-growth forest ecosystem on Meares Island is a vital habitat for various species, and the Big Tree Trail offers a glimpse into this pristine environment. The feeling of walking among them is often described as spiritual or deeply peaceful, a form of 'forest bathing' that rejuvenates the soul.
+1Navigating the Trail: Boardwalks and Mud
+1 These boardwalks wind through the ancient forest, offering a unique and somewhat challenging hiking experience. While the boardwalks are a marvel of rustic construction, they can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Beyond the boardwalks, visitors will encounter muddy sections, particularly if they venture off the main path or during wetter seasons. This is why sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip are strongly recommended.
Accessing Meares Island: The Water Taxi Experience
+1 Water taxis are a vital part of the Tofino experience, connecting the mainland to various coastal destinations. Several water taxi operators serve Meares Island, providing on-demand or scheduled services. It's advisable to book your water taxi in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and preferred timings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit