Ancient Cedars Trail - a trail in the woods with trees and rocks
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Ancient Cedars Trail

4.4
·51 reviews·Whistler, Canada

Hike through a magical grove of 750+ year old cedars, featuring a waterfall and lake views. A truly ancient and awe-inspiring forest experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the bugs and crowds

CrowdLow
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Ancient Cedars Trail - a trail in the woods with trees and rocks

Ancient Cedars Trail

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the bugs and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hike through a magical grove of 750+ year old cedars, featuring a waterfall and lake views. A truly ancient and awe-inspiring forest experience.

4.4
(51 reviews)

"The hike is absolutely incredible, feels remote and not too many people."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Conquer the Rough Road

Drive slowly and carefully on the pothole-ridden access road; sedans can manage with patience.

🦟 Bug Spray is Your Best Friend

Pack industrial-strength bug spray; mosquitoes are hungry! Long sleeves help too.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Cedar Trees

Ancient Cedar Trees

The Grove

Stand in awe of massive, 750+ year old red and yellow cedars. Touching these giants is an unforgettable, magical experience.

Instagram
Scenic Waterfall

Scenic Waterfall

Along the trail

A picturesque small waterfall adds to the trail's natural beauty, offering a refreshing sight amidst the ancient forest.

Reddit
Showh Lake Lookout

Showh Lake Lookout

Trail viewpoint

Enjoy a beautiful lookout point offering views of Showh Lake, a perfect spot for a brief rest and photo opportunity.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Trailhead

The road to the Ancient Cedars Trailhead can be rough with potholes, best navigated by 4x4 vehicles. However, many visitors report success in sedans by driving slowly and carefully. Allow extra time for this bumpy approach. Reddit

Bug Spray is Essential

Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be relentless, especially during warmer months. Pack plenty of strong bug spray and consider wearing long sleeves and pants to protect yourself. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the bugs and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Mid-May
Why
Snowy magic, fewer people
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Quieter trails, fewer bugs
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The REAL Florida Finds Secret Garden Edition There is a magical botanical garden with koi fish, an 100 year old quary, endless nature trails and let me tell you guys the cedar lake woods is a magical place I would definitely recommend! 📍Cedar Lake Woods Garden $12 Per Person Opens 9:30-5pm Tip: Go during the week! #botanicalgardens #floridaadventures #travelideas #visitflorida #floridathings...
@peakacity
156.6K likes • 2.4M views

🚗 Conquer the Rough Road

Drive slowly and carefully on the pothole-ridden access road; sedans can manage with patience. TikTokReddit

🦟 Bug Spray is Your Best Friend

Pack industrial-strength bug spray; mosquitoes are hungry! Long sleeves help too. InstagramReddit

Was it worth it...? 👇🌳💦 We sure think so… [📌details below / save for planning / ad] We’ve always associated these ancient trees with southern lakes and swamps, so when we found out that we could visit the largest, northernmost naturally occurring Bald Cypress forest just 2 hours from DC in @Visit Delaware WE WERE STOKED… —> Logistics for visiting… 📍 Trap Pond State Park, Sussex Co, Delaware 🗓️ Ope...
@happilyeverexploring
62.8K likes • 830.1K views
A hike amoung giant cedar grove was a great way to end a day. Mixed in are pics of an old train wreck and some Squamish stuff.
jimmacpherson
324 likes • 0 views

🥾 Sturdy Footing Needed

Pay attention to your footing on the trail, especially with fallen trees and uneven terrain. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

This trail is a great option for hiking with your furry friends! Instagram

Went for a solo hike & made a reel about it 🌲😊 Ancient Cedars hike in Whistler, 5kms round trip, highly recommend!! But holy crap I was drenched in bug spray and it was still gnarly.
madzilla09
136 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Conquer the Rough Road

Drive slowly and carefully on the pothole-ridden access road; sedans can manage with patience. TikTokReddit

🦟 Bug Spray is Your Best Friend

Pack industrial-strength bug spray; mosquitoes are hungry! Long sleeves help too. InstagramReddit

🥾 Sturdy Footing Needed

Pay attention to your footing on the trail, especially with fallen trees and uneven terrain. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

This trail is a great option for hiking with your furry friends! Instagram

📸 Capture the Giants

The sheer size of the ancient cedars is breathtaking; take your time to photograph them. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(51 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the awe-inspiring ancient cedars, describing the hike as magical and incredible. The scenic waterfall and lake lookout are also highlights. However, the rough access road and persistent, hungry mosquitoes are significant drawbacks for many. InstagramReddit

"Early Sept ‘25 hike. Seasonal temperatures double what they normally are. Smoke in the air from near by fires. It’s a bit of a rutted road to get to the trail head but absolutely doable.

The hike, absolute chefs kiss. It’s fantastic. You hike uphill - however every way you look it’s gorgeous. Loved getting here and hiking here.

You should do it. It’s incredible, feels remote and not too many people."

Zack Simone

"Beautiful hike to old red and yellow cedars (estimated at least 750 years for the Red Cedars), a picturesque small water fall, a look-out point to Showh Lake, some interesting rocks - and plenty of hungry mosquitoes. The access road is not too steep but well known for its potholes, best for 4x4 with moderate clearance.

The hiking trail is well-maintained and marked, starting uphill and then levelling out a bit, about 5km for in and out."

Silke Cresswell

"Fantastic hike to see many huge old growth trees. Setting was magical bc there was still a bit of snow on the ground here and there bringing the already gorgeous scenery to another level. Not many ppl bc road to trailhead is bumpy (about 20 min to go 3km, but just go slow no big deal)."

Astra Renwick

What People Like

Majestic ancient trees
Magical forest atmosphere
Scenic waterfall and lake view

What People Dislike

Rough access road
Abundant mosquitoes
Uneven trail footing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trailhead is accessed via a rough, pothole-filled road. While 4x4 vehicles are recommended, many visitors in sedans have successfully navigated it by driving slowly and cautiously. Allow an extra 20 minutes for the 3km drive. Reddit

The road is known for its ruts and potholes, making it challenging for standard vehicles. However, with careful driving and a moderate clearance vehicle, it's generally manageable. Reddit

Yes, it's possible in a regular car like a Rav 4, but be prepared for a bumpy ride and potential for minor damage if not careful. Driving slowly is key. Reddit

The final stretch to the trailhead is about 3km but can take around 20 minutes due to the poor road conditions. Reddit

Some visitors have reported the trail not being well-labeled, so it's advisable to have a map or GPS handy, or ask locals for directions if unsure. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Ancient Cedars Trail is generally free to access. There are no admission fees required to enter the trail. TikTok

The trail is an outdoor natural area and is typically accessible from dawn till dusk. There are no set operating hours. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead, though it can be limited during peak times. Reddit

No permits are typically required for hiking the Ancient Cedars Trail. It's a public access area. Reddit

It's crucial to check local wildfire status and air quality advisories before visiting, as trails may be closed due to safety concerns. Reddit

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The trail is approximately 5km round trip. It starts with an uphill climb and then levels out. It's considered moderate difficulty due to the terrain and initial ascent. Reddit

You'll see magnificent old-growth red and yellow cedars, some estimated to be over 750 years old. The grove is truly awe-inspiring. InstagramReddit

Yes, there can be fallen trees on the trail that require scrambling over, ducking under, or inching around. Reddit

The trail's moderate difficulty and uneven terrain might be challenging for very young children. However, older children who can handle a 5km hike would likely enjoy it. Instagram

Hiking in the early morning is recommended to avoid the worst of the bugs and potentially have the trail to yourself. Reddit

🎫 🦟 Pests & Protection

Yes, many visitors report encountering numerous hungry mosquitoes and other biting insects, especially during warmer months. InstagramReddit

It's highly recommended to use strong insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and consider a head net for maximum protection. InstagramReddit

Bugs tend to be most prevalent during warmer seasons and can be particularly bothersome during the day. Reddit

While the focus is on the trees, be aware of your surroundings as you would in any natural environment. No specific wildlife concerns are frequently mentioned. Reddit

While bug spray is essential, some visitors still get bitten, indicating the insects can be very persistent. Reapplication might be necessary. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The massive ancient cedars are the main stars, offering incredible scale. Also, capture the small waterfall and the scenic lookout over Showh Lake. InstagramReddit

Capturing the immense scale of the trees can be challenging. Using a wide-angle lens can help convey their size. Instagram

Early morning light can be beautiful, offering softer light and fewer people. However, the magical atmosphere of the ancient grove can be appreciated at any time. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local park rules and regulations before flying a drone in natural areas. Instagram

The lookout point for Showh Lake provides a scenic backdrop. The grove itself offers numerous angles to photograph the colossal cedars. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Ancient Cedars Trail offers a unique opportunity for families to connect with nature. While the 5km round trip and initial uphill climb might be challenging for very young children, older kids will likely find the giant trees fascinating. InstagramReddit The trail has some obstacles like fallen trees, so keep a close eye on little ones. The biggest challenge for families might be the persistent mosquitoes; ensure everyone is well-protected with bug spray and appropriate clothing. InstagramReddit The rough access road also requires careful driving with children in the car. Consider this hike for families with children aged 8 and up who are comfortable with moderate hiking distances.

🐶 Dog Owners

This trail is a fantastic option for dog owners looking for a scenic hike with their canine companions. The Ancient Cedars Trail is known to be dog-friendly, allowing your furry friends to explore the ancient forest alongside you. Instagram Remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them. Be mindful of the terrain, which can be uneven, and ensure your dog is comfortable with the 5km distance and potential obstacles like fallen trees. Reddit As with human visitors, bug protection is crucial for dogs too, so consider pet-specific insect repellent. Instagram

🚗 Adventurous Drivers

If you enjoy a bit of off-road challenge, the access road to the Ancient Cedars Trailhead will provide it. The rutted and pothole-filled path is an adventure in itself, testing your vehicle's suspension and your driving skills. Reddit While it can be daunting, many visitors with standard cars have managed by driving slowly and deliberately. For those with 4x4s, it's a straightforward drive. The rough road often acts as a natural deterrent, meaning fewer crowds at the trailhead, which is a bonus for those seeking a more remote experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Access Road

The journey to the Ancient Cedars Trailhead is an adventure in itself. The access road is notorious for its deep potholes and rutted surface, making it a significant hurdle for many visitors. While a 4x4 vehicle with good clearance is ideal, numerous travelers have reported successfully reaching the trailhead in standard sedans by driving extremely slowly and carefully, often taking around 20 minutes to cover the final 3 kilometers. Reddit It's a good idea to check recent road conditions if possible and be prepared for a bumpy ride. This initial challenge often deters some crowds, meaning those who make it through are rewarded with a more secluded experience. Reddit

Key Takeaway: Patience and a slow pace are your best allies on this road. Don't rush, and you'll likely make it to the trailhead without issue, even in a non-4x4 vehicle. Reddit

The Majesty of Ancient Cedars

The star attraction of this trail is undoubtedly the grove of ancient red and yellow cedars. These colossal trees are estimated to be at least 750 years old, with some potentially much older. Standing among them is a humbling experience, offering a profound connection to nature and history. InstagramReddit The sheer scale of these giants is difficult to comprehend until you are standing at their base, craning your neck to see their crowns. The air in the grove feels different, often cooler and carrying the scent of damp earth and ancient wood. Instagram

Many visitors describe the feeling of touching these trees as magical and impossible to explain in words. Instagram It's a chance to witness the resilience and grandeur of nature that has stood for centuries. The trail winds through this magnificent forest, allowing you to immerse yourself in its serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Reddit

Dealing with the Local Wildlife (Insects!)

While the ancient trees are the main draw, be prepared for the local insect population, particularly mosquitoes. Many visitors report being swarmed and bitten relentlessly, even when using repellent. InstagramReddit The advice is consistent: pack potent insect repellent and consider wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during warmer months. Some reviewers mention coming back 'a pint low (of blood)' due to the sheer number of bites. Reddit This can significantly impact your enjoyment if not adequately prepared. Instagram

Despite the bug situation, the trail's beauty often outweighs this nuisance for many. The key is to be proactive with protection. Early morning hikes might offer a slight reprieve, but it's best to assume the bugs will be present and come prepared. Reddit

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