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Discover Meares Island’s Big Tree Trail near Tofino, BC, where towering ancient cedars and spruces create a unique old-growth forest experience. Take a scenic water taxi and explore trails ranging from an easy boardwalk to a rugged 4-km loop.
Discover Meares Island’s Big Tree Trail near Tofino, BC, where towering ancient cedars and spruces create a unique old-growth forest experience. Take a scenic water taxi and explore trails ranging from an easy boardwalk to a rugged 4-km loop.
Book with Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
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Operated by Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres · Tofino, British Columbia
Just a short water taxi ride from Tofino, British Columbia, lies Meares Island’s Big Tree Trail—a gateway to one of the world’s most impressive old-growth forests. This experience invites outdoor enthusiasts to step back in time beneath towering cedar, spruce, and hemlock giants that have quietly thrived for up to 2,000 years. The island’s ancient forest, with some trees measuring nearly 20 feet in diameter, offers a rare glimpse of nature’s endurance and scale that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Your journey begins at 606 Campbell Street in Tofino, where you board a zodiac vessel for a brief crossing to Meares Island. The trail itself ranges from a gentle 1.2-kilometer boardwalk—perfect for a leisurely, accessible stroll—to a full 4-kilometer loop that ventures beyond the boardwalk into more rugged terrain. Hikers opting for the extended loop should be prepared with sturdy footwear, as the natural forest floor can become muddy, especially in the wetter months. Most visitors spend between one and three hours exploring, balancing immersive forest views with relaxed pacing.
The Big Tree Trail is renowned for its striking canopy and massive trunks draped with moss, ferns, and lichens. The old-growth forest presents an ecosystem that supports rich biodiversity, including local wildlife such as black bears and Roosevelt elk. This terrain offers a quiet escape from urban life and a chance to absorb the tranquility and scale of untouched wilderness.
Meares Island is also a Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park, meaning visitors contribute a small tribal park fee that supports conservation and respects indigenous stewardship of these lands. While the trail is unguided, Ramjet at Jamie’s Whaling Station provides seamless transport and expert advice if you need assistance before heading out.
Because dogs are prohibited on Meares Island, Jamie’s offers a dog kennel facility in Tofino, ensuring your pets are cared for while you explore safely. The trail’s facilities are minimal, with an emergency-only toilet on the path, so hikers must pack out all garbage to help maintain the island’s pristine condition.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful forest walk or a moderate woodland hike, Meares Island’s Big Tree Trail offers an accessible outdoor adventure with unforgettable scenery, distinct ecological value, and an authentic connection to the coastal temperate rainforest of Vancouver Island. This spot stands out as a must-visit for anyone traveling to Tofino, offering a quiet reprieve and a truly ancient forest encounter just minutes from town.
Dogs are not permitted; however, Jamie’s Whaling Station offers a dog kennel in Tofino.
The boardwalk section is about 1.2 kilometers round-trip, with a full loop extending to 4 kilometers.
No, the hiking experience is unguided; transportation to the trailhead is provided.
Comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, layers for warmth, rain gear, and a camera are recommended.
There is an emergency-only toilet at the trail; it is advised to plan accordingly.
Yes, there is a small Tribal Park Fee plus port and research fees included in the ticket price.
Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres is a Tofino, British Columbia-based marine and wildlife tour operator operating since 1982. The company runs a range of guided Zodiac and cabin-cruiser excursions around Clayoquot Sound and Barkley Sound, offering whale watching, bear viewing, hot springs access, island history tours, and interpretive wildlife cruises. Trips include Tofino and Ucluelet whale-watching tours (Zodiac and large cruiser options), bear-watching cruises in both Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds, Hot Springs Cove day trips with a rainforest hike and two hours at the springs, the Broken Islands Lodge History Tour in Barkley Sound with a home-cooked lunch, otter and inlet tours, and Meares Island visits to the Big Tree Trail. Many departures emphasize comfortable vessels, knowledgeable naturalists, and fast-paced Zodiac experiences for shoreline wildlife viewing. Jamie’s is known for high sighting success on targeted wildlife trips; guests commonly encounter Grey and Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Black Bears, sea otters, seals, porpoises, and eagles. Safety and guest experience are central to operations, with crews providing interpretive commentary and responsible wildlife viewing practices. As a company featured on The Adventure Collective, Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres combines decades of local expertise, a variety of vessel types, and curated day-trip itineraries to connect visitors with the west coast’s marine and coastal ecosystems. Tours depart from Tofino and Ucluelet harbours seasonally, with options for short two-hour cruises to extended full-day expeditions in Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds, allowing photographers, families, and wildlife enthusiasts to select appropriate vessel types and pacing, and comfort.
Book with Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres