Big Tree Trail

The “Big Tree Trail” on Meares Island is within a short dinghy ride from Tofino and provides a wonderful opportunity to see giant cedars and huge spruce trees.  The Island is only accessible by kayak, dinghy, or water-taxi.  We arrived by dinghy and threw out an anchor with a bungee line off the stern, and a line from the bow was tied to a tree on shore.  We walked the quarter-mile boardwalk and then continued on the 1 ½ mile unimproved trail that brought us back to the beach and our dinghy.  It was very special to see these enormous trees up close and personal, they are huge in both girth and height.  Some of the root systems create cave-like dwellings while the treetops support ferns and other plants.  Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht First Nations were successful in protecting Mears Island from plans to log the area.  Mears Island is now a Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park that is open to visitors.


Hanging Gardens



Tree Root Cave



Fungus Growth



A Giant