If you are visiting Tofino or Ucluelet on Vancouver Island, you will drive past Cathedral Grove. You can’t miss it, since typically it is a very busy place and parking is on the side of the road, in the middle of almost nowhere.
Cathedral Grove is located in the MacMillan Provincial Park and allows easy access to some of the largest Douglas Fir trees on Vancouver Island. This is a must see stop on any Vancouver Island road trip but try to visit earlier or later in the day, mid week. This way you are more likely to secure a parking spot and enjoy a more peaceful experience in the park.
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Where Is Cathedral Grove
Cathedral Grove is a 50 minute drive from Nanaimo, via Highway 19 and Highway 4. If you are coming from Port Alberni, it is a 20 minute drive along Highway 4. You can’t miss it, it is clearly signposted and the parking is along the side of the highway.
There are only drop toilets at the parking area, no other services are available.
Exploring Cathedral Grove
There is parking on both sides of the highway and this is due to the fact, there are two trail systems, one on each side of the highway. On the south side there are mainly Douglas Fir trees, including the biggest one in the park. On the opposite side, it is mostly large cedars running across to Cameron Lake.
It is not possible to cross the highway in a vehicle however there is a crosswalk. The speed limit for vehicles is reduced considerably in the area but still use caution when crossing on foot as it is a busy highway.
The name Cathedral Grove becomes quite obvious as you start along either trail, surrounded by huge trees, forming a natural cathedral, reaching high into the sky.
The trail system at Cathedral Grove is mostly flat and wide, making it fairly accessible for strollers and other people who are less able. The trails aren’t paved though and so have some ruts and can get muddy at times.
Interpretive signs throughout Cathedral Grove allow trail goers to read and understand why these giants exist where they do and how they create the flora and fauna that exists lower down. You could easily spend a few hours walking around the park and reading all the signs.
The biggest tree at Cathedral Grove spans a massive 9 metres in circumference. This giant is quite honestly awe inspiring and unlike any tree I’ve ever seen before. It is hard to take it all in.
In 1997 a wind storm downed a large number of trees in Cathedral Grove, this has forever changed the park, allowing more light in, with the reduced tree canopy above. This has allowed other plants to flourish and the shades of green throughout Cathedral Grove are a site to see.
Since this is an incredibly popular spot to visit, it is important to practise leave no trace while exploring Cathedral Grove. Take your garbage home or use the garbage cans provided in the parking area. If these are full, be prepared to take your garbage with you.
Note that during periods of high wind, it is not advisable to enter Cathedral Grove and you may be disappointed to find the park is closed for public safety at such times.
What You’ll Need To Explore Cathedral Grove
One of the great things about exploring Cathedral Grove is that you really don’t need a lot to do it. A pair of hiking boots or running shoes will be perfect for footwear and as always a nalgene of water and a can of bear spray, just in case!
