Big Tree Trail, Meares Island
Location: On Meares Island Length: Leisurely 3 kilometre walk on raised boardwalk. Round trip distance.
Meares Island is famous throughout the world as a beautiful, wild island of old-growth forest with ancient cedars rising high into the sky. An leisurely kayak paddle or a trip over on a charter boat will get you to the start of the trail. The Hanging Garden tree is estimated to be more than 2,000 years old and is 18.3 metres (60 feet) in circumference. Paddle out and explore the wilderness in Tofino, BC.

Find Meares Island
Get there from Tofino by kayak (1 hour paddle in relatively calm water) or charter boat (10 minutes). Trailhead: A bit of trail tape on a branch marks the trailhead. Look for other kayaks moored there. The head of the trail can be a bit tricky to get to from a boat or kayak. You don't have to be an athlete but good coordination is helpful. The trail is all boardwalk through the stunning cedar forest to the Hanging Garden Tree at the end of the boardwalk. The boardwalk has been there a long time and parts are narrow and uneven but even so it's not a difficult walk. It is mostly level ground with some small stair sections.

View the Big Tree Trail, Meares Island photo page here.

Welcome To Kayaking in Tofino, BC