The Big Tree Trail is on Meares Island in Clayoquot Sound, a ten- to fifteen-minute boat ride from Tofino. It is part of the Wanachus Hilthuuis Tribal Park, cared for by the Tla-o-qui-aht, and its highlight is a boardwalk of about one kilometre through old-growth forest. The boardwalk leads to the Tree of Life, a huge cedar with a viewing platform around its base, and along the way the trees are so large and the forest so quiet that the town feels far away. Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Guardians maintain informational signs along the trail, and local guides offer interpretive experiences about the ecology and history. The boardwalk can be slippery when damp, so wear shoes with grip, and expect a rainforest that is green, dripping and magnificent.
Getting there
The island is reached by water taxi from Tofino. The Tribal Parks site names Tofino Water Taxi and Clayoquot Connections among the Tribal Parks Allies operators, and the ride is short. Because you travel by boat, plan around the operator's schedule and the tide, and ask about return times so you are not left waiting. Some visitors prefer a guided trip that includes the crossing and the interpretation, which adds stories you will not get from signs.
What to bring
Meares Island has no facilities, so bring water, snacks and a rain jacket, and wear sturdy footwear. Stay on the boardwalk to protect the roots of the old trees. The tribal parks organisation advises checking its site or contacting the water taxi operators or Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks directly for fees, season and any access notes, so confirm before you go.
Fitting it in
The trail is a good half-day outing when the weather is too rough for beaches, since the forest canopy shelters you from wind. It pairs with a coffee in Tofino afterwards and suits visitors who want to understand the area's Indigenous stewardship as well as its scenery. It is a short, quiet, memorable walk and one of the best low-effort experiences near Tofino.
What to expect
The experience
A short water-taxi crossing and a self-guided or guided walk on a one-kilometre boardwalk through old-growth rainforest.
Best time
Morning, when boats are running and the forest is quiet; the canopy gives good shelter on a wet or windy day.
How long
About three to four hours including the crossing, the walk and waiting time for the boat back.
Tips
Confirm the water taxi schedule and return time, wear shoes with grip, bring water and snacks, and stay on the boardwalk.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to stand among giant cedars with an Indigenous perspective on the forest.
- Families
- The boardwalk is short and flat enough for most children, but it can be slippery when wet.
- Couples
- A quiet, atmospheric walk, best with a guide who tells the stories.
- Pair with
- A coffee in Tofino afterwards, or the bear-watching trip on Clayoquot Sound, makes a full day.
- Time needed
- Three to four hours.
Good questions
How do I get to the Big Tree Trail?+
You take a water taxi from Tofino to Meares Island, a ride of roughly ten to fifteen minutes. Tofino Water Taxi and Clayoquot Connections are named by the Tribal Parks site.
How long is the trail?+
The boardwalk is about one kilometre and leads to the Tree of Life, a huge cedar with a viewing platform. Allow time for the crossing and for photographs.
Is a guide necessary?+
No, but many visitors choose one for the ecology and history. Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Guardians and local guides offer interpretive experiences.
What facilities are there?+
There are none on the island, so bring water, snacks and sturdy shoes. Stay on the boardwalk and take your rubbish with you.
Are there fees or seasonal limits?+
The Tribal Parks page does not set out fees or seasonal closures, so confirm with the water taxi operator or Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks before you travel.
