Meares Island Big Tree Trail takes you through an ancient temperate rainforest with towering trees, ferns and stunning natural beauty.

The Big Tree Trail at Wanachus-Hilthuuis (Meares Island) Tribal Park is the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s flagship visitor experience.  While it is situated across Tofino Harbour and only accessible by boat, this must-visit trail is a total immersion into nature and cultural history.

From Tofino you take a 10 minute boat ride to the Big Tree Trailhead. You walk along the cedar planked boardwalk for 1.5 km leading you past many western cedar trees as old as 1,500 years to the Hanging Garden Tree which has a circumference of 18.3 meters and a height of 42.7 meters! This trail does not take long to hike but visitors take their time to relax and enjoy the serene beauty of the temperate rainforest. Guests leave with a greater appreciation for the importance of the Tribal Park and of preserving our natural ecosystems.

WATER TAXI ONLY RATES:

Adult: $35/person
Senior (65+) & Youth (13-18): $30/person
Children (2-12): $25/person
Child Under 2: FREE*

WATER TAXI DURATION: 10 minutes

  • *One free infant per departure. First-come, first serve.

  • Prices do not include tax (5% GST) + Tribal Park Fee

  • Read our Cancellation Policy & Guarantee for Sightings.

  • Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time

  • The 3 kilometre boardwalk may not be suitable for all people. The wooden boardwalk on this trail is made of hand-split planks and can be uneven in some spots, and slippery in wet weather. Park visitors should wear good footwear.

 
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WHAT TO BRING ON THE MEARES ISLAND BIG TREE TRAIL:

  • Dress warmly in layers for the open boat (long sleeves, pants, fleece or sweater)

  • Rain gear (if it is raining)

  • Good walking shoes

  • Drinking water

  • Camera

  • Sunglasses / sunscreen

  • A backpack to carry your items in

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

  • The Big Tree Trail boardwalk is 3 km and can be slippery and wet so wear good footwear and be mindful of the boardwalk conditions.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR TOUR:

  • BOOK ONLINE

  • CALL OUR OFFICE 1-888-474-2288

  • IN PERSON, VISIT OUR OFFICE AT 411 CAMPBELL STREET, TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

  • Make sure you read & understand our booking policies and waiver terms before processing your reservation.

  • Read our cancellation policy and note we have a 48 hour policy to cancel.

  • Each passenger is required to sign a Release of Liability at check-in. Participants must be 19 years of age or require a parent or guardian to sign on their behalf.

  • The Tribal Park fee is $5 per guest.

  • Prices are subject to change.

  • Parking is available on our property but if the lot is full here is some parking information.

  • Dogs are not permitted on the island.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • The trail there and back is approximately 1km. We give visitors 1.5 hours to enjoy the trail and the island.

    The boat ride is 10 minutes each way.

  • All along the trail you will see Western Red Cedar trees aging between 800 and 1,300 years. Another highlight is the Hanging Garden Tree which has a circumference of 18.3m.

  • There is a wooden boardwalk made of hand split planks. It can be slippery when it is wet and is uneven in some parts so do take care.

  • Please check-in at our office ready to go at 411 Campbell Street, 30 minutes before your departure time.

MEARES ISLAND HISTORY:

In the early 80’s, Meares Island was in immediate danger of clear cut logging. Concerned Tofino residents, environmentalists, and the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations joined together to face off the big timber industry. This initial battle ground gave birth to BC’s “War of the Woods” which spread up to the Queen Charlottes and culminated into the largest act of peaceful disobedience in Canadian history!

These trees, aged between 800 and 1,300 years, are something to marvel at. Take your time to explore the fern carpeted forest floor and to hug some of the hugest and oldest life forms on this precious planet.

Hilthuu? is the Tla-o-qui-aht place name for Meares Island. Hilthuu? Is a significant part of the Haahuulthii ~ traditional territory, resources, rivers, songs and names of the Tla-o-qui-aht Hawiih ~ Hereditary Chiefs.

Do you want your own Private Tour?
Learn more about our private tour options.

Give the gift of a Tofino adventure!
Gift certificates for all of our tours can be purchased online.

How to book your Meares Island Big Tree Trail Tour?
Book online, drop into our office or call us 1-888-474-2288.