Cathedral Grove, nestled within MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of Vancouver Island’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions. Home to ancient, towering Douglas fir and Western Red Cedar, some over 800 years old, visitors can experience the magic of old-growth forests.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a casual traveller, Cathedral Grove is a must-visit destination. This guide provides all the details you need to make the most of your visit, including local tips, historical significance, and insider knowledge on exploring this incredible park.
Quick Facts
- Features: Old-growth forest; wheelchair-accessible trail; boardwalks
- Park Size: 301 hectares
- Trails: Two short loop trails on either side of the highway, approximately 0.8 km each
- Suitability: Walking, stroller and wheelchair-accessible trails
- Hazards: You must cross a busy highway to get to both sides of the park
- Park Use: Day-use only
- Washrooms: Two pit toilets on both sides of the highway near the parking areas
- Pets: As this is a Provincial Park, dogs must remain on a leash at all times
What is Cathedral Grove?
Located in the heart of MacMillan Provincial Park, Cathedral Grove is a pristine old-growth forest that is easy to access and perfect for all ages. It is famed for its towering trees, many of which are over 9 metres in circumference and 75 metres tall, creating a natural cathedral-like atmosphere.
A Bit of History
The first citizen proposal to the government to protect Cathedral Grove happened in 1885. For over 62 years, several pleas by citizens, lobbyists, activists, and even loggers submitted proposals to protect this magnificent stand of giant trees. Finally, in 1947, it was designated as a Class A Provincial Park. But its sordid history is plenty.
1800's
In 1886, the BC government transferred 1,900,00 acres of land to coal baron Robert Dunsmuir to build the E&N railway between Victoria and Nanaimo. This transfer included Cathedral Grove and much of Vancouver Island's east coast.
After Robert died in 1889, the land was transferred to his son, James. He, in turn, sells some of the best-treed lands to Victoria Lumber and Manufacturing Company, including the block known as Cathedral Grove.
1900's
In 1905, E & N Railway sold its land to the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). Prompted by the giant trees as an object of curiosity and wonder, CPR had hoped to develop tourism at Cameron Lake. To accomplish this, they built a new road to Port Alberni along the south side of the lake between 1907 and 1910. In the process, however, many of the big trees were destroyed.
Several years later, in January 1921, a hurricane-like storm uprooted thousands of giant trees in the Cathedral Grove watershed.
In 1923, The Victoria Lumber Company offered to sell ‘Cathedral Grove' to the BC Government for $500,000, but the offer was refused.
In April 1944, H.R. MacMillan made a deal to take over Victoria Lumber Company to consolidate his timber holdings on Vancouver Island. MacMillan is pressured to donate the land known to the public as Cathedral Grove back to the government. On November 20, he gave 136 hectares of forest for park use in exchange for repayment of all taxes paid on the land since it was acquired in 1889. He was also granted right away through the park to resume logging in areas surrounding the park until after the year 2000.
Finally, in February 1947, Cathedral Grove was officially declared MacMillan Provincial Park by the BC Government.
To read about the area's fascinating history in more detail, including the protests after 1944, check out Cathedral Grove.
Cathedral Grove Today
Similar in significance to the towering California Redwoods, Cathedral Grove is one of two Class A Provincial Parks in BC established to protect old-growth forests. The other park is Carmanah Walbran, but getting to it is a little more challenging.
Easy access to old-growth makes Cathedral Grove extremely popular, and the park receives over 300,000 visitors annually.
The environmental impact of the many visitors prompted BC Parks to start a multi-year upgrade project in the Fall of 2018. The project includes rebuilding the trail systems, focusing on the north (Cameron Lake) side.
Phase one, completed in 2019, included trail resurfacing, split rail fencing, and the beginnings of an elevated boardwalk. Phase two, which commenced in the Fall of 2020, included the completion of the boardwalk. This boardwalk is fully wheelchair accessible and provides a loop trail for visitors.
Future phases will continue accessibility, visitor information, and environmental protection upgrades on the park's north and south sides. Currently, there is no time frame for when these next stages may start.
The Ecological Significance of Cathedral Grove
Cathedral Grove is a vital ecological zone, hosting numerous species of flora and fauna that thrive in old-growth forests. These ecosystems are critical for biodiversity, offering habitats for species that can't survive in younger forests.
The old-growth trees help regulate the forest’s climate, capturing carbon dioxide and maintaining the soil's moisture content. Because of its ecological value, Cathedral Grove has been the focus of conservation efforts to preserve the integrity of this rare and precious environment.
The Giant Trees
People flock to this small park to gawk and hug the giant trees. On a recent visit, I noted that the new boardwalks, however beautiful, hinder one's ability to get up close and personal with some of these giants. With so many annual visitors, I completely understand the need for less trodding on tree roots.
For those who venture to the park to hug a giant tree, you'll want to walk through the south side. So far, this portion of the trail system is still a meandering path through the trees where you will find the largest Douglas firs. One of them measuring more than 9 metres in circumference.
On New Year's Day in 1997, a huge storm toppled several large trees. Some trail system sections were so obliterated that they have never been reopened. During your walk, you'll see many large trees lying on the ground. However, these moss-covered logs only add to the area's natural beauty.
Top Tips for Visiting Cathedral Grove
Here are a few helpful tips to make the most of your trip:
- Parking: Free parking is available on both sides of the highway, but it can get busy, especially during peak season. Arrive early in the morning (before 10 am) or later in the day (after 4 pm) for the best chance of finding a spot.
- RV Parking: If you are travelling in an RV, an early or late arrival is especially important to ensure parking.
- South Side Parking: Most visitors stop at Cathedral Grove on their way to Tofino. This means you have a better chance of finding parking on the south side of the park.
- Best Time to Visit: Although Cathedral Grove is open year-round, visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offers cooler weather and fewer crowds. If you visit in winter, be prepared for muddy trails and rain.
- Trail Difficulty: The trails are well-marked and easy to navigate, making them suitable for all ages and abilities.
- Quick Pit Stop: You can complete both sides of the park in approximately 30-45 minutes, so it's a quick stop.
Exploring the Trails at Cathedral Grove
Cathedral Grove has a network of short trails that are perfect for exploring at a leisurely pace. The main trails are divided by the highway:
- South of the Highway: This trail takes you through groves of western red cedar and is perfect for those who want to see the dense forest floor filled with ferns and moss-covered trees.
- North of the Highway: Here, you'll find the famed Douglas fir trees, some over 800 years old. Be sure to stop at the giant fallen tree – a popular photo spot that really puts the scale of the forest into perspective.
Each trail is well-maintained and offers educational signage about the park's ecology, the species found there, and the conservation efforts underway.
Leave No Trace
When visiting Cathedral Grove, please be sure to Leave No Trace. This means packing out everything you brought with you, depositing trash in the provided bins, staying on the designated trails when asked, and respecting wildlife.
As this is one of Vancouver Island's busiest parks, these Leave No Trace guidelines are especially important.
Cameron River
Both sides of the park give access to the Cameron River, which contains several trout species, including cutthroat, rainbow, and brown.
A couple of steps are provided off the boardwalk on the north side of the trail to give you access to Cameron River. On the south side, the river flows beside you along the final stretches of the trail. When visiting during fall, the surrounding deciduous trees leaning over the river provide picture-perfect views.
Getting There
MacMillan Provincial Park is on Highway 4, 30 kilometres west of Parksville and 16 kilometres east of Port Alberni. As mentioned above, the highway goes right through the middle of the park.
- Free parking is available on either side of the highway. However, a barricade separates the two sides of the park, preventing vehicles from accessing both sides during one trip.
- Parking is extremely limited due to the amount of visitors this park receives.
- To reach both sides of the park, one must cross the highway on foot. Please exercise caution when doing so.
- This highway can be extremely busy, especially during the summer, as it continues to the West Coast (Tofino and Ucluelet).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cathedral Grove
Is Cathedral Grove dog-friendly?
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the trails, but be mindful of wildlife and other visitors.
How long does it take to walk through Cathedral Grove?
The trails are relatively short, and most visitors can explore the park in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many stops you make along the way.
Can I visit Cathedral Grove year-round?
Yes, the park is open year-round, but the trails can become muddy or icy in winter, so be prepared.
Is Cathedral Grove accessible for wheelchairs?
While some trails on the south side may be challenging due to exposed roots, the main trail on the north side leading into the Douglas fir grove is now fully accessible.
Nearby Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary
- Little Qualicum Falls: Just a short drive from Cathedral Grove, Little Qualicum Falls offers spectacular waterfalls and more beautiful hiking trails.
- Hole in the Wall: This unique structure and waterfall is quickly accessed off Highway 4.
- Coombs: Famous for its quirky “Goats on the Roof” market, Coombs is a fun stop to make on your way to or from Cathedral Grove.
Conclusion: Experience the Wonder of Cathedral Grove
Visiting Cathedral Grove offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur of old-growth forests. Whether you are taking a quick break from your road trip to Tofino or planning a dedicated visit, Cathedral Grove will leave you awestruck by the beauty and scale of Vancouver Island’s ancient trees.
Be sure to explore the area’s trails, soak in the peaceful surroundings, and reflect on the ecological importance of preserving this natural treasure for future generations.
Have you walked on the new boardwalks at MacMillan Provincial Park? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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Thank you for highlighting the plight of old growth forests on Vancouver Island…. the BC government continues to ignore the importance and value of our remaining old growth trees. In our need to slow global warmer it makes no sense to cut these massive trees which act as carbon sinks and remind us of our ancient heritage that needs preserving.