Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island

Picture yourself on Vancouver Island (just off the south west coast of British Columbia, Canada). There, in the centre of the island, just a little bit west of Qualicum Beach, you will find MacMillan Provincial Park. 

Got yourself oriented?

Now that you are here, please join us for a walk in an old growth forest.

Welcome to Cathedral Grove.

 

These photos were taken a few years ago, but remember this is an old growth forest…so in the whole scheme of things it was not that long ago.

Hint: Click on any photo to enlarge it.

 Trails are well marked for part of the way but as you get deeper into the forest it is less clearly marked. There are several signs warning you not to stay in the forest if a strong wind comes up. Heed those signs!

Can you imagine the danger if one of these trees were to be blown over on top of you!

 Many of the trees we see are Douglas fir trees.

These trees can live up to 800 years!

A plaque in the forest gives us information on the origin of that name.

(Hint: Click on the photo to read the words.)

The forest’s colours change quickly…

Look up frequently to get a feel for the tremendous heights.

But also keep an eye on the ground so you do not trip over some of the fallen logs.

(Look again at the first photo on this page to see what I mean)

You do not want to hurt yourself or disturb the environment.

If you observe closely you might even find…

What is it?

Well, a botanist would have a very different explanation than I do,

but, to me this is the entrance to another world..

and in that world lives…

You get the idea, right?

To join us on other adventures in Canada, click here.

Want to travel other places in the world…click here.