Categories: Travel

This enchanting BC park protects some of the world’s only inland temperate rainforest

Photo via BC Parks

Ancient Forest Park near Prince George, British Columbia may be the province’s newest park, but its trees are far from young. In fact, some of the park’s ancient western redcedars have been around for 2,000 years!

Located on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Ancient Forest Park (Chun T’oh Whudujut) protects some of the only inland temperate rainforest in the world, making it an extraordinary place to explore year-round.

As such, BC Parks has installed universally accessible boardwalks that meander between the ancient, giant trees, leading visitors to ones that are both breathtaking in age and height.

According to BC Parks, this includes several famed ‘giants,’ including “Big” Tree, Tree Beard, and Radies Tree.

Visitors can also spot a biodiverse array of other plants, mosses, lichens, and fungi.

Oh, and fall is a great time of year to go chasing waterfalls at the park!

Photo via BC Parks

Boardwalk info

The 450-metre-long boardwalk provides amble opportunity for visitors of all abilities to get up close and personal with this majestic old-growth forest.

Note that the boardwalks may be slippery this time of year due to wet conditions, so prepare with proper footwear and proceed with caution!

Finally, experienced hikers can embark on the Driscoll Ridge Trail, a 15.5 km long loop that brings visitors to the ridge line on the south side of the park, described as “strenuous” by BC Parks.

Note that visitors of the park will need to bring their own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park.

So there you have it, big tree lovers! Your next bucket list forest adventure awaits.