MacMillan Provincial Park — Attraction in Area F (Alberni Highway)

There is nothing quite like the majesty of enormous trees. There is parking on both sides of the road as well as pit toilets. There are a few ways to go on the trails. One winds you through the forest, up to a dead end observation platform. The other takes you towards the cut through that will bring you straight to the centre of the grove and the largest tree. This tree is nine meters in diameter and over eight hundred years old. There's a great spot to take a picture at the base of the tree.. if you keep going and veer off to the left, you will head towards the back of the grove. This trail will take you to wards a small river. We stopped there and had a mini picnic sharing a loaf of cheese bread combined with cheese and meat we grabbed just down the road at the Coombs Country Market. You can not pick a better spot to enjoy the majesty of the trees, the music of the creek and the full immersion experience of what constitutes the grove. The other nice thing about the grove is that there are signs and information boards all along the trails. So if you just want to explore the grove or learn WHY the grove is the way it is, then you can do just that. Whatever you decide, I can promise you don't want to miss out on the chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and oldest living things...

The trees mix of Douglas Firs first and cedars which are all over 12 feet across and reasonably accessable for all fitness levels. These were left by mac-blo becuase of the beetle infestation they are all stained a cool looking blue streaks throughout the tree,easiest to access as well theres especially good access of the forest by means of a gravel based 2+ Meter wide trail which unfortunately is flat , and boring if that's what you were looking for. . back then 30's -40's it was cheaper to leave them standing as a park then get a sawyer to mill around the defect (stain ). These are some of the biggest remaining old growth left standing in the area. A few years (10 yrs, aprox. ) A wind storm blew down about a dozen or so of these giants and the contractor salvaging them cut access roads all over the place and only got triple stumpage. ( very little $ for the value of that clear wood) for pushing about a km. Of hiway grade 30 METER WIDE logging road as to get the wood back out not to mention the road went right through the stand that was relatively untouched.... Only on the coast ,and only the gov. At...

A Nature Lover's Paradise! MacMillan Provincial Park is an absolute gem. Walking through the Cathedral Grove is like stepping into another world – towering ancient Douglas fir trees, some over 800 years old, create a breathtaking and serene atmosphere. The trails are well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it accessible for all ages.

There’s something magical about standing among these giants and hearing the sounds of nature all around. The air feels fresher, and the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy is stunning. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful walk, photography, or simply connecting with nature.

Parking can get busy during peak times, so arriving early is a good idea. But it’s worth every effort to experience this incredible place. Highly recommended for anyone visiting...