Giant Trees & Ancient Forests

The temperate forests of the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and in particular, the San Juan and Gordon River Valleys are noted for producing some of the biggest trees known to mankind. While industrial logging created Port Renfrew as we know it today, it has also taken it’s toll on the surrounding ancient forests.

Luckily, not all the giants have been logged, and with a little bit of effort, you can visit some of the most impressive trees and groves of old growth forest you will ever see. Use the guides below to explore the big trees of Port Renfrew.

Giant Trees & Ancient Forests

SAN JUAN SPRUCE

The San Juan Spruce is Canada’s largest spruce tree and the world’s second largest. This definition is based on the total amount of mass the

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Giant Trees & Ancient Forests

RED CREEK FIR

Standing 74 metres (242 feet) The Red Creek Fir is Canada’s largest Douglas Fir. With a circumference of 12.55 m (41 feet) it truly is

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Giant Trees & Ancient Forests

HARRIS CREEK SITKA SPRUCE

The Harris Creek Fir is the easiest large tree to access in the area and is visible from the Pacific Marine Circle Route. It’s amazing

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Giant Trees & Ancient Forests

AVATAR GROVE

TJ Watt, of Ancient Forest Alliance, was exploring this incredible grove in 2009 when he saw flagging tape that represented immediate logging. A global campaign was

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