Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park
One of the things that British Columbia is noted for is its incredible natural beauty. Our coastal rainforests with towering giant trees are well-known. But travel in the Cariboo region. You can still experience an awe-inspiring visit to one of the world's last remaining inland temperate rainforests at The Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut (Chun Toe Wood-yu-jud) Provincial Park.
This cedar and hemlock forest has been undisturbed for a thousand years and is the world's furthest inland rainforest from the ocean. The trees grow more slowly because the inland forest experiences longer and colder winters than the coastal rainforests. These giants are older than the coastal trees of the same size.
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Location
The Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park is located about halfway between Prince George and McBride on the Yellowhead Highway (BC16), in the north Central Interior Region of British Columbia, on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T'enneh (Klate-lee Ten-eh). The Lheidli T'enneh people would visit this forest when staying in their summer fishing camps along the Fraser River.
No public transportation or tours service this park, so visitors need their own vehicles. Most visitors will be road-trippers heading north or day-trippers from Prince George. During my visit at the height of the summer season, I only encountered two other people, ensuring that birdsong, rustling leaves, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife surrounded me.
There is no fee to use the park, but you will see a donation box. The local hiking group uses the funds collected to maintain and improve the trail system and signage.
The History of The Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park
Not too long ago, this pristine area was endangered. It had been designated and marked for logging. Luckily, a group of dedicated local activists and nature enthusiasts lobbied the provincial government to recognize the importance of preserving this ancient ecosystem. The park was established in 2016. The local hiking club built trails, including a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, and added interpretive signs, ensuring these ancient cedars will be appreciated for generations.
Visitors may spot black bears, deer, and moose. I saw a few deer and the back end of a bear during my time at the park. Follow bear safety procedures by wearing bear bells or talking with a hiking companion. Bears would prefer to avoid humans, so make your presence known.
The Ancient Forest
The Ancient Forest Trail winds through thousand-year-old western red cedars, mosses, lichens, ferns, and fungi.
While there are many trees are thought to be over 1,000 years old, the highlight is the massive cedar known as the 'Big Tree'.
My personal favourite was 'Tree Beard', which reminded me of a fairytale character with multiple arms reaching to the sky.
Hiking Trails
There are three hiking trails in the Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut park allowing every visitor to explore the forest, including the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. In Winter, these trails attract snowshoe enthusiasts.
The Universal Access Trail is about 450 metres long (one way) and will take most visitors about 45 minutes to complete. It begins from the parking/day use area.
The Ancient Forest Boardwalk Trail can be accessed from the parking area or by branching off the Universal Access Trail. It is 2.3 km (90 minute) loop trail that includes the Big Tree Loop and Tree Beard Waterfall. Parts of this trail are overgrown and/or muddy.
The Driscoll Ridge Trail is a strenuous day loop hike of 15.5 km that includes a walk along the ridge line. This is a challenging trail for experienced, healthy, and well-prepared hikers.
Tips for Visiting
Wear comfortable hiking shoes: The trails can be muddy and uneven, so proper footwear is essential.
Bring insect repellent: You'll need it once you get off the accessible boardwalk trail.
Bring plenty of water and snacks: There are no facilities within the park, so it's important to be prepared.
Dress for the weather: The weather in British Columbia can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the forecast before you go.
Respect the environment: Leave no trace and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Final Thoughts
A visit to the Ancient Forest is a truly unforgettable experience. It's a place where you can connect with nature, learn about the importance of conservation, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So if you're looking for a unique and rewarding adventure, be sure to add the Ancient Forest to your itinerary.
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What a marvelous looking place. I haven't heard of the Ancient Forest but it looks like a place I'd love to explore. The fact that in the height of summer you almost had the place to yourself is enough to intrigue me. The trees look so unique and interesting, and I can just imagine wandering those beautiful trails
I would love to visit this, even though I am not the biggest fan of road tripping. On the other hand it is a good thing the ancient forest can only be reached with your own vehicle, otherwise it would be overrun by tourists and then the tranquillity and character of the forest would be disturbed. Like other commenters, I value your insights and the information that the locals are interested in preserving this special piece of nature.
Carolin | <a href="https://solotravelstory.com/">Solo Travel Story</a>
I've never visited a place like this so thank you for the tips in visiting. I'm glad that they're working to preserve this area, it's stunning and would be a shame to lose it. I'd love to walk the boardwalk trail, even though it's strenuous.
It's good to see this movement of preservation coming from the people, and their government recognizing it, and respecting it. The trees are gorgeous in the photos, I can see why the people would want this preserved. I like the various options for trails, I prefer a more walking trail now so I can pay more attention to the surroundings rather than constantly looking down for trip hazards! (can you tell I work full time in insurance? LOL) With regard to the Ancient Forest Boardwalk Trail, as strenuous as it might appear, I personally would still rather have some type of pavement to the trail, even if it's a boardwalk or planks. Good notes on insect repellent and bear bells,…
We do love a forest walk and these look delightful. It's so good to learn that local people lobbied to keep these trails open. Local involvement in preserving the natural environment is so important. It's also great that the trails are free to use but that it's possible to make a donation to contribute to their upkeep. We'd definitely want to visit if we were in the area. Big Tree and Treebeard are splendid! It was also very useful to read the details about each trail and your tips about visiting this lovely area.