Reconnect with Nature: Top 5 Forest Walks to Explore on Vancouver Island

Spending time in the forest is one of the most refreshing and rewarding ways to connect with nature. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape, a chance to immerse yourself in towering old-growth trees, or an invigorating hike, forest walks offer countless benefits. 

Walking beneath a dense canopy of evergreens can reduce stress, boost your immune system, and enhance mental clarity, making it a perfect antidote to the fast-paced modern world. The sights, sounds, and scents of the woods—fresh earth, rustling leaves, and birdsong—engage the senses and encourage mindfulness, helping you feel grounded and rejuvenated. 

On Vancouver Island, the lush temperate rainforests provide year-round opportunities to explore, even in winter, when much of North America is blanketed in snow. Whether you're strolling a quiet path or tackling a rugged backcountry trail, forest walks offer a powerful way to recharge and reconnect with the natural world.

Here are five of the best forest walks on Vancouver Island that showcase its lush greenery and diverse ecosystems:

1. Cathedral Grove (MacMillan Provincial Park)

• Location: Near Port Alberni on Highway 4
• Highlights: This iconic old-growth forest features towering Douglas firs, some over 800 years old and reaching up to 75 meters in height. The easy trails allow visitors to admire ancient trees and a vibrant understory of mosses and ferns.
• Best For: Short, accessible walks with stunning old-growth scenery.

2. Wild Pacific Trail

• Location: Ucluelet
• Highlights: While the trail is known for its dramatic ocean views, sections wind through coastal rainforests filled with lush greenery and massive cedars. The blend of forest and ocean makes this walk unforgettable.
• Best For: A mix of forest tranquility and rugged coastline beauty.

3. Avatar Grove

• Location: Near Port Renfrew
• Highlights: Home to some of the island’s most impressive old-growth trees, including "Canada’s Gnarliest Tree," this forest is a testament to the power and beauty of nature. Both Upper and Lower Avatar Grove trails offer short but awe-inspiring hikes.
• Best For: Experiencing untouched, ancient forests.

4. East Sooke Park (Forest Trails Section)

• Location: Near Sooke
• Highlights: Known for its rugged coastline, East Sooke Park also features several forested trails, such as the Anderson Cove loop, where you’ll walk beneath moss-draped trees and through quiet, serene woodlands.
• Best For: Forest immersion with the option for longer hikes.

5. Goldstream Provincial Park

• Location: Near Victoria
• Highlights: Famous for its salmon runs in the fall, Goldstream offers forest trails surrounded by towering western red cedars and Douglas firs. The walk to Niagara Falls within the park adds an extra point of interest.

Best For: Family-friendly forest walks with added waterfalls and wildlife.