TOFINO GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Through Ancient Giants: The Big Tree Trail on Meares Island
A short zodiac crossing from Tofino delivers hikers to a boardwalk through 1,500–2,000‑year‑old Spruce, Hemlock and Cedar—this guide explains route choices, timing, and what to wear.
Through Ancient Giants: The Big Tree Trail on Meares Island.
Embark from Tofino on a quick zodiac water taxi to Meares Island and follow the Big Tree Trail into an old‑growth cathedral of towering Spruce, Hemlock and giant Cedar—some roughly 6 m across and estimated 1,500–2,000 years old. Options range from a scenic boardwalk out-and-back to a longer 4 km natural‑surface loop that leaves the boardwalk and winds deeper into the forest.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Ancient old‑growth giants
Stand beneath Spruce, Hemlock and massive Cedar—some specimens about 6 m (20') across and estimated 1,500–2,000 years old—on a trail that showcases rainforest scale and age.
Boardwalk stroll or full 4 km loop
Choose a short boardwalk experience that most guests take 1–1.5 hours to savor, or extend the trip with the full 4 km loop that continues on natural, potentially muddy trails for a total of about three hours.
Short zodiac water taxi
Access to Meares Island is by zodiac vessel for a brief water crossing from Tofino; rates include round‑trip transportation.
What the day feels like
How the outing feels
The trip is a compact nature immersion: a short zodiac transfer delivers you to a boardwalk that threads through towering trees; many visitors spend 1–1.5 hours on the boardwalk, while those choosing the full 4 km loop should allow about three hours total and wear appropriate footwear for natural and sometimes muddy terrain.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who should take caution.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total outing runs about 1.5–3 hours: boardwalk out‑and‑back typically 1.5 hours (brisk walkers can do the boardwalk in 40 minutes), full 4 km loop about 3 hours.
Wear hiking boots for the natural loop beyond the boardwalk; expect uneven and potentially muddy footing off the boardwalk. Guests are encouraged to bring a camera.
Meet at 606 Campbell St, Tofino, BC; rates include round‑trip transportation and the crossing is by zodiac vessel. If you booked fewer than two adult paid tickets, check with the office the day before to ensure the operator's minimum fare to confirm a skipper.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Big Tree Trail take?
The trip is 1.5–3 hours total: boardwalk and back about 1.5 hours (many guests spend 1–1.5 hours; a brisk walk can be about 40 minutes), and the full 4 km loop takes roughly 3 hours.
How do we get to Meares Island?
Access is by zodiac vessel: a short water taxi crossing from Tofino is used to reach Meares Island; rates include round‑trip transportation.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Dogs are not permitted on the trip, but the operator has a dog kennel available in Tofino.
Is the trail suitable for people with limited mobility or small children?
The Big Tree Trail is not recommended for those with limited mobility or small children: the boardwalk includes steps and uneven split wooden planks and the full loop can be muddy and more of a moderate hike.
What if my booking isn’t two adult paid tickets?
If you booked anything other than two adult paid tickets, check with the office the day before departure to ensure the operator’s minimum fare requirement to confirm a skipper has been met.
Should I download a map before starting?
It is recommended to download AllTrails prior to starting the trail.