Discover 15 magical places to see magnificent big trees around Vancouver Island, British Columbia, ranging from magical old growth groves and remote valleys to coastal hiking trails and scenic campgrounds

Imagine a place with all of the incredible mountain vistas of Banff National Park but none of the mass tourism. This is Alberta’s Kananaskis Valley and the best way to explore is from Mount Engadine Lodge, a road accessible wilderness lodge with all the comforts of civilisation. 

Anyone who only stops to grab a bratwurst, drink a beer and admire the wooden balconies and tiered roofs, would be missing out on the incredible range of things to do in Leavenworth. Here’s a complete list!

Short on time but want to experience the magic of Vancouver Island’s West Coast? Discover 11 fast and fun Tofino hikes which showcase the ancient rainforests, golden sand beaches and incredible panoramic views of this beautiful area.

Featuring a magnificent temperate rainforest with enormous 800 year old trees, a carpet of ferns and draping moss, Cathedral Grove is an essential stop on any Vancouver Island road trip. Officially known as MacMillan Provincial Park, the trees in Cathedral Grove are amongst the oldest and tallest in Canada.

The Bavarian themed village of Leavenworth is an outdoor adventure utopia. Being nestled in the spectacular Cascade Mountains, hiking in Leavenworth is a natural fit. If you’re limited on time (or energy), here are six fast and fun hikes near Leavenworth that are guaranteed to offer a good time.

Mount Carleton Provincial Park offers accessible wilderness in the centre of New Brunswick with excellent hiking, particularly the beautiful Mount Sagamook trail. Read on for our experience hiking the Mount Sagamook trail and then use the following Mount Carleton Provincial Park guide as a reference for planning your own trip. 

Every year, reservations for the West Coast Trail disappear within minutes. The great news is that there are so many amazing alternative backpacking trails in BC to enjoy! Read on for an overview of six of them

Cape Breton’s Fishing Cove trail is a 12km out and back hike, easily accessible from the beautiful Cabot Trail. It an be completed as either a day hike (4-5 hours) or an overnight backpacking trip.

Most visitors to Vancouver Island see only Tofino and Victoria – great combination – but Vancouver Island has MUCH more to offer! See the magnificence of Vancouver Island without the crowds on these three road trip itineraries.