March 08, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Port Alberni, Hiking
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In May 2006 I visited Vancouver Island for the first time. I was a couple of years short of my 60th birthday; and, not well travelled...except in my own backyard. I was with a group of about 5 people on business. Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park on Vancouver Island wasn't on the itinerary. Our guide said he couldn't pass up the opportunity to show us the Old Growth Forest due to fabulous weather. 25 km west of Qualicum Beach & 16 km east of Port Alberni on hwy #4. Enter from both sides of the highway. 800-year-old Douglas-fir. Moss-covered tree-trunks. Nooks and crannies to delight...so bring a camera. Air so clean immediately upon stepping into the forest that you want to stay in this Alice-in-Wonderland place always. Stay for even five minutes and you will be forever a different person living on this planet.
P.S. i forgive the guy who put the phony snake in my jacket sleeve. I was so calm at the end of the tour the BIG SNAKE didn't bother me one bit. Besides, i was old enough to be his mother. And i remember a little boy with blonde hair....