Where to See Big Trees in Vancouver

Vancouver's rain falls hard and falls often, but that's exactly why the city, and Vancouver's trees, are so lush and green. Our mild, wet climate means Vancouver sits in the middle of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. One of the most relaxing things to do during a visit is to experience Vancouver's natural side by walking through its forests.

Though logging has sadly removed much of the area's ancient old-growth forests, there are still areas to visit where you can go hiking or walk among towering giants. Here is a list of eight places to see big trees in Vancouver.

Hiking Safety Precautions

Many of these spots are close to the city, but it’s still important to take the proper safety precautions. North Shore Rescue recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every hike. Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the weather. And leave a trip plan with a friend so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.

Stanley Park

Located at the edge of downtown, Stanley Park is one of the best places in the city to see towering Vancouver trees. The most famous example is the Hollow Tree. This stump is 600-800 years old and has attracted locals and tourists for over 100 years.

Venture onto the trails in the forested heart of the park, to find many more exceptionally tall trees. One of the best ways to learn and appreciate the area's forests is by joining a Talaysay Tours Talking Trees tour, where you can learn about these lands through an Indigenous lens. Hear stories of how Coast Salish & Squamish People have been utilizing the land for food, medicine and technology for thousands of years.

Capilano River Regional Park

Take a stroll through the rainforest at Capilano River Regional Park to spot some giant Douglas fir trees. The park is located just downstream of the Cleveland Dam in North Vancouver. The forest's thick canopy and swirling mist make it a great place for a rainy day walk. The stand-out tree is Grandpa Capilano, a Douglas fir measuring 2.4 meters (8 feet) in diameter. Find it on the aptly named Giant Fir trail. Bring a park map to orient yourself.

Greenheart TreeWalk at UBC

One of the most unique ways to experience Vancouver’s temperate rainforest is to head out on the UBC Botanical Garden’s Greenheart TreeWalk. Vancouver trees in this area are over 100 years old and reach high up into the sky. You’ll stroll along walkways up to 23 meters off the ground while learning about ecology and First Nations plant use.

Hollyburn Fir

Many locals have no idea that the Hollyburn Fir hides in West Vancouver’s forests. This massive tree has a circumference of about 10 meters (33 feet), is 44 meters (144 feet) tall, and is estimated to be over 1100 years old! To reach it, hike the Millstream and Brewis Trails in the British Properties neighbourhood. The moderate hike typically takes a couple of hours to complete and is great for families.

Yew Lake Trail

The Yew Lake Trail in Cypress Provincial Park is an easy, 2-kilometre loop hike designed as a barrier-free trail. It is accessible to wheelchair users, people with mobility aids and families with strollers. Interpretive signs along the way help explain the local environment. Find the biggest trees on the Old Growth Loop, a spur off the main trail. Plan your Yew Lake Trail outing before you head out.

Cedar Tree and Kennedy Falls Trail

If you’re up for a bit more of a rugged hike, head to the Cedar Tree & Kennedy Falls Trail in North Vancouver. The rooty and muddy trail follows overgrown logging roads in the Lynn Creek Valley. After about 1.5 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the Big Cedar. It’s said to be over 600 years old with a diameter of about 4 meters (13 feet). The Big Cedar likely wasn’t logged with the rest of the forest since it has several gnarly upper trunks rather than one big straight one. You can also continue for another 30 minutes past the Big Cedar to view rushing Kennedy Falls.

Cypress Falls

You can combine rushing waterfalls with old-growth Vancouver tree spotting on West Vancouver’s Cypress Falls trail. The short but steep trail leads through the forest to two different waterfall viewpoints high above raging Cypress Creek. On your hike, you will pass through stands of 300-year-old red cedar and Douglas fir trees. The trails are a bit rough and not very well marked, so be prepared to do some route finding.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Treetops Adventure at the Capilano Suspension Bridge lets you walk high above the ground amongst 250-year-old Douglas fir trees. You can appreciate the grandeur of these trees from 33.5 meters (110 feet) above the ground on a series of elevated walkways and suspension bridges. If you want to learn more about these Vancouver trees and their ecosystem, sign up for one of the guided nature tours.

Vancouver Trees

From easy walks on the edge of downtown to rugged hikes deep in the North Shore forests, there are endless opportunities close to the city to appreciate Vancouver trees in all their glory. Wherever you choose to explore, remember to slow down, look up, and appreciate the natural beauty that makes this corner of the world so special.