Cathedral Grove
Cathedral Grove
4.5
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9 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Julie D862 contributionsNice place to visit in warm weatherWe were driving through the area with friends and they insisted on stopping even though it was wet and cold. Do not stop here in wet weather. There were so many large puddles everywhere that it was difficult to get around the park. It is a very nice place for a forest walk otherwise with different points of interest. There is limited parking along the highway and you take your life in your hands crossing the highway when there is a lot of traffic. Which will happen in the warmer weather.Visited February 2023Written 20 February 2023
- kpgcWinnipeg, Canada450 contributionsNaturally Beautiful.We stopped at Cathedral Grove on a cool and frosty morning but it only added to the beauty of this place. It was as if diamonds had been scattered through the forest everywhere, combining with the beautiful greenery. Oh, and the Old Growth Douglas Firs were just amazing. The size of these giants is tremendous. Walking through the forest ,early in the morning with no one around was a highlight of our trip. Everyone on Vancouver Island has go go here once in their life.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 February 2023
- Canadian_Pam56 contributionsJust WOW!We visited Cathedral Grove last weekend ... a snowy experience in an area that we understand does not typically get a lot of snow. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful experience. The paths were clearly marked (even in the snow). We visited after lunch on a Sunday and we likely lucked out as others avoided the wet/cold conditions. Such cool, mossy trees along all of the paths and then you come to the giant! Good photography opportunities. Limited parking if you visit during high time I am sure.Visited March 2023Written 13 March 2023
- AstrobeemerVancouver, Canada644 contributionsThe magnificence of Mother NatureWalking among these giants that have lived for up to 800 years is a privilege. To touch their bark and feel their life force, to breathe the clean air they provide us, to see the ecosystem they create is truly amazing. Walking through Cathedral Grove is like recharging your batteries and wiping away the stresses of the modern world.Visited April 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 March 2023
- mylesdolphinVictoria, Canada469 contributionsA mystical experience right off the highwayCathedral Grove is a highlight on one's drive between Nanaimo and Port Alberni. Parking can be a bit tricky, especially during busier hours of the day, but it's well worth the stop. There are two areas to explore on either side of the highway. It's probably worth spending at least an hour there. The trails / boardwalk are very well-maintained and there are plenty of photo ops around. Highly recommended!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 April 2023
- SuzycloudToronto, Canada33 contributionsDon't miss thisWhen I first saw it I almost cried it was so gorgeous. It's not a long walk and I saw it in the rain.It was magical and shimmering with wetness. There was a lady in a wheelchair so I am guessing it is accessible but bumpy.It has a wooden walkway so you don't ruin the forest floor and its safer footing.Visited May 2023Written 6 May 2023
- Vanessa GNewcastle, Australia105 contributionsBeautiful nature walkWe first drove past Cathedral Grove on our way to Tofino and our plan was to stop on our return to Campbell River. When we were driving through we noticed that the highway splits this area in two, parking is a problem and crossing the road could be hazardous. As we got there early in the morning parking was easy to get, but when we left 40minutes later both sides were full. There are trees here that are over 800 years old, and others have grown since a bushfire went through 300 years ago. We started on the side where we parked, and this is the side with ‘The Big Tree’ – the oldest and largest in the park (is over 800 years old, is 76ms tall and 9ms wide). There are many different areas to look at and you can see the stream that runs into Cameron Lake. We cross to the other side and do another circular walk, getting small glimpses of Cameron Lake and some areas damaged by windstorms. Both sides are easily accessible and the paths are well maintained. A very beautiful and calming location.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 July 2023
- SeppieLeamington, Canada30 contributionsCathedral indeedBeautiful, humbling walk through the woods to visit trees hundreds of years old. Paths on both sides of the highway. Walk is not difficult at all. Currently (july 2023) is closed due to forest fires. Blessed that this area was not burned! You may see God.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 July 2023
- David BToronto, Canada359 contributionsWOW - see this!Amazing old growth forest of huge trees, eerie mossy understory with ferns and massive high canopy. Open easy trails, well marked with spots to linger and explore. Plus, you can see much of it even if you only have half an hour. Really feels otherworldly.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 24 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,030 reviews
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29
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cymry
Montreal202 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
These lovely trails were an interesting walk through the forest with the redwoods and moss. These were the biggest trees we saw on our trip and the moss was just as much a part of the atmosphere as the trees. We had been hoping for a few more large trees but overall this was a fun experience.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
Toronto, Canada359 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Amazing old growth forest of huge trees, eerie mossy understory with ferns and massive high canopy. Open easy trails, well marked with spots to linger and explore. Plus, you can see much of it even if you only have half an hour. Really feels otherworldly.
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Adultbackpacker
London, UK41 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The trees are amazing- nothing like the forests at home- humbling to see trees that are 800 years old.
I had an excited boyfriend for visiting the filming location for the home of the ewoks
We were expecting to spend 2-3 hours here…. It is tiny… a circular walk way on either side of the road, so yes it’s super accessible but don’t expect to spend more than 45 mins here
I had an excited boyfriend for visiting the filming location for the home of the ewoks
We were expecting to spend 2-3 hours here…. It is tiny… a circular walk way on either side of the road, so yes it’s super accessible but don’t expect to spend more than 45 mins here
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seppie
Leamington, Canada30 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Beautiful, humbling walk through the woods to visit trees hundreds of years old. Paths on both sides of the highway. Walk is not difficult at all. Currently (july 2023) is closed due to forest fires. Blessed that this area was not burned! You may see God.
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa G
Newcastle, Australia105 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We first drove past Cathedral Grove on our way to Tofino and our plan was to stop on our return to Campbell River. When we were driving through we noticed that the highway splits this area in two, parking is a problem and crossing the road could be hazardous. As we got there early in the morning parking was easy to get, but when we left 40minutes later both sides were full. There are trees here that are over 800 years old, and others have grown since a bushfire went through 300 years ago. We started on the side where we parked, and this is the side with ‘The Big Tree’ – the oldest and largest in the park (is over 800 years old, is 76ms tall and 9ms wide). There are many different areas to look at and you can see the stream that runs into Cameron Lake. We cross to the other side and do another circular walk, getting small glimpses of Cameron Lake and some areas damaged by windstorms. Both sides are easily accessible and the paths are well maintained. A very beautiful and calming location.
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PBPG
Yorkshire, UK6,007 contributions
May 2023
An absolute fabulous stop, if somewhat dangerous as there isn’t really a proper carpark and the road runs right though where you want to be on both sides of the road. Health and Safety nightmare But the trees are fantastic and the boardwalk to get you round is excellent, A must do if passing
Written 17 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzycloud
Toronto, Canada33 contributions
May 2023
When I first saw it I almost cried it was so gorgeous. It's not a long walk and I saw it in the rain.It was magical and shimmering with wetness. There was a lady in a wheelchair so I am guessing it is accessible but bumpy.It has a wooden walkway so you don't ruin the forest floor and its safer footing.
Written 7 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mylesdolphin
Victoria, Canada469 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Cathedral Grove is a highlight on one's drive between Nanaimo and Port Alberni. Parking can be a bit tricky, especially during busier hours of the day, but it's well worth the stop. There are two areas to explore on either side of the highway. It's probably worth spending at least an hour there. The trails / boardwalk are very well-maintained and there are plenty of photo ops around. Highly recommended!
Written 14 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
realtravelprof
Amsterdam, The Netherlands48 contributions
Mar 2023
The grove is beautiful, but small with limited parking. There are paths/boardwalks on both sides of the highway. We visited in March and were able to easily find parking, but I guess in summer finding parking might be bit of a problem and the place probably will feel crowded as it is not very large. So, if you can I would suggest visiting in shoulder season. Winds can be strong and cold, so bring a jacket and buff or scarf. Our visit, at a leisurely pace, took about 45 minutes.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Astrobeemer
Vancouver, Canada644 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Walking among these giants that have lived for up to 800 years is a privilege. To touch their bark and feel their life force, to breathe the clean air they provide us, to see the ecosystem they create is truly amazing. Walking through Cathedral Grove is like recharging your batteries and wiping away the stresses of the modern world.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VacationerGlobal
3 contributions
Are the old growth trees accesible with a wheelchair?
EagerB
Campbell River, Canada1,215 contributions
Some of the trails are wheel chair accessible, however most are not. The parts you could see are still significantly great and will give you a feeling of these magnificent beauties.
Kellie S
Edmonton, Canada2 contributions
Is it suitable to bring a good quality Thule stroller?
vancouvermuffy2016
Vancouver, Canada108 contributions
Part of the trail system can accommodate a stroller - the Grove gets very busy in the summer months, so you would want to be mindful of other visitors.
Marie L
Kelowna, Canada4 contributions
How old are the Douglas firs in Cathedral grove
Stafford S
Grand Rapids, MI9 contributions
Some are quite old. At least 600 years
Eileen59Toronto
Toronto, Canada38 contributions
Is it safe for a female to visit alone or can one be easily lost in there? Thanks
Line D
Vancouver, Canada35 contributions
Go when it's busy - you will see hundreds of cars parked on both sides of the highway during the summer months. The trails are well marked and you won't get lost if you stay on them.
885heatherk
Calgary, Canada
Are the trails suitable for a baby stroller?
Gord B
Parksville, Canada142 contributions
Some are okay.
colettep634
7 contributions
Are there Places to stay around Cathedral grove?
Gord B
Parksville, Canada142 contributions
Port Alberni, Parksville, Coombs, Qualicum Beach.
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Claim your listingCathedral Grove (Port Alberni) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Cathedral Grove
- Hotels near Cathedral Grove:
- (12.48 km) Eagle Landing Bed and Breakfast
- (11.14 km) Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel
- (10.69 km) Free Spirit Spheres
- (13.00 km) Cedar Wood Lodge Bed & Breakfast Inn & Conference Center
- (11.39 km) Riverside Motel
- Restaurants near Cathedral Grove:
- (12.09 km) Little Bavaria Restaurant
- (12.22 km) Brie & Barrel Bistro
- (11.46 km) Pescadores Bistro
- (11.21 km) Boomerangs Cafe
- (11.18 km) Bare Bones Fish House & Smokery
- Attractions near Cathedral Grove:
- (8.64 km) Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
- (8.29 km) Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
- (12.57 km) Lady Rose Marine Services
- (10.64 km) MacMillan Provincial Park
- (11.75 km) Stamp River Provincial Park