Visible across Clayoquot Sound and accessible via kayak or water taxi from the Tofino waterfront, Meares Island was the site of the key 1984 Clayoquot Sound anti-logging protest that kicked off the region's latter-day environmental movement. As a result, it preserves some geriatric trees including a 1500-year-old red cedar, called the 'Hanging Garden,' that would have been a sapling not long after the Roman Empire fell. There are two hiking trails on Meares.

The Big Tree Trail is a 4.2km loop, some of it on boardwalk, that takes in the Hanging Garden and other impressively large trees. The Lone Cone Trail is a steep scramble to the top of the distinctive crinkled mountain visible from Tofino. It's 7km round-trip with 730m of ascent. The trails start in different places. A water taxi costs $25 for the Big Tree and $40 for the Lone Cone.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tofino attractions

1. Clayoquot Campus

1.49 MILES

Explore what coastal temperate rainforests are all about by checking out the frog pond, forest boardwalk, native plants and educational workshops at this…

2. Roy Henry Vickers Gallery

1.58 MILES

Showcasing the work of First Nations artist Roy Henry Vickers, this dramatic, longhouse-style building is a downtown landmark. Inside you'll find…

3. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

11.46 MILES

One in a magnificent seven of BC national parks, Pacific Rim is replete with wave-whipped beaches and brooding forests, most of them far from civilization…

4. Ahousat

11.63 MILES

Situated on remote Flores Island and accessed by tour boat or kayak, Ahousat is the mystical location of the spectacular Wild Side Heritage Trail, a…

5. Kwisitis Visitor Centre

13.22 MILES

This dramatically located building is perched over a sandy, rock-fringed beach. Inside you'll find displays on the region's rugged topography and wildlife…

6. Ucluelet Aquarium

20.76 MILES

This excellent catch-and-release facility on the waterfront focuses on illuminating the marine critters found in the region's local waters, which can mean…

7. Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

22.86 MILES

One of the most popular day trips from Tofino, the highlight here is Hot Spring Cove. Tranquility-minded trekkers travel to the park by Zodiac boat or…