Six feel-good forest walks in British Columbia
It may seem hokey but forest bathing is the real deal. It’s a simple, feel-good tonic; a mix concocted of fresh air and rich, green-filled scenery to replace screen time. Be a witness to nature’s growth and regrowth unfolding in real time and reap the physical benefits of moving your body instead of digging deeper into the renowned desk slouch.
Choose to become fully alive and do something different; book that New Year’s resolution early and move 2020 in a more peaceful, soulful and healthy direction.
FIND COASTAL BLISS
You feel different here, already. Tofino already famous for cold water surfing, also happens to be a foodie’s dream destination complete with cool digs to stay and big cedar magic.
Big Tree Trail features towering giants over 1,000 years old. Hitch a ride with a Tofino Water Taxi (that’s local jargon for hiring a boat to take you there and back) to Meares Island, just 10 minutes away. From there you begin your walk immediately. Each step of the 4.2 kilometre trail will have you visually spellbound and amazed. Stretch properly beforehand, your neck may become sore from the awe-inspiring panoramic greenery. Take time and sit down, allow the calming effect of nature to sink in as you spend time with a quietly sound, aged bark.
Stay at Long Beach Lodge Resort, a cottage in the forest, bathing, this time in your own private hot tub, surrounded by – you guessed it – the canopy of more enormous trees.
BIG MOUNTAIN CALM
Looking for mountain peak views? Take a stroll in a treefilled valley famous for winter snowfall. Could be hiking boots or snowshoes, depending on when you go, but Mt. Fernie Provincial Park in Fernie is a small park with a powerful eco offering.
Short on time? Try Lizard Creek Trail. For a deeper nature immersion, head up the Rail Trail to marvel at tall, leafed poles which seemingly touch the sky. Stay forest-side at Snow Creek Cabin or Lizard Creek Lodge and make time for a stroll down historic Main Street to find belly-fuel goodness to ready your body for more trail time.
END OF THE ROAD
Drive to the last stop on the road, Port Renfrew. With the Pacific Ocean pushing one side, this little seaside village is surrounded by tall timber and held together by a massive interconnected ecosystem of roots to explore. Canada’s gnarliest tree hangs its burl here too, fully engrossed and draped in deep green. Check out Avatar Grove and take the upper route trail.
It’s just a short hike to circle this legend, and with a nearby drive, be sure to visit the famed Big Lonely Doug. Doug, the tree, has a storied past – get yourself a copy of Harley Rustad’s book, Big Lonely Doug, and discover yourself while marveling at this location’s woodsy history.
REAL. WILD.
Get yourself into a place that will humble you. Not only staring skyward to massive beams of life, but the crazy big rock fortress framing this lush valley. This is Bella Coola and it is one wild place.
Walk into the Saloompt Forest Trail (during salmon season watch for bears) stepping slowly, and open yourself up to its remarkable energy. The stars of this show will be branching out to greet you, being big Douglas Firs and Cedars. It’s a real drive, here so make basecamp and explore a myriad of hiking options from Tweedsmuir Park Lodge.
ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Road trip calling! Head out to relax and refresh in Golden, and/or Revelstoke, to take one of these walks in the woods. Both aptly named, these forests will capture your imagination so you can reflect on Mother Earth’s power. Take your hands off the wheel and let your mind wander while you walk either the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park or Giant Cedars near
Golden. After a classic forest soothing, hit your own outdoor hot tub while staying mountainside with Lush Mountain Accommodations.
GOOD PLACE TO BE
So many trees, not enough time.
Try to explore the myriad of forest trails found at Kimberley Nature Park, in Kimberley. The largest municipal park in British Columbia will help you change gears to a more natural pace. Take a loop in the Horse Barn Valley Interpretive Forest, watch for moos, and let the living forest take over. Relax your limbs and breathe in deep. You’re in a good place.
Kick back after hikes in the outdoor hot tubs at Trickle Creek Lodge or wake up to views of the Canadian Rockies from the ridge units at North Star Mountain Village.