Explore Vancouver’s Ancient Forest on a Guided Walking Tour
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Discover Vancouver’s last remaining ancient forest with the Ancient Trees of Vancouver Walking Tour. Just a short walk from downtown, this tour takes you into Stanley Park’s ancient woodland, where you'll see towering cedars over 800 years old and giant firs that reach for the sky.
Led by well-known big tree enthusiast Colin Spratt, you'll explore these natural giants and learn about their history, ecological importance, and the stories behind them. Using vintage maps, postcards, and photographs, the tour brings to life Vancouver’s original landscape—long gone from the city but preserved here in this special corner of Stanley Park.
This experience offers a rare glimpse into the past, making it a must-do for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Whether you're a local or visiting, you'll walk away with a new appreciation for Vancouver’s ancient trees and the stories they tell.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted in English.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages, including infants (0-3), youth (4-17), and adults (18+).
Is the tour accessible for all fitness levels?
Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to ancient cedar and fir trees, vintage maps, postcards, photographs, and an expert guide, Colin Spratt.
Are transportation or parking included?
No, transportation to and from the meeting point is not included.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Walking tour of Vancouver’s ancient trees
- Viewing of 800-year-old Douglas firs
- Visit to ancient western red cedar trees
- Use of old maps, 120-year-old postcards, and photographs
- Guidance by expert big tree seeker Colin Spratt
Not included
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
Itinerary
Explore Vancouver’s last old-growth forest in Stanley Park, visiting some of the oldest and tallest trees while learning about their history and ecological significance.
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Stop 1
Visit the remaining old-growth forest in Stanley Park, including 600-year-old Douglas firs, 1,000-year-old cedars, and the largest maple tree in Canada. Learn about the ecological importance of these giants and the history of the park, including the original Coast Salish inhabitants who called this area home for thousands of years.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the entrance to Second Beach swimming pool in Stanley Park.
Meet beside the entrance to ‘Second Beach swimming pool’ in Stanley Park, across from the concession stand and washrooms near the parking lot. Search ‘Second Beach Swimming Pool’ on Google or Apple maps. Enter ‘8501 Stanley Park Dr’ for Uber and Lyft to avoid long park routing.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day before
- No refund if canceled within 0-1 days
- Tour may be canceled due to bad weather
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $55.20 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
