Vancouver: Stanley Park Ancient Trees Walking Tour

Summary

Walk Vancouver’s oldest trails, meet ancient trees & hear hidden stories

You’ll step quietly into Stanley Park’s last ancient forest with Colin as your guide, tracing hidden trails beneath 1000-year-old cedars and Canada’s largest maple tree. Along the way, you’ll handle old postcards, learn Coast Salish history, and feel the hush of places most people miss — all within walking distance of downtown Vancouver.

What’s the experience like?

We started just outside the city buzz — you can still hear a bit of traffic if the wind’s right — and then suddenly, you’re under these giant old trees in Stanley Park. Colin, our guide (he’s basically a tree detective), led us off the main path. I was surprised how quickly it got quiet except for crows and that damp cedar smell. He showed us a battered postcard from 1910 and pointed to where we were standing. The same trees, somehow still here. Felt strange and sort of comforting at the same time.

I’m not great at telling maples from firs, but when you’re looking up at Canada’s biggest maple — I mean, it’s huge — you don’t really care about names. Colin told us some Coast Salish words for cedar (Li laughed when I tried to say it) and talked about how people used these forests long before Vancouver was even an idea. There was this one moment where the light came through all green and gold, and everyone just stopped talking for a second. Kind of rare on a group tour.

We wandered different trails for about three hours (it didn’t feel that long), finding these massive Douglas firs and a cedar that Colin said is probably over 1000 years old. He had old maps and photos from the archives — holding them up next to the real thing so you could see what’s changed and what hasn’t. I kept thinking about all the stuff these trees have seen; it made me feel small but also sort of lucky to be there now, you know? I didn’t expect to leave with muddy shoes and so many new questions about what used to be here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore ancient trees in Stanley Park

• Meet guide Colin Spratt
• Walk to ancient forest in Stanley Park
• See 600-year-old Douglas firs
• View 1000-year-old cedar trees
• Visit Canada's largest maple tree
• Learn about old-growth forest ecology
• Discover park history and Coast Salish heritage
• Use old maps and photos to explore

Top questions

How long does the Ancient Trees of Vancouver Walking Tour last?

The tour lasts around 3 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour takes place in Stanley Park, Vancouver.

Who leads the walking tour?

The tour is guided by Colin Spratt, a well-known big tree seeker and BC Big Tree Committee member.

Will I see very old trees on this tour?

Yes, you'll see 1000-year-old cedars, 600-year-old Douglas firs, and Canada's largest maple tree.

Is this walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What will I learn during the tour?

You’ll learn about Stanley Park's history, its original Coast Salish inhabitants, and the ecological importance of old-growth forests.

Are old maps or photos used during the walk?

Yes, you'll see old maps, postcards over 100 years old, and archival photos during the walk.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour through Stanley Park’s ancient forest with expert big tree seeker Colin Spratt; you’ll see towering Douglas firs more than 600 years old, stand beneath a 1000-year-old western red cedar and Canada’s largest maple tree while exploring with historic maps and vintage postcards that bring Vancouver’s past to life along each trail.