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Ancient Trees of Vancouver Walking Tour
5.0
156 Ratings
Vancouver
Discover Vancouver’s ancient forest in Stanley Park on this unique tour led by big tree seeker Colin Spratt. Explore Canada’s largest maple tree, 1000-year-old cedars, and learn about the park’s history and the original coast Salish people.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Stanley Park - Experience the last remaining old growth in the city’s historic Stanley Park. Follow our expert guide to these natural wonders, including 600 year old towering douglas firs, 1000 year old wide and wondrous cedars, and the largest known maple tree in all of Canada. As we marvel at these ancient trees, we’ll also learn about the ecological importance of old-growth forests and the threats they face today. You’ll be told about the park’s history and the original Coast Salish inhabitants who called this area home for thousands of years before it was an urban park.
What's Included
- Walking Tour
- 600+ year old Douglas fir trees
- Historical artifacts including old maps, 120 year old postcards, and photographs
- Guidance by expert big tree seeker Colin Spratt, member of the BC Big Tree Committee
- 1000 year old western redcedar trees
- Visit to Canada’s Largest Maple Tree
Additional Information
This is Vancouver’s only ancient big tree tour. Within walking distance from downtown Vancouver you will be guided by well known big tree seeker Colin Spratt through Vancouver’s last ancient forest located in historic Stanley Park. The tour lasts around 3 hours and in that period of time you will visit Canada’s largest maple tree, 1000 year old cedars, massive firs, and you will also learn about the history of the park and the history of the original coast Salish people who called the park home. We will walk various trails in the park and see the most impressive giants still standing. Some of these giants are hidden unless you know where to look. Using old maps, postcards over a hundred years old, and photos from Vancouver’s archive, we piece together the history of the ancient forest and the urban environment. This is a completely unique chance to experience the last remaining part of Vancouver’s now lost original forested landscape.
Location
8R3V+6H Vancouver
Meet at the top of the main stairs right beside the third beach concession stand. They are large wide stone stairs and I will be standing at the top
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(156 Ratings)
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Herc058
Jul 26, 2024
Colin Speaks For The Trees - Colin runs this tour to raise money for the conservation of the trees in Stanley Park.
He is a passionate conservationist with many titles and jobs. Taking time to walk the forest he loves for 3 hours at a time, sharing his expertise and love of the forest and the ancient trees.
I can not thank Colin enough for allowing me and my family into his world! We had engaging conversations learned more than we could have imagined.
We saw treea over 1000 year old, massive hemlock, cedars, redwoods, the oldest maple 🍁 tree in Canada 🇨🇦 and an Douglas fir with 14 inch deep bark. Learned how culled trees feed the forest and came away with a better understanding of how short-sighted we seem to be compared to trees that can live over 1000 years and then give back to their world.
Very inspiring. We all loved it!
If you are interested in nature and trees, wood and ecosystems, this is a must do!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H7608hrjasonb
Jul 24, 2024
Awesome tour! - I highly recommend this tour. Colin was a passionate and well informed guide. We learned not only about the trees themselves, but also about the role they played in the lives of island natives as well as local history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathryn_s
Jul 23, 2024
Well Worth It - Wonderful guide. Very interesting to see such a contrast between the city of Vancouver and this beautiful park.
Review provided by Viator
Cel3
Jul 22, 2024
By far, the best tour in the Vancouver area. - Super informative tour. Colin is passionate and an expert on old trees. If you have any interest in what is happening to the forests on planet earth, you will be very happy you took this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Lb66traveler
Jul 16, 2024
Amazing tour! - If you are at all interested in nature, you will love this tour! It was so informative. The ancient trees in Stanley Park Forest were amazing and so beautiful. Our guide, Colin Spratt, was extremely knowledgeable and personable. I highly recommend taking this tour.
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Hwasserman
Jul 16, 2024
one of a kind experience - Colin was a knowledgeable and passionate tour guide. We definitely recommend this experience for Vancouver visitors.
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Culuriel
Jul 15, 2024
Perfect for tree lovers! - Our tour guide, Colin, is an old-growth tree finder and documenter, and he knows so much about the ancient trees of Stanley Park Forest. He was engaging, using old maps,newspaper articles, and antique post cards to show the history of the forest. And the present day trees speak for themselves. I felt like we “met” these trees. You’ll learn just how important old-growth trees are to all life in the forest, and how trees are a part of human history too! It was about three hours, and you will be on your feet for most of it. Bring a quick snack and water to refuel. There is one hill up at the beginning, and you stop for a tree sighting in the middle of it. the rest is downhill or flat. If you like trees at all you will love this tour!
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Renee_s
Jul 14, 2024
Worth Every Penny! - What an amazing experience! Before we got there I thought “this guy is going to talk about trees for 3 hours?” Well he did! And he did it well! We learned everything from the history of the Canadian forests, to the biology of trees, to the origin of a fairytale. Colin knows his stuff and he’s a wonderful presenter. I could learn from this guy everyday — definitely go!
Review provided by Viator
Megan_n
Jul 12, 2024
Can't recommend this tour enough- locals or travellers! - Only had 2 days in Vancouver, tried a tour. A week later we are still talking about this to everyone, it has been the best travel tour we've had! Colin not only brings incredible knowledge but enthusiasm as well. It's a rarity to get to talk to someone with such an esteemed level of education and experience in a field. We don't know how Colin has time to fit these tours into his schedule, so glad we caught one. Not only do you get to learn, you are helping support continuing work, locating "new", and education of ancient trees
Review provided by Viator
Opalfly
Jul 11, 2024
Canadian Lorax Experience - Superb experience. Learned a great deal about the history of Vancouver as well as trees. Colin was an engaging and intelligent guide, educating our small group on so many different things. A must do experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor