Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Protected Area

Highlights in this protected area

Nestled in the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, this protected area protects a portion of the only inland temperate rainforest in the world. Hiking the Ancient Forest trail will bring you past thousand year old western redcedars and a rich biodiversity of plants, mosses, lichens and fungi.

The 450 metre long universal access boardwalk provides the opportunity for people with all abilities to experience this majestic area. Another 2.3 km of boardwalk provides access to magnificent “Big” Tree, Tree Beard, Radies Tree and a beautiful cascading waterfall.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the protected area.

Special notes

No overnight camping is allowed at the Ancient Forest parking lot or the Driscoll Ridge parking lot. Overnight camping is available at Purden Lake Park located 50 km west of the Ancient Forest / Chun T’oh Whudujut Park.
Smoking is not allowed on the Ancient Forest trails.
Pets must be kept on a leash.
Campfires are not permitted.

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Google Earth KMZ file of the hiking trails (For use in Google Earth and Google Maps.) [KMZ]

Getting there

This park and associated hiking trails are located midway between Prince George and McBride on Highway 16. It is about 115 km east of PG on Highway 16 and 103 km west of McBride. The nearest cities are Prince George and McBride.

Things to do

Hiking

For your own safety and the preservation of the protected area, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Trail Information

The Universal Access Trail is approximately 450 metres long (one way). The boardwalk will enable visitors in wheelchairs, those with other mobility or mental health challenges, and everyone else to experience the only inland temperate rainforest in the world that is so far from the ocean.
Ancient Forest Boardwalk Trail is 2.3 km long and provides users with a close look at the unique inland temperate rainforest of British Columbia.
Driscoll Ridge Trail is a strenuous trail 15.5 km long loop which brings you to the ridge line on the south side of the park. This trail should only be attempted by experienced, well prepared hikers, in good physical condition.

Pets on leash

Pets must be on leash on the Ancient Forest boardwalk trails. Please take additional care when meeting other people or pets to avoid any conflicts or issues. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears. If your pets are accompanying you, they must be on a leash at all times, and you are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.

Hunting

This protected area is partially open to hunting. Highway set back closures are in effect as well as 400 metres from a park road. Please refer to the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.

Winter recreation

Snowshoeing on the Ancient Forest Boardwalk Trail is a great way to see this site in the winter. Limited winter parking is available.

Facilities

Accessibility information

Some facilities and hiking trails in the protected area are wheelchair-accessible.

Picnic areas

This protected area has a day-use and picnic area.

Pit or flush toilets

Universal access pit toilets are available. There are no flush toilets.

About this protected area

Cultural Heritage

Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Protected Area is located within the Lheidli T’enneh traditional territory. The Lheidli T’enneh people would visit the stands from summer fishing camps along the upper Fraser River.

Conservation

Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Protected Area is situated within the interior wetbelt of British Columbia. Western redcedar up to 5 metres in diametre and perhaps 2000 years old can be experienced along the boardwalk. Over 400 plants species also call the Ancient Forest home. The Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Park also protects rare and endangered plants species such as the Joe-Pye Weed and many others.

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.

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