Protected area overview
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.
Advisories
Safety info
- 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.
Facilities
Some facilities and hiking trails in the protected area are wheelchair-accessible.
This protected area has a day-use and picnic area.
Universal access pit toilets are available. There are no flush toilets.
Activities
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 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.
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.
Snowshoeing on the Ancient Forest Boardwalk Trail is a great way to see this site in the winter. Limited winter parking is available.
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.
Protected area and activity maps
Learn more about this protected area
Protected area details
- Date established: June 13, 2016
- Size: 685 hectares
Nature and culture
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.
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.
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.