In This Park
Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park
About This Park
Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park is British Columbia’s newest park and is quickly becoming one of the “must do” parks to see and hike in British Columbia.
Nestled in the traditonal territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, the park 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
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 Provincial 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.
- Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park.
Location
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.
Maps and Brochures
Nature and Culture
- Conservation: Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Park 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 Park 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.
Management Planning
- Management Planning Information
- The management planning process for Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Park and Protected Area and Slim Creek Park has been initiated with the posting of a project plan. For more information, please go to the planning page.
Partnerships
This park is maintained by the Caledonia Ramblers Hiking Club from Prince George. Support for the Ancient Forest and the Caledonia Ramblers can be directed to the Park Enhancement Fund.
Lheidli T’enneh partners with BC Parks to protect this area and ensure the values of this area are maintained for future generations.
Activities Available at this Park
Hiking
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, 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.
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 & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
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.
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 Available at this Park
Accessibility
Some facilities and hiking trails in the park are wheelchair-accessible.
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park has universal access pit toilets – no flush toilets are available.
