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Nahwitti Lake Old-Growth Trail

Aug 8 2022/in Photo Gallery

On the shores of Nahwitti Lake between the towns of Holberg and Port Hardy in Tlatlasikwala & Quatsino Territory stands one of the loveliest little old-growth trails on Vancouver Island. This gentle path winds through a lush old-growth forest and features massive Sitka spruce trees that soar majestically from enchanting fields of ferns before ending at the shores of the lake. In a landscape that’s been almost entirely cleared of its ancient giants, it provides a stunning glimpse into the grand forests that once grew here.

This big tree trail could also be a major ecotourism draw – similar to Avatar Grove in Port Renfrew – and should be added to the list of must-see north island wilderness destinations such as San Josef Bay and the North Coast Trail.

To visit the trees, find the recreation site trailhead in a small parking area just off Holberg Rd on the east end of Nahwitti Lake (50.697842, -127.812370). Be sure to support the local business community as well, helping them benefit from big tree tourism.

Carnivorous Sundews

Aug 3 2022/in Educational

Rather than make its food through photosynthesis, carnivorous sundews, like the ones seen here, supplement their diet by feeding on insects! The tiny tentacles have a sticky dew or “mucilage” on them to help trap and digest their prey for a hearty meal.

Known by the Haida First Nation as “many hearts,” the sundew is a dynamic plant revered for its medicinal properties and as a good luck charm for fishing. The nitrogen-starved wetlands they thrive in, take thousands of years to develop and are home to a variety of beautiful life forms, including mosses, herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees, and fungi, not to mention these brightly coloured creatures!

These ‘botanical oddballs’ can be found in hot, humid areas such as Georgia and Florida in the US, but the majority are found in Australia and South Africa. In BC, they can be found in the bog forests along the coast, such as the Shorepine Bog Trail near Tofino – look very close at the ground next time you’re walking there!

Get to know 2021 Trebek Grantee, campaigner and photographer with Ancient Forest Alliance, TJ Watt

Jul 29 2022/in Announcements

Check out this new interview from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society featuring AFA Photographer & Co-Founder, TJ Watt.

Last year, TJ was awarded significant support and recognition as one of the first recipients of the Trebek Initiative grant, naming him a National Geographic Explorer and Royal Canadian Geographical Society Explorer. The grant is supporting TJ’s work exploring and documenting at-risk ancient forests in BC through the creation of new ‘before & after’ series, aerial imagery, and more.

NOW HIRING: Forest Campaigner

Mar 3 2026

The Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) is hiring a passionate Forest Campaigner to join our team and help protect old-growth forests in BC!

Employment

It’s AFA’s 16th Birthday!

Feb 26 2026

On Tuesday, February 24th, we’re celebrating 16 years of working together with you, our community, to ensure the permanent protection of old-growth forests in BC. To mark the date, will you chip in $16 or more to support our work?

Announcements

Budget 2026 Shortchanges Nature Protection and Sustainable Forestry Transition At a Critical Time for British Columbia

Feb 20 2026

BC’s Budget 2026 fails to provide the funding needed to secure lasting protection for endangered ecosystems and at-risk old-growth forests in the province.

Media Release