Avatar Grove was identified by Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) campaigner and photographer TJ Watt while out exploring for big trees back in December 2009. This magnificent forest, within the territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation, is located near the small town of Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island, BC. It is home to scores of giant old-growth redcedar trees, including “Canada’s Gnarliest Tree,” a redcedar with a massive 12-foot wide burl on its side, and giant Douglas-firs.
The grove was declared off-limits to logging in February 2012 through the creation of a new Old-Growth Management Area after a two-year public mobilization campaign spearheaded by AFA that involved a broad-based movement of thousands of people from all walks of life, as well as the Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce and small business community. Ultimately, it would be great to see Avatar Grove included in a legislated park or conservancy.
In 2018, the trail through Avatar Grove was temporarily closed so Recreation Sites & Trails BC could undertake critical safety and environmental upgrades and remains closed while improvements are underway. Please refrain from visiting the grove at this time. While we don’t yet have a specific date to share for when the trail will reopen, please keep an eye on our website for updates, or email RSTBC at recinfo@gov.bc.ca, BC Forest Minister & MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca, Ravi Parmar: ravi.parmar.mla@leg.bc.ca, or BC Premier David Eby: premier@gov.bc.ca.
Take action by sending an instant message to protect old-growth forests.
