Canada’s vast and diverse natural landscapes never cease to amaze, and the recent discovery of the oldest and widest tree in the country has stirred excitement among conservationists and nature enthusiasts alike. This remarkable find took place in the Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and unveiled a giant western red cedar, potentially the widest tree Canada has seen in over three decades.
This awe-inspiring discovery, nicknamed “The North Shore Giant,” was made possible by the diligent efforts of Colin Spratt, a dedicated big-tree hunter from Vancouver, and Ian Thomas of the Ancient Forest Alliance. Together, they embarked on an expedition deep into the remote reaches of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, nestled within the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, on Vancouver Island.
Lynn Valley has long been renowned for its giant trees, and the North Shore Giant adds another layer of grandeur to this natural wonderland. While the towering trees that once covered the Earth may have thrived here, aggressive logging activities in the 19th and early 20th centuries led to the demise of many of these ancient forests. Today, remnants of this original old-growth forest can still be found, hidden deep within the park’s watershed—a testament to nature’s resilience and endurance.