Ancient Giant: Canada's Oldest and Widest Tree Discovered in British Columbia - Breaking News & Top Stories

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.

Cheewhat Cedar - Canada's Largest Tree — TJ WATT

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.

Ian Thomas, a researcher at the Ancient Forest Alliance, expressed his admiration for the discovery, emphasizing the grandeur of these temperate rainforests. He noted the importance of preserving such treasures, as many of Canada’s richest ancient forests remain unprotected and are at risk of logging, even in the year 2022.

The terrain in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is incredibly rugged, characterized by sheer cliffs, treacherous boulder fields, steep ravines, and dense underbrush. These challenging conditions have, in part, kept these monumental trees hidden for centuries. The North Shore Giant stands proudly on the slopes west of Lynn Creek, surrounded by other magnificent ancient red cedars. Further groves of giant trees, including one containing Canada’s fifth-widest known western hemlock, were discovered in the vicinity. This area represents one of the last remaining tracts of productive ancient forest left in British Columbia.

Colin Spratt and Ian Thomas embarked on their mission to fully document and explore this incredible forest. After bushwhacking through challenging terrain for 10 hours, they arrived at the North Shore Giant and realized they might have stumbled upon the widest tree discovered in Canada in over 34 years. While the current diameter measurement is preliminary, it follows the methodology of the American Forest Association’s Champion Trees Program, a standard used by British Columbia’s official big-tree registry. Members of the British Columbia Big Tree Committee will soon visit the tree to confirm its dimensions and include it in BC’s Big Tree Registry.

Colin Spratt, who had the privilege of standing beside the North Shore Giant, described his initial reaction to the discovery. He expressed his awe and the sense of responsibility that comes with finding one of the largest cedars ever documented—a testament to the incredible biodiversity and natural wonders still hidden within less explored old-growth forests.

This discovery comes at a critical time for old-growth forests in British Columbia. Efforts are underway to protect these unique ecosystems, which support endangered species, contribute to the multi-billion-dollar tourism industry, store carbon, provide clean water, and sustain indigenous cultures. While some progress has been made in deferring logging in high-priority old-growth areas, funding and commitment from both provincial and federal governments are crucial to ensuring the long-term protection of these invaluable forests.

In conclusion, the discovery of the North Shore Giant is a testament to the enduring beauty and importance of Canada’s old-growth forests. It serves as a reminder that these ancient ecosystems are treasures worth preserving for future generations, and it highlights the need for continued efforts to protect and conserve these natural wonders.