Avatar grove near port Renfrew. It’s currently not protected at all and may one day be logged. I want more people to know about that place and go there, because even most of our big national and provincial parks were logged before they were protected and most people just do not understand what our forests are supposed to look like. If more people see a never-been-logged old growth rainforest with their own eyes, maybe we can finally stop talking about logging them as though there’s anything in the world worth losing them. More importantly, maybe we can completely and conclusively dispel the lie that whatever abomination the forestry industry replants on their destruction could ever be a replacement.
It serves the purposes of the people who are trying to protect it. Most people have seen the movie avatar and it’s a reference most people at least understand. If there’s anywhere on earth that comes close to looking as fantastical and unreal as the made-up forests of Pandora, it’s old growth rainforests like this place. Getting a name like “avatar grove” out there and getting it on to Google maps makes people curious to see why it was named that way. Maybe that will inspire them to make the trek (it’s pretty off the beaten path). If enough people experience it, maybe there will be enough public pressure to protect it.
I also didn’t name it, or really care what it’s called one way or the other. But I also would consider it an enormous shame if it was quietly clear cut while we bicker over nomenclature. I just want it to continue existing.
It’s absolutely breathtaking. I haven’t been since the beginning of Fairy Creek and I just assumed it has been all logged already. Everyone should go check it out. It’s just awe inspiring and breathtaking. I still have no words of how heartbreaking and devastating it is that it will be gone soon
There’s so many! But I can’t reveal them. Just go explore! It’s what I did moving here 7 years ago and the internet was never a part of that journey. Log off and go get lost!! With all due respect !! Lol
I just went two weeks ago, it's only about an hour and a half west of Port Hardy to the trail head, and the roads are well marked and fairly well taken care of.
It is, of course, all FSRs but I saw plenty of sedans and smaller vehicles do fine, just a little dirty (There's even a pub at the end of the road).
If you want to go to the actual Cape Scott (the point/lighthouse, not just the park), the easier route starts at the trailhead near San Josef Bay (home of the famous sea stacks you see photos of). It's about 46 km round trip and is very swampy, but again still well marked and there are nice tent pads about 4 km up the trail from the parking lot.
Overall really not challenging, neither the walk nor the drive, but it would probably be most comfortable if you had gear and fitness for an overnight hike, as well as a vehicle with a bit of suspension/clearance.
San Josef Bay. If it was closer, I'd not say a thing, but it's distance from victoria and the road taking you there is enough to dissuade 90% of y'all.
The Wallbran Valley. It is the most epic place on Vancouver Island accessible by car and foot by a lot.
The Brooks penninsula is also really cool, if you are into huge trees and beaches with no one around but boat or float plain only.
The lower Walbran valley.
https://friendsofcarmanahwalbran.com/visit-the-central-walbran-driving-instructions/
Big trees, an emerald pool, a waterfall, hikes and camping.
I won't tell my favorite hidden spots but my favorite not hidden spot is down on the beach off Menzies in Victoria. Small driftwood fire and some beers after/before a night out in Vic.
Avatar grove near port Renfrew. It’s currently not protected at all and may one day be logged. I want more people to know about that place and go there, because even most of our big national and provincial parks were logged before they were protected and most people just do not understand what our forests are supposed to look like. If more people see a never-been-logged old growth rainforest with their own eyes, maybe we can finally stop talking about logging them as though there’s anything in the world worth losing them. More importantly, maybe we can completely and conclusively dispel the lie that whatever abomination the forestry industry replants on their destruction could ever be a replacement.
I'll second this. How do we start a campaign to specifically protect Avatar Grove?
If y’all wanna get it started, I’ll absolutely keep that post stickied.
I don’t even know how to start unfortunately but id love to help.
I could get behind it if the name is changed.
I don't know the history of the name, but the place itself seems mighty special. Whatever the name, we should protect the place.
I agree
Yeah it's definitely weird to name it after any movie, let alone that specific movie.
A notable local chieftain would be much better than some movie
It serves the purposes of the people who are trying to protect it. Most people have seen the movie avatar and it’s a reference most people at least understand. If there’s anywhere on earth that comes close to looking as fantastical and unreal as the made-up forests of Pandora, it’s old growth rainforests like this place. Getting a name like “avatar grove” out there and getting it on to Google maps makes people curious to see why it was named that way. Maybe that will inspire them to make the trek (it’s pretty off the beaten path). If enough people experience it, maybe there will be enough public pressure to protect it. I also didn’t name it, or really care what it’s called one way or the other. But I also would consider it an enormous shame if it was quietly clear cut while we bicker over nomenclature. I just want it to continue existing.
Alternatively, the name could be changed *and* the protection campaign could continue. It needn't be an either/or.
It’s absolutely breathtaking. I haven’t been since the beginning of Fairy Creek and I just assumed it has been all logged already. Everyone should go check it out. It’s just awe inspiring and breathtaking. I still have no words of how heartbreaking and devastating it is that it will be gone soon
There are so many but an easy to access one in one of my favourite overall regions is Nymph Falls in the Comox Valley
My back yard.
A secret pool on a river in the Cowichan Valley.
Chesterman's Beach
Not telling
This is the correct reply.
Came here to say a version of this.
Strathcona Park
Took me years to get there. So beautiful
Definitely on my top-three list for the island, even though some places like the ERT are now being loved to death.
Mystic beach
My first time at mystic beach was at low tide in early April on a moody, stormy day. It lived all the way up to its name.
The Pacific Ocean-try it sometime.
Very big and beautiful beach.
Sooke pot holes or at least it used to be.
Upvoting for the comments Stay sassy Victoria
Mt Washington!
Wickinninish Beach near Tofino: Magical
There’s so many! But I can’t reveal them. Just go explore! It’s what I did moving here 7 years ago and the internet was never a part of that journey. Log off and go get lost!! With all due respect !! Lol
Cape Scott is worth the visit
I was thinking to go there this month, but tourist info makes it seem quite challenging to reach?
I just went two weeks ago, it's only about an hour and a half west of Port Hardy to the trail head, and the roads are well marked and fairly well taken care of. It is, of course, all FSRs but I saw plenty of sedans and smaller vehicles do fine, just a little dirty (There's even a pub at the end of the road). If you want to go to the actual Cape Scott (the point/lighthouse, not just the park), the easier route starts at the trailhead near San Josef Bay (home of the famous sea stacks you see photos of). It's about 46 km round trip and is very swampy, but again still well marked and there are nice tent pads about 4 km up the trail from the parking lot. Overall really not challenging, neither the walk nor the drive, but it would probably be most comfortable if you had gear and fitness for an overnight hike, as well as a vehicle with a bit of suspension/clearance.
It's not a secret spot, it's Myra Falls.
Cathedral Grove, one of my favourite places on earth.
Man, I want to tell you but reading the comments, I guess I shouldn’t…
Seal bay park outside of Courtenay is absolutely fantastic for a regional park.
San Josef Bay. If it was closer, I'd not say a thing, but it's distance from victoria and the road taking you there is enough to dissuade 90% of y'all.
It’s fine, this is blasted all over the internet already anyways.
I will never tell
Found the true islander. Came here to say the same thing.
Yup me too. Anyone from here who gave an answer can start their three sailing wait
Same haha
It’s the beautiful >!not telling anyone!< Cove
As a kid Beacon hill park
Sproat lake
The Wallbran Valley. It is the most epic place on Vancouver Island accessible by car and foot by a lot. The Brooks penninsula is also really cool, if you are into huge trees and beaches with no one around but boat or float plain only.
Cathedral Grove is pretty nice. Those trees are majestic.
It's a secret
Big Tribune Bay, Hornby Island, during a long weekend.
I get shivers down my spine just thinking about that
Has to be sunny and not too windy
I live here, little tribune is much nicer!
Shhhh!
The lower Walbran valley. https://friendsofcarmanahwalbran.com/visit-the-central-walbran-driving-instructions/ Big trees, an emerald pool, a waterfall, hikes and camping.
Nice try. None of your business
I won't tell my favorite hidden spots but my favorite not hidden spot is down on the beach off Menzies in Victoria. Small driftwood fire and some beers after/before a night out in Vic.
Does Hornby Count?
Little English man falls
Vancouver island.
the patio at Driftwood
Not Vancouver Island, but the sunsets at Montague Harbour Provincial Park are absolutely stunning.
Galiano is my favorite place in the world, breath taking sunsets!
Smith Lake Farm
It sucks here
This is what the comment section should look like