Heritage Forest: Old-Growth Douglas Firs in Qualicum Beach

The Heritage Forest is a 50-acre (about 20-hectare) protected forest in the middle of Qualicum Beach, with flat wood-chip trails and Douglas firs more than 500 years old; the oldest is at least 800. It's a great forest escape right in town, with some old-growth trees, and an easy walk for all ages.

Where is the Heritage Forest?

The forest sits across from the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course, next to the Crown Mansion, a short walk from the town centre. You can enter from Crescent Road East, Hemsworth Road, Chester Road, St Andrews Road or Sunningdale Road.

From Five Gables it is about 3 km as the crow flies.

Is it really old-growth forest?

It's a mature forest with remnant pockets of true old growth. Most of the land was logged by hand fallers with cross-cut saws and horses in the early 1900s, but some very large Douglas firs were left standing, mostly along the Beach Creek ravine. Those veterans are now over 500 years old, and a few of the largest have been growing for more than 800 years.

Alongside the Douglas firs you'll find western red cedar, hemlock, grand fir and Sitka spruce. Look and listen for barred owls, great horned owls and pileated woodpeckers.

How long is the walk, and how hard?

The trails are flat, wood-chip paths with plenty of benches, easy for all ages. Interpretive signs along the way explain the forest. Because there are several entrances and connecting paths, you can walk for a few minutes or loop around for longer.

Is the Heritage Forest wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Part of it is. A hard-packed gravel fire access road runs from the gate and sign on Chester Road to the open, grassy meadow, and it's suitable for wheelchairs.

Can you bring a dog?

Yes, on a leash and under control. Please pick up after your dog and stay on the mulch trails. Bikes should be walked; motor vehicles, horses, smoking, alcohol, camping and campfires aren't allowed.

When is the best time to visit?

Any time of year: the trails are flat and short, so it works as a quick walk between other plans.

The strongest winds here come from the southwest, and a few tall trees near the open edges do blow down in storms, so save it for a calmer day when it's very windy.

Why is it protected?

Local residents saved it. In 1995 the forest was set to be sold for housing. From 1996 to 2004, the Brown Property Preservation Society and hundreds of volunteers raised the money to buy the land, and the Town of Qualicum Beach paid the rest. A conservation covenant signed on July 15, 2008 protects it as a nature park forever, in a partnership between the Town, the society and The Land Conservancy of British Columbia.

What can you combine it with?

The forest is close to the village, so it pairs well with a coffee. L'îlette is our favourite spot for a morning coffee and a freshly baked croissant. In summer, Off The Hook at the Memorial Golf Course, across from the forest, is a lovely place to eat outside.

For a wilder walk, try the Hamilton Marsh Loop; for truly giant trees, Cathedral Grove is a short drive west. More ideas are on our Explore page.

Staying nearby

Five Gables is a one-suite B&B in Qualicum Beach, about 3 km from the Heritage Forest and a 600 m walk from the beach. Come back from a forest walk to the gas fireplace or the private hot tub. You can check dates and book directly with us: no platform fees, and you talk to us, the hosts.