MacMillan (Cathedral Grove)

MacMillan Provincial Park, widely known as Cathedral Grove, is one of British Columbia's most famous natural attractions, protecting an exceptional old-growth Douglas-fir forest on Vancouver Island. Located along Highway 4 between Parksville and Port Alberni, the park preserves some of the largest and oldest Douglas-fir trees remaining on Vancouver Island, with some individuals estimated to be over 800 years old. The park was donated by timber magnate H.R. MacMillan in 1944.

Wildlife is typical of coastal Vancouver Island forests, though heavy human visitation limits daytime activity. Black-tailed deer are occasionally observed. Black bears utilize the area, particularly when berries ripen. Smaller mammals include Douglas squirrels, deer mice, and various vole species. The fallen logs and standing snags provide critical habitat for salamanders. Bird diversity includes Steller's jays, varied thrushes, chestnut-backed chickadees, Pacific wrens, and several woodpecker species including pileated woodpeckers.

The park's vegetation is dominated by spectacular old-growth Douglas-fir forest, with individual trees reaching diameters of 3 meters or more and heights exceeding 75 meters. Western redcedar and western hemlock are also prominent. The understory is characteristic of coastal temperate rainforest, featuring sword ferns, deer ferns, salal, Oregon grape, and huckleberries. Mosses and lichens are abundant, draping from branches and coating tree trunks and the forest floor.

MacMillan sits within the Vancouver Island Ranges of the Insular Mountains, with bedrock consisting primarily of volcanic rocks from the Karmutsen Formation, part of ancient oceanic terranes that were accreted onto North America millions of years ago. The topography features gentle slopes carved by Cameron River and its tributaries. Glacial activity during the Pleistocene modified the landscape, with valley glaciers depositing till that forms the parent material for current soils.

The park experiences a mild, wet coastal climate characteristic of windward Vancouver Island locations. Winters are cool and extremely wet, with most precipitation falling from October through March. The area receives substantial rainfall, typically 2,000-3,000 millimeters annually, supporting the lush rainforest ecosystem. Snowfall is rare at the low elevation. Summers are warm and relatively dry. Fog and low clouds are common. Temperatures are moderate year-round.

The Cathedral Grove area lies within the traditional territories of the Qualicum and Tseshaht First Nations, who have maintained relationships with these forests for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples utilized forest resources for food, medicine, and materials. European settlement brought logging interests that cleared most of Vancouver Island's old-growth forests. Cathedral Grove survived largely because of its designation as a park reserve in the 1930s and subsequent donation by H.R. MacMillan in 1944.

MacMillan Provincial Park was officially established in 1947 following H.R. MacMillan's donation of the land to the province in 1944, with the explicit purpose of preserving the magnificent old-growth forest for public enjoyment and education. The park has become one of BC's most popular natural attractions, with hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. In 1997, a severe windstorm toppled several large trees, demonstrating the ongoing natural processes that shape old-growth forests.

The main attractions are short, accessible walking trails on both sides of Highway 4 that wind among the giant Douglas-fir and cedar trees. The trails feature interpretive signage explaining old-growth forest ecology, tree ages, and the importance of fallen logs and snags. The most impressive trees are marked and easily accessible. The Cameron River flows through the southern section. The short nature of the trails makes Cathedral Grove suitable for brief stops.

MacMillan offers basic day-use facilities including parking areas on both sides of Highway 4, though parking is often limited during peak summer periods. Pit toilets are available, but there are no campgrounds. The park is designed for short visits. The location directly on Highway 4, approximately 30 kilometers west of Parksville, makes the park extremely accessible. The nearest communities with services are Parksville and Port Alberni. The short trails are accessible year-round.

Conservation priorities center on protecting the remaining old-growth forest and managing the impacts of heavy visitation on this fragile ecosystem. Soil compaction from foot traffic can damage tree roots and prevent regeneration, necessitating boardwalks and barriers. Climate change poses risks including increased drought stress, potential for more intense windstorms, and changes in pest and disease dynamics. The park serves critical ecological functions despite its small size, providing old-growth dependent wildlife habitat.