Cathedral Grove has been a must-see destination for decades, and for good reason—if you've never stood beneath towering old-growth Douglas firs, this place will blow your mind. It's off the main highway to Tofino, so it sees many visitors year-round. That also means parking can be a nightmare, and on busy days, the crowds make it hard to soak in the forest's magic thoroughly. Cathedral Grove's big claim to fame was it being used as a backdrop in Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi.

One of the most significant changes in the last years has been the loss of some of the grove's largest trees. Windstorms have taken their toll, and as a result, the area has undergone quite a few forestry and improvement projects. Most notably, the natural dirt trails have been replaced by boardwalks to protect the forest floor. It's a necessary change—too many feet were trampling the fragile ecosystem—but it does take away a bit of that wild, untamed feel.

From a photography standpoint, Cathedral Grove is decent, but if you have the time and energy to venture farther, there are much better places on the island for experiencing truly untouched old-growth forests. That said, if convenience is a priority or you want a quick and easy way to marvel at massive trees, it's still worth a stop. But if you want to immerse yourself in ancient forest magic, I'd highly recommend trekking to Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park. In that case, it's more remote, challenging, but unforgettable.