Without a doubt, Carmanah Provincial Park is one of the best places in Canada to experience a genuinely pristine old-growth forest. It's always been one of my favourite spots on Vancouver Island—not just for its towering trees but also for its remoteness. Carmanah sees far fewer visitors than other locations in this guide, making it feel even more special.

Getting there takes some effort—the drive is long and bumpy over rough logging roads, so take your time. And unless you're into photographing massive, ancient trees, this probably isn't the place for you. The entire experience is about being immersed in a deep valley, surrounded by some of the largest trees in the country.

If you're making the trip, I'd highly recommend staying at least two days—it's a long way to go for a quick visit. It's also a great spot to combine with a stop at the Cheewhat Giant or the Walbran Valley on the park's south side. If camping or backpacking isn't your thing, Nitinat Lake has cabins worth looking into. The Carmanah parking lot is about an hour's drive from Nitinat Lake, where you can fuel up, grab some groceries, or stop for a burger in the small community.