Canada's Knottiest Tree – North Saanich, British Columbia - Atlas Obscura
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Canada's Knottiest Tree

North Saanich, British Columbia

By public opinion, this is Canada's knottiest tree. 

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Canada's Knottiest Tree. sharris (Atlas Obscura User)
Canada's Knottiest Tree. sharris (Atlas Obscura User)
Canada's Knottiest Tree. sharris (Atlas Obscura User)
Canada's Knottiest Tree. sharris (Atlas Obscura User)
Canada's Knottiest Tree. sharris (Atlas Obscura User)
Canada's Knottiest Tree. sharris (Atlas Obscura User)
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This lush grove near Port Renfrew is filled with large western red cedars and Douglas firs. Many trees seem to be growing out of each other, with knots and burls as if there was a struggle to break free of their bark. 

The highlight of the grove is Canada’s gnarliest tree, a massive cedar with a giant burl growing out of its lower trunk. This whimsical giant stands tall, overseeing the cathedral grove.  

The grove was discovered in 2009 and has been protected and closed to loggers since 2012. There are walking paths laid out along the way to the tree, through the upper and lower grove. 

Know Before You Go

From the logging road, follow the walking path to the upper section of the grove. Careful that the path can be slippery and uneven in sections.

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