While New Yorkers are used to the tidy loops of Central Park and the shoulder-to-shoulder hikes at Bear Mountain, there’s a remote corner of British Columbia where the air feels so crisp and clean it’s basically a reset button for your lungs.
Chun T’oh Whudujut (also known as the Ancient Forest) was recently crowned one of National Geographic’s Best Wellness Destinations of 2026. Located about 70 miles east of Prince George, it protects the only inland temperate rainforest on the planet–a prehistoric world of “big trees” that have survived for over two millennia.
🌲 Why 2026 is the Year to Visit
For years, this has been a local hidden gem, but 2026 marks its official global debut. A multi-million dollar enhancement project led by the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation is transforming the park into a world-class cultural and wellness hub.
- New Lheidli T’enneh Interpretive Center: this center will share the Indigenous history of the land, which the tribe has used as a “medicine cabinet” for generations–a sweat lodge, solar farm, and artisan shop, as well as upgraded elevated trails, are set to open throughout 2026 and 2027
- The Healing Power of Phytoncides: scientists have long studied the air here. The forest is rich in phytoncides–organic compounds emitted by plants that are proven to boost human cancer-fighting proteins and lower stress
- A “Nature’s Cathedral”: you’ll find Western red cedars up to 16 feet in diameter. Some of these giants were saplings when the Roman Empire was at its peak
🚶 Trails for Every Energy Level
Whether you’re looking for a meditative stroll or a heart-pumping climb, the park features a tiered trail system:
- Universal Access Trail (.28 miles one way): perfect for all abilities, including those using wheelchairs or strollers. This easy boardwalk lets you experience the majesty of the forest and reach the famous “Big Tree” without any rugged climbing
- Ancient Forest Boardwalk Trail (1.4 mile loop): a moderate trek that takes you deep into the interior wetbelt. You’ll pass iconic landmarks like “Tree Beard” and the “Radies Tree” before reaching a beautiful cascading waterfall
- Driscoll Ridge Trail (9.6 mile loop): for the experienced hiker looking for a challenge. This strenuous route climbs significantly to the ridge line on the south side of the park, offering sweeping sub-alpine views of the surrounding mountains
🧣 NYC to BC: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re swapping the subway for the cedars, here’s how to pull off the ultimate “Wild Wellness” trip:
- Getting There: fly from JFK or Newark to Vancouver, then take a quick 1-hour hopper flight to Prince George (YXS). From there, it’s an easy 75-minute drive east on Highway 16
- Admission is Free: unlike the pricey wellness retreats in the Catskills, entry to Chun T’oh Whudujut is free
- Stay Local: there’s no camping in the park. Most visitors stay in Prince George or grab a lakeside cabin at Purden Lake Park, just 30 miles away
- Pack Water: there’s no drinkable water in the forest. Think of this as a true “back to the elements” experience
🛶 Beyond the Forest
While you’re in Northern B.C., don’t just hike and leave.
- Indigenous Culture: visit the Artisan Shop at the new center to support Lheidli T’enneh makers
- The Winter Magic: if you visit in the off-season, the boardwalks remain open for snowshoeing, turning the ancient canopy into a glistening, silent cathedral of white
See a first-person look at the accessible boardwalks and the massive 2,000-year-old trees you’ll encounter on the trail below: