How to Hike Meares Island With a Baby: What It’s Really Like (and What to Bring)
Today I took our four-month-old, Marshall, over to Meares Island while camping in Tofino, and it ended up being his first real hike—and a surprisingly successful one. My mum (aka Marshall’s Mima) came with us, which made everything smoother, as usual. We booked the water taxi through Jamie’s Whaling Station (same company we went whale watching with the day before), and it was a quick ride across to the trailhead. The trees were next-level.
We did the full Big Tree Trail loop, which had been hyped up on AllTrails as a muddy mess. Honestly? Not that bad. Yes, there’s some climbing over logs and ducking under limbs, but nothing too dramatic. Totally doable with a baby in a carrier—as long as you’re good with a bit of a scramble here and there.
What I Used (and Loved)
I wore the BabyBjörn Mini in leopard print—one of my only indulgent pregnancy purchases that actually paid off. I love how easy it is to get Marshall in and out, and now that his neck is stronger I can face him out when he’s awake, or tuck him in with the neck support up when he’s tired. It’s not a hiking pack, but for shorter trails like this, it’s all I needed. Bonus points for not feeling like a turtle in a full-frame carrier.
Trail Highlights
The trees are wild. Giant red cedars and western hemlocks, some over 1,000 years old. The “Hanging Garden Tree” is apparently close to 2,000.
Not actually that muddy. A bit slick in spots, but no bogs or swamp-slogging. Bring good shoes and you’ll be fine.
Boardwalk to root scramble. The first part is a cedar boardwalk. Once you hit the loop, it’s roots, logs, and a natural trail—no strollers here.
Bonus birdwatching. My mum was stoked to see her first chestnut-backed chickadee, which made her whole week—and will absolutely make my birdwatching grandad jealous.
Doing It With a Baby
Water taxi logistics: Super easy. Jamie’s runs regular tours and was chill about baby gear. Just try to time the ride between naps or feeds.
Carrier over stroller, obviously: There’s no way a stroller would survive this trail. Babywearing is the only move.
Take your time: We stopped for breaks, let Marshall nap, and just moved at our own pace. He was either sleeping or staring up at the canopy, fully mesmerized.
Having help = huge: Mima carried extras, pointed out birds, and helped with diaper bag duty. 10/10 would bring again.
Final Take
If you’re in Tofino with a baby and wondering whether Meares Island is worth the effort—it is. The boat ride’s quick, the trail is manageable with a carrier, and the forest is the kind of place that sticks with you. Just wear proper shoes, bring layers, and pack snacks. You’ll be glad you went.
