Seven Sisters Replantation Plaque

In 1988, seven Douglas Fir trees were planted near the original Seven Sisters. These new trees stand as a living memorial, commemorating Stanley Park’s centennial. The Seven Sisters Replantation Plaque tells their story. The original Seven Sisters were a magnificent grove of Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar. They captivated visitors at the turn of the 19th century. Their fame grew so great that a dedicated trail, Cathedral Trail, was created to accommodate the throngs who wished to experience their majesty. These trees were not just a natural wonder, they were a cultural touchstone. Pauline Johnson, the celebrated Mohawk poet, immortalized them in her “Legends of Vancouver”. She recounted a First Nations tale of seven benevolent souls transformed into these trees, guardians against a malevolent spirit known as the “lure”. Whether you believe in folklore or not, the Seven Sisters were undeniably special. They were so tall they felt like a natural cathedral. Sadly, by 1953, these giants had reached the end of their life cycle. They posed a potential danger to park-goers. The difficult decision was made to remove them, leaving behind only their massive stumps. The Seven Sisters Replantation Plaque, near these remaining stumps, serves as a reminder of their grandeur and enduring presence in the park’s history. While the original Seven Sisters are gone, their legacy lives on through these young trees. They offer a promise of future majesty, a testament to the enduring power of nature.