Climbers are changing how they experience British Columbia’s forests by climbing high into trees and describing the activity as a way to build a different relationship with the natural environment. One featured climber, Tom Zadorsky, is part of a movement that emphasizes curiosity and a childlike mindset while viewing forests from above.
Across outlets, the central idea is similar: climbing—reaching tens of metres into mature trees such as grand firs—offers a shift in perspective that participants say helps them see the woods differently than they do from the ground. Coverage highlights the personal, experiential aspect of tree climbing rather than focusing on competition or conventional outdoor recreation.
The articles vary mainly in tone and framing. One outlet leads with the theme of “awakening” a climber’s inner child, while another opens with a vivid description of being around 50 metres up, where everyday ground-level concerns feel less relevant. Both present the practice as a distinct approach to experiencing B.C.’s trees, grounded in direct observation from within the forest canopy.
