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Cowichan Valley Trail
Features
The Cowichan Valley Trail is a spectacular multi-use trail that is an integral part of the Trans-Canada Trail route on Southern Vancouver Island. From the south end of Shawnigan Lake to the Town of Lake Cowichan, the trail follows the gentle grade of the former turn of the century CN railway line that served pioneer logging and settlement communities. The trail continues from the Town of Lake Cowichan to Sherman Road following the former E&N rail grade. The waterline route through the Municipality of North Cowichan has been complete as well as new sections linking Chemainus to the Nanaimo Regional District.
Park Size: 122 km (75.8 miles)
Category: Regional Park
Special Features: Historic railway trestles, including Kinsol, Holt Creek, Marie Canyon, Fairservice, 70.2 Mile, Mile 66, Glenora and McGee Creek Trestles |
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Amenities: Park amenities include picnic area and trails.
How to Get There
For an up-to-date map of the Cowichan Valley Trail please click here.
Lake Cowichan Staging Area: From the Trans Canada Highway, turn west onto Cowichan Valley Highway (Hwy 18)...follow into Town of Lake Cowichan (Hwy becomes South Shore Rd)... Left on King George...Right on Wellington...Look for trail info centre on right and trailhead kiosk on left.
Sooke Lake Road Staging Area: From the Trans Canada Hwy, turn onto S. Shawnigan Lake Rd…Left onto Sooke Lake Rd. The Staging Area is located on the right, approximately two minutes down the road.
Glenora Trailhead Park: From the Trans Canada Highway, turn west onto Trunk Rd…Left onto Allenby Rd (turns into Indian Rd)…Right onto Glenora Rd…Right onto Vaux Rd (turns into Robertson Rd). The staging area is located on the left near Cowichan River Provincial Park.
Kinsol Trestle South Side: From the Trans Canada Highway, turn west onto Hutchinson Rd…Left onto Cobble Hill Rd (turns into Shawnigan Lake Rd)…Right onto Renfrew Rd…Right onto Glen Eagles Rd...Right onto Shelby Rd. The parking lot is located on the left. (note) Public access to the trestle is only from the south side of the trestle along Renfrew Road and GlenEagles Road.
History
The Kinsol, Holt Creek, Marie Canyon, and McGee Creek Trestles have been restored for hiking, cycling, and equestrian use as part of the rail / trail experience. The historic Kinsol Trestle, reportedly the highest wooden rail trestle in Canada, is now open to the public. Please click here for more information on the Kinsol trestle and access to the site. Efforts are underway to complete remaining sections of the Cowichan Valley Trail route through the Region, which will eventually connect to the Galloping Goose Trail in the Capital Regional District and to Nanaimo Regional District’s section of the Trans Canada Trail. Once fully in place, the 122 km (75.8 mile) route will link communities across the region as a world-class, uninterrupted trail experience for use and enjoyment by residents and visitors alike.
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