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Cowichan Valley Parks, Recreation and Culture
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Kinsol Trestle

The Historic Kinsol Trestle is now open to the public for cyclists, hikers and equestrians to experience the full Cowichan Valley Trail in the Cowichan Region.

The rehabilitation of the Historic Kinsol Trestle was a joint project of the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the Government of Canada, and the Province of British Columbia. Major project sponsors included the Island Coastal Economic Trust, the Trans Canada Trail, the Cowichan Foundation and numerous local businesses, community groups and citizens. 

Efforts are underway to complete the 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. 

The Kinsol Trestle is managed by the Cowichan Valley Regional District under the Regional Parks program. 		Kinsol reopening event

The Kinsol Trestle is one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail route and by far the largest and most spectacular. The Kinsol Trestle is one of the tallest free-standing and most spectacular timber rail trestle structures in the world. At 614 feet in length and standing 145 feet above the salmon bearing Koksilah River, the Kinsol is an incredible structure and was worth preserving.
picnic.jpg Trails Mountain Biking equestrian use

Special Features: Historic Railway Trestle

Amenities: Park amenities include benches, trails, kiosk.

How to Get There

Public access to the Kinsol is from Shawnigan Lake through to the south end of the Trestle. Directions

From Victoria:  From the Trans Canada Highway turn west onto Mill Bay/Shawnigan Lake Road and go all the way into the Village of Shawnigan Lake. Turn right onto Shawnigan Lake Road and follow it until it turns into Renfrew Road. Follow Renfrew road past the end of the Lake to Gleneagles Road and turn right. There is a public parking area about 550 metres down the road on the right hand side. Park here and take walk to the Trestle which is approximately 1.2 km in distance.

From Nanaimo: Drive south of Duncan on the Trans Canada Highway and turn west (right) onto Cobble Hill/Shawnigan Lake Road and follow it all the way to Shawnigan Lake. Turn right onto Renfrew Road and follow the road past the end of the Lake to Gleneagles Road and turn right. There is a public parking area about 550 metres down the road on the right hand side. Park here and walk on the Cowichan Valley Trail to the Trestle which is approximately 1.2 km in distance.

Additional Information
    • A KINSOL FACT SHEET is available here and can also be picked up at the CVRD office in Duncan.
    • A press release was issued on July 13, 2011 for the opening event. Click News Release for a copy. 
    • You can also view the original Campaign Brochure. 
    • If you would like to continue to donate to the trestle you can also visit www.kinsol.ca for more information on donating.
    • There is also a live webcam on site of the Kinsol for minute to minute updates through the Ministry Construction Camera Web Page  at http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/constructioncams/index.htm


 To view aerial photos of the reopening event from July 28, 2011 click here (.pdf)

Visit the site regularily as more information will be posted.

 

175 Ingram Street, Duncan, British Columbia V9L 1N8
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