Access to the trail is from two trailheads: The Cowichan Fish and Game Association Range and clubhouse off Vaux Road (eastern end) where the path follows the ridges of the river occasionally veering onto old logging roads of the Canadian National Railway right-of-way. Some short hills and a … The Cowichan Valley Trail is open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders that want to experience all of the wonderful views available. The Cowichan River footpath was developed by the Cowichan Fish and Game Association between 1960 and 1969, with the co-operation of government, industry and private individuals. Bus picks up Cowichan students at Building 700, front entrance at 11:00 am. Some short hills and a … Access to the Cowichan River via steep trail is possible at the 66 Mile Trestle and the 70.2 Mile Trestle for surface water requiring treatment. Some very rooted sections in the first 4 K. Trail eventually turn inland and gets to Trans Canada Trail. The nearest airport is Victoria International Airport, 78 km from Cowichan River … Heading south from Maple Bay on Genoa Bay road you will turn left onto the newly built Stoney Hill road. Cycling: The Cowichan Valley Trail Trail starts in the village of Lake Cowichan at Saywell Park and runs generally parallel to the Cowichan River. Parks on the Cowichan River: These parks are part of the Cowichan River Provincial Park. Later, log-laden train cars would thunder along the tracks high above the Cowichan River. The trail is about 122 kilometres long, stretching from the Capital Regional District all the way to the Regional District of Nanaimo. Become a Member Today. Networks. The trail starts just below Skutz Falls at the forest service road bridge. The up-river section on the north side is a more overgrown trail. Cowichan River Lodge offers a terrace. The rest of the trail is mostly seasonal swamps not suitable for treatment. The last train crossed here in 1979, so you don’t have to work about staring down a locomotive. Follow the Trans Canada Trail until crosses the river. Other notable trails include the 20 km Cowichan River Footpath, which winds west from Duncan to spectacular Skutz Falls, and the Trans Canada Trail, which skirts Shawnigan Lake and crosses over the 144-foot-high, knee-knocking Kinsol Trestle to Cowichan Lake, North Cowichan and Ladysmith. The trail will generally not get too muddy in the rain (except the branch trails running by the Cowichan River). Cowichan River Lodge is nestled on the heritage status Cowichan River and offers luxury accommodation amongst 16 acres of Canadian wilderness, just 5 minutes from Lake Cowichan. It follows the bank on both sides of the river, with various offshoots providing water or beach access. Turn left at T/C trail and follow it back to Glendora. The construction of wooden platforms along the trail, one viewing tower, and a roofed overview bill-board at the trail-head are planned. Time: 3 ... turn right. Cowichan River - Skutz Falls to 66 Mile Trestle Loop Total Distance: 7 km. Duncan Farmer's Market; B.C. That’s why the Cowichan Lake Trail Blazers Society is planning to enhance and develop trails for hiking and biking. Our first night was spent in Lake Cowichan and second night in Shawnigan Lake. Some very rooted sections in the first 4 K. Trail eventually turn inland and gets to Trans Canada Trail. Cowichan River Provincial Park, located just outside of Duncan, is a popular place for fishing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, camping, horseback riding, biking, and wildlife viewing. As for the video, Dunn said it’s all in a day’s work: he takes care of the river that takes care of him. The Cowichan River Footpath has a number of access points that leave the rail-bed and wander nearer the river, to join the old rail-bed again. The trail is mostly converted rail trail, however some sections early on are on side roads - all sections are truly beautiful and well worth the visit. Town: Lake Cowichan, BC. Cowichan Trails Stewardship Society Building. Diana Princess of Wales Park, located in Saltair, features a walking trail that winds through over 12 hectares of beautiful forested areas near the Strait of Georgia. This provides access to the eastern trailhead of the Cowichan River Trail. The Kinsol Trestle (also known as Koksllah River Trestle) in Cowichan Valley was completed in 1920 and is one of the largest timber bridges in the world. “I have cleaned up truck loads of garbage,” he said. About the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre. The restored 66-Mile and Holt Creek Trestles on the Trans-Canada Trail provide spectacular river views and the opportunity to imagine a time when cedar dug out canoes would travel the river using it as a highway. It is not often adjacent to the river, though, plus it runs through immature forest and has few viewpoints. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy hiking nearby, or make the most of the garden. Not to be confused with the Cowichan Valley Trail, this 20-kilometre woodland trail hugs the Cowichan River from Skutz Falls to Glenora Trails Head Park. Fun Fact. The Cowichan River Footpath is a 20-km historical trail winding its way alongside the river, connecting all of the river's parks. The approximately 1.4 km long trail will follow the old railroad line along the Westcan Causeway in the centre of the Cowichan Estuary offering spectacular views of still rather unspoiled sections of the northern part of the Estuary. Forest Discovery Centre; Duncan Totem Poles; Cowichan River Tubing - The Tube Shack; Averill Creek Vineyard; Kenzie's Fishing Adventures; ORKA - Outdoor Recreation and Kayak Adventures; Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre; Cowichan Valley trail; Gordon Bay Provincial Park Cowichan River Footpath. The main trail is well marked but several older secondary routes still exist and these are not signed or maintained. Information on camping in the area can be found in our camping section. This trail takes you through the forest, then over Stoltz Bluff, and back to Mayo Road. The Footpath is a historic 20-km trail that winds its way along the scenic Cowichan River, from Glenora to Skutz Falls. Stoney Hill Trail. Skultz Falls: Western trailhead of the Cowichan River Footpath, pleasant walks, fishing, picnics, great swimming and tube runs. Things to do near Cowichan River Provincial Park. At the end on Allenby turn left onto Indian Rd and then right onto Vaux Rd which is just before the Glenora Community Hall. Once you leave the river a very good trail. The clubhouse is at the eastern trailhead of the Cowichan River Footpath. The Glenora Trails Head Park is an important eastern gateway to the Cowichan River Provincial Park, the central portion of the Cowichan Valley Trail (part of The Great Trail), the Cowichan River Footpath and Glenora Riverside Park. This trip requires students to hike for up to 3 hours on relatively easy to moderate trails with some steep sections going both up and down. This is an easy to moderate level of hiking and you should allow approximately 6.5 hours to hike its length. A recent addition to the Cowichan Valley Trail is the Saltair Rail With Trail project completed this spring. Used a river as a dominant form of transportation. Why is the Kinsol Trestle important? Once you leave the river a very good trail. Our first night was spent in Lake Cowichan and second night in Shawnigan Lake. Please bring enough food and water for your entire day. These include guides for CVRD parks and trails, Ladysmith’s trails and North Cowichan’s Parks, Recreation & Trails. Once those fishermen and women see the beauty that is the Cowichan Valley and the sweet fishing available on the Cowichan River, they may just want to visit and book his services. Our first night was spent in Lake Cowichan and second night in Shawnigan Lake. Trail crosses Holt Creek and follows the Cowichan River. Just after crossing the Trestle follow the footpath that branches off to the right. The Cowichan Valley Trail, on Vaux Road, or that portion of the Trans-Canada Trail through the valley, is a 120 km multi-use trail route that connects communities throughout the Cowichan Valley Regional District and will include planned extensions to the Galloping Goose Trail in the Capital Regional District and the Nanaimo Regional District's portion of the Trans-Canada Trail. The main trail is well marked, but several older secondary routes still exist, and these are not sign-posted or maintained. This is an easy to moderate level of hiking, and you should allow about 6 hours to hike its length. Above the headwaters of the Heritage Cowichan River lies Cowichan Lake and the communities of Lake Cowichan, Youbou, Mesachie, and Honeymoon Bay. The trail is mostly converted rail trail, however some sections early on are on side roads - all sections are truly beautiful and well worth the visit. Backcountry BC is a group of like-minded individuals whose aim is to protect access to the province's backcountry and advocate for new non-mechanized trails by lobbying government recreation activities and for preserving our wilderness areas. This program is a guided hike into the beautiful area of Cowichan River Provincial Park. If you’d like an overview of local trails, there are several brochures available. The lake has long been known for forestry and outdoor recreation, but more access to our natural assets is key. Cowichan River Footpath: This historic trail winds its way along the Cowichan River for approximately 20 km from Glenora to Skutz Falls. Sustainability – Our network of low-impact recreational infrastructure supports the region’s sustainable recreational tourism goals. Which direction to go. Turn left at T/C trail and follow it back to Glendora. This short but rewarding trail provides amazing views from high on top of the bluffs of Sansum Narrows nestled between Maple Bay and Cowichan Bay. Check All Station Name Province Station Number Data Available (Past 6 hours) Operation Schedule; ADAMS LAKE NEAR SQUILAX: BC: 08LD003: Yes: Continuous: ADAMS RIVER NEAR SQUILAX Trail crosses Holt Creek and follows the Cowichan River. It boasts the warmth and welcoming charm of a local, family run B&B and is the perfect place to launch a fly fishing adventure, wilderness retreat, family gathering or a much needed getaway. The historic 20-kilometre Cowichan River Trail and the recently completed Trans Canada Trail (with refurbished trestles), provides access for hikers, bikers and equestrians. Past the Glenora area, the Vancouver Island Trail (and Great Trail/TCT) heads more or less to the west along the Cowichan River on the 1913 rail grade and over several old wooden trestles such as the Holt Trestle, and eventually crosses over to the north side of the Cowichan River at Marie Canyon (the 64.4 Mile Bridge). The trail is mostly converted rail trail, however some sections early on are on side roads - all sections are truly beautiful and well worth the visit. Cowichan River Trail. Nature’s. Access: Eastern (down river) trailhead:Going northward to Duncan on Highway 1, turn left onto Allenby. What We Stand For . According to Istace, it has already become very popular with bike commuters. 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