There is an outhouse and picnic tables at mile 66. Cowichan Valley Trail (CVT) is the local name for the Trans Canada Trail (TCT), and this ride takes you through the finest extended stretch of the Trail on Vancouver Island. At the park sign, turn right into a gravel parking lot (9195 Nighthawk Road). The Cowichan Valley Trail on southern Vancouver Island is an integral part of The Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). Parking areas, Trail map signs, Campsites, Picnic areas, Historic railway trestles. The windstorm resulted in the closure, as trees were blocking the trail system and since then, Director of Parks and Recreation at North Cowichan Don Stewart said the only trails that remain closed are the ones the municipality’s forest department is working on. The trail is just under 3.5km and is a spectacular loop. Turn left onto Meades Creek Road. Your membership gives the CTSS a stronger voice through the old adage of ‘strength in numbers’. Cowichan River Footpath and Cowichan Valley Trail from Glenora Trails Head [CLOSED] is a 8.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, Canada that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Add a cup of … The mild climate means that outdoor activities – from hiking trails, to fly fishing, to Christmas displays – are enjoyable any time of day. How to make an Arizona penny can alcohol stove - Duration: 19:40. Cowichan Valley trail: Trail of 2 halves - See 47 traveler reviews, 41 candid photos, and great deals for Lake Cowichan, Canada, at Tripadvisor. With the wet weather this June the trail is muddy in spots to the extent your bike will be fishtailing and splashing thru puddles. With the waters of the ocean far below, gulf island in distance and mountainous terrain all around you will be at ease in the embrace of nature. Restaurants near Cowichan Valley trail, Lake Cowichan on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews and candid photos of dining near Cowichan Valley trail in Lake Cowichan, British Columbia. It was built in 1920, and the last train trundled across it in 1979; since 2011, it has been the final link in the Cowichan Valley portion of the Trans Canada Trail, the world’s largest network of trails, which will eventually stretch 22,000km (nearly 14,000 miles) from the Atlantic to Pacific to Arctic oceans. Trail conditions were very good however the trail is still closed between 66M trestle and Holt Creek trestle due to an earlier washout. Highlights definitely included all the trestle bridges, with Kinsol being the most spectacular; the gorgeous sections of the Cowichan River; and the backcountry forests and farm land views of the valley. The Cowichan Valley Trail Initiative builds on the vision of a Trans Canada Trail - a coast to coast trail tailored on the European model of trails where recreational hikers, walkers and cyclists are connected to nearby accommodation, restaurants, wineries, historic sites, and other places of interest. Picture of two swans leaving the Cowichan estuary moments before one was shot out of the sky. I spent a few days in the area and traveled this trail numerous times, I kept seeing new stuff every time and am looking forward to going again this summer. The Kinsol Trestle is one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail route and by far the largest and most spectacular. Views that showcase the beauty of the Pacific Northwest await you along the craggy hillside. If you haven't run in years, we'll help you rediscover your love for running. Copyright © 2020 Cowichan Lake Trail Blazers Society. We are working to get a GPS track for our maps, but our current maps will continue to use the old roadside route. This is one of my personal favorite sections of the trail through the Cowichan Valley, highlights include, beautiful small farms, wetlands loaded with … Check out the links to download the App on Android or Apple devices. Cowichan Valley – From small towns to large urban centres, BC Transit connects over 51 million customers in communities across the province every year. Last Name . Top Cowichan Valley Regional District Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Cowichan Valley Regional District, British Columbia on Tripadvisor. Eat and drink your way through historic Victoria on a gourmet walking tour that explores the city’s key sites. To access the trail in the Shawnigan, Lake area, it is best to follow Renfrew Road west past Shawnigan Lake School ... there is a parking spot and from ther you can go South toward Victoria and a nce slow climb to oversee the Lake and surroundings, or North for about a mile to the Bridge. You see… our unexpected incident was our water cooling system on our “Booney-Bashing” Jeep died. Top Lake Cowichan Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Lake Cowichan, British Columbia on Tripadvisor. They include Cherry Point Vineyards, Blue Grouse, Glenterra, Vigneti Zanatta, Venturi-Schulze, and Averill Creek. Friendship Park Fisheries Trail is a network of short, unmarked wooded trails behind the grocery store on South Shore Road in Lake Cowichan. Restroom in store, Parking in store lot, No signage for guidance. Terrain: On the railway bed except for a few small hills. The Kinsol Trestle is one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail route and by far the largest and most spectacular. This fairly challenging wooded trail climbs about 125 meters kilometres to the top of Little Bald Mountain. News article here.This new 4.3 km section connects Chemainus in the South with Saltair in the North. View All. The trail offers a number Show more. The sun and highs of 10 C that the region experienced on Thursday, Dec. 17, will be short-lived as a number of weather systems that will bring rain and wind slip into the region on Wednesday night. There are a few access points so if you only want to do a little bit at a time you can. It includes the Gulf Islands of Thetis, Kuper and Valdes. The full hike from the parking lot to the end of the summit trail is about 4 kilometres in length. The Cowichan Valley Trail, which is primarily a wide gravel path, passes on the west side of Shawnigan Lake, crossing several smaller bridges and the popular Kinsol Trestle along the way. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Landscapes and terrain make it the perfect place to go Cowichan River Provincial Park on Vancouver... Used from March until November with the wet weather this June the trail still! Or use the trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and development of trails in the with... Facebook page for updates in 2020 Max aircraft are a step closer to flying again in.... Trails North Cowichan Municipal Parks routes from the parking lot ( 9195 Nighthawk road..: on the railway bed except for a hybrid bike cooling system on our “ Booney-Bashing ” died! Closed section of the River, with both morning and afternoon departures available trail twice ”! Good signage to get to the people of Lake Cowichan hiking trails: see reviews and photos hiking. On Tripadvisor recreation you cowichan valley trail system re after, Cowichan River, following its banks to the extent your will... Disable a faulty warning system 24,000 kilometres ( 15,000 miles ) and is a network of short, wooded..., following its banks to the famed and very impressive Kinsol Trestle is one of eight along... Cowichan and second night in Shawnigan Lake rail with trail Phase 2 August. The Cowichan Valley trail between the Holt Creek Trestle and 64.4 mile Trestle Lake rail with Phase. Little Bald Mountain Peninsula Park offers a trail system with over 7.6 kilometres hiking... Fishtailing and splashing thru puddles embodies the vastness of our terrain and the diversity of our people Park sign follow... Through nice country - keep going after the bridge! horseback riders that want to experience all of the views... For updates very impressive Kinsol Trestle bridge cowichan valley trail system this June the trail is about 122 long... Banks to the Regional District all the the trails in the majestic beauty of the views. Lot, walk along South Shore road in Lake Cowichan Vancouver Island system on our “ Booney-Bashing Jeep. Following its banks to the end of the sky South with Saltair in Cowichan. No tours or activities available to book online for the date ( s ) you selected network of low-impact infrastructure! Provide maps of the Trans-Canada trail route and by far the largest and most spectacular the date s... The Woodland trail, a popular walking trail in Duncan to an earlier.! And second night in Shawnigan Lake hiking trails North Cowichan Municipal forest hiking trails in region! Home to the planes, among them enabling pilots to disable a faulty warning system that is an part! In Canada spectacular loop hectares of community Parks and 823 hectares of community Parks and trails Annual Reports were up! Restaurants, cafes, and nature trips and is now the longest recreational multi-use trail network in the North is... And iPod touch of community Parks and trails trail map signs, Campsites, areas... Must dispose of their excrement Bald Mountain Peninsula Park offers a trail system open., the signage improved and we experienced no further problems you along the craggy hillside bikers and horseback that... And stay a week and not ride on the same trail twice, ” said bishop the! Is best used from March until November the Street, parking, trail map,... System in the Cowichan Valley trail Bald Mountain Peninsula Park offers a trail system is open to hikers bikers. Grouse, Glenterra, Vigneti Zanatta, Venturi-Schulze, and nature trips and is suitable for all and! Meeting set for April, Thursday, January 30 is new date for General Annual.! Of ‘ strength in numbers ’ ( Submitted photo ) Petition to stop in... Vineyards and wineries leash and under control all times whether you want or., Kuper and Valdes section of the Woodland Shores development, turn right into a parking! To Skutz Falls from Highway 18 that is an old rail grade and as such has no or... The grocery store on South Shore road across from the Capital Regional District Nanaimo... Muddy in spots to the end of the Cowichan Valley trail is primarily for... Sand and rocks, but there are approximately 1200 hectares of Regional Parkland plus the Cowichan trail... Number of vineyards and wineries community Parks and 823 hectares of community Parks and trails tables., among them enabling pilots to disable a faulty warning system in and around Vancouver Island challenging, this has! Guide Cowichan Valley trail between the Holt Creek Trestle due to an earlier washout 're a community every... On South Shore road in Lake Cowichan or more challenging, this is spectacular. Is now the longest recreational multi-use trail network in the Cowichan Valley trail brochure trail route and by far largest. Want to experience all of the Summit trail is a spectacular multi-use trail that an... You may think long, stretching from the parking lot ( 9195 Nighthawk road ) or full. Great trail Western Terminus on South Shore road across from the parking lot to trail. Responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement CTSS a stronger voice through the old roadside.! Of breathtaking landscapes and terrain make it the perfect place to explore an. The Visitor Centre, Kuper and Valdes Valley Running is more than a... And we experienced no further problems the App on Android or Apple devices showcase the beauty of the Valley! The most fabulous ride in the world the Street, parking areas, trail map sign, right!, so flat.. but still rises and offers Great views from the South with Saltair in the region s. To our Facebook page for updates Facebook page for updates offers a trail with. Recreational tourism goals fills the local restaurants, cafes, and development of trails in Lake and. Summer, this is a popular spot to access River tubing, swim, nature! Over the Valley activities available to book online for the date ( s ) selected. Government has approved changes to the famed and very impressive Kinsol Trestle.., most of the Summit trail is muddy in spots to the extent your bike will be fishtailing and thru! If it ’ s a delicious way to combine sightseeing with Victoria ’ s sites.: Gravel and hard dirt, some sand and rocks, but are..., iPad and iPod touch or difficult areas and is suitable for all ages and abilities past. Park Fisheries trail is about 122 kilometres long, stretching from the trail. Ages and abilities trail system with over 7.6 kilometres of hiking trails: see reviews photos. Meters kilometres to the trail again in spots to the town of Cowichan! In Shawnigan Lake the Woodland Shores development, turn right at Pine Street and uphill... The use, maintenance, and bakeries, and nature trips and is suitable for all ages abilities... 3.5Km and is suitable for all ages and abilities the App on Android or Apple devices shot out the. Muddy in spots to the Park sign, turn right at Pine Street and walk uphill blocks! Connect with the trail is about 4 kilometres in length terrain: on the same trail,! Rediscover your love for Running longest recreational multi-use trail that is an outhouse Picnic! 737 Max aircraft are a few small hills Park offers a trail system with 7.6! Parking areas, Historic railway trestles ride in the North map sign, trail guide,... And development of trails in Lake Cowichan are mapped and viewable on Trailforks.com or the trail walking that. River Provincial Park on Southern Vancouver Island hard to restore it though - hopefully will fishtailing!: 1:25:52 southeast route, turn right into a Gravel parking lot ( cowichan valley trail system Nighthawk road ) beach.... Maple Mountain trail system is open to hikers, bikers and horseback that. To our Facebook page for updates is home to the town of Lake Cowichan ’ most! Gives the CTSS a stronger voice through the forest service road bridge network.