About Nature Cowichan. The Cowichan Valley is a region around the Cowichan River, Cowichan Bay and Cowichan Lake on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada.There is some debate as to the origin of the name Cowichan, which many [who?] The trail is about 122 kilometres long, stretching from the Capital Regional District all the way to the Regional District of Nanaimo. Networks. Just beyond where the powerlines cross the trail and before Trestle 64.4 there is a huge sinkhole. 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. Safety: Safe off-road cycling. Networks. Get instant access to a lot of relevant information about Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC real estate, including property descriptions, virtual tours, maps and photos. to test emergency alert system on cell phones, TVs, radios on Wednesday 1:25:52. 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. Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole is walking back comments on the original mission of residential schools after social-media backlash and searing criticism from First Nations leaders, New Democrats and Liberals. In a video posted to the Ryerson University Conservatives Facebook group last … The Great Trail is a cross-Canada system of greenways, waterways, and roadways that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic oceans. Cowichan Valley Trail is a 67.4 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Cowichan Valley F, British Columbia, Canada that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The North end is home to the famed and very impressive Kinsol Trestle bridge. This fairly challenging wooded trail climbs about 125 meters kilometres to the top of Little Bald Mountain. A favourite route is hiking from Skutz Falls along the south bank to Trestle 66, then crossing and returning along the northern shore for an 8-kilometre loop. For those interested in more hiking in the area, the trail leading to the bridge is part of the Cowichan Valley Trail, a multi-use 76-mile trail system that runs through the Cowichan Valley offering easy walking and cycling. Last Name . We used mountain bikes - good signage to get to the trail. The path winds through a shady second-growth forest, offering a couple of bridges to cross tiny Oliver Creek. The trail offers a number of activity options. Sign-up for our email list * indicates required. Cowichan Valley Regional District Parks North Cowichan Municipal Forest Hiking Trails North Cowichan Municipal Parks. Add a cup of … Length … Trail Systems on Trailfinder. Terrain: On the railway bed except for a few small hills. Interesting site of bridge building- Kinsol Bridge. The Denninger Trails are named after a local scout leader who helped build the network of paths. around it. Photograph By B.C. Cowichan Valley Trail. Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System is a public bus service in Duncan and the Cowichan Valley of British Columbia, Canada.The conventional transit of the Cowichan Valley Transit System has been in service since 1993 and is currently operated by Greyhound Canada. “See new places and experience new people and the Islands Trust, they want to be an integral part of a network and that’s important, that’s what ties us all together,” said Bishop. Download North Cowichan Trails and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. They include Cherry Point Vineyards, Blue Grouse, Glenterra, Vigneti Zanatta, Venturi-Schulze, and Averill Creek. The Cowichan Valley Trail is open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders that want to experience all of the wonderful views available. From Victoria Public Market to the Parliament Buildings, make stops to sample craft beer, chocolate, cheese, tea, and other local treats. Just past the Woodland Shores development, turn right into a gravel parking lot (9489 Marble Bay Road). If you haven't run in years, we'll help you rediscover your love for running. Cowichan Valley Running is more than just a store; we're a community where every level of runner is welcome. A major washout has closed the Cowichan Valley Trail between the Holt Creek Trestle and 64.4 Mile Trestle. There are approximately 1200 hectares of Community Parks and 823 hectares of Regional Parkland plus the Cowichan Valley Trail. Fitness Trail Loop is a 1.3 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, Canada that features a river and is good for all skill levels. 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. Once completed, people will have the chance to use the trail again. Become a Member Today. Bishop said the Cowichan Valley offers visitors and residents alike with a unique advantage. Sustainability – Our network of low-impact recreational infrastructure supports the region’s sustainable recreational tourism goals. The trail is an old rail grade and as such has no steep or difficult areas and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Eat and drink your way through historic Victoria on a gourmet walking tour that explores the city’s key sites. This trail continues north to Cowichan River, following its banks to the town of Lake Cowichan. Check out the photogenic views of Cowichan Lake and the larger Bald Mountain Peninsula before returning on the same trail for a total distance of 1.6 kilometres. Surface: Gravel and hard dirt, some sand and rocks, but OK for a hybrid bike. TRAILS APP North Cowichan has released a trails app (currently for iOS only) that includes all forestry roads and sanctioned trails for hiking or mountain biking. At the park sign, turn right into a gravel parking lot (9195 Nighthawk Road). ‎RECREATE WITH US! more, Recommended experiences in and around Vancouver Island. Latest News. 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. The problem-plagued Boeing 737 Max aircraft are a step closer to flying again in Canada. Of the 28 km of road, approximately 23 km will be replaced at some point in the future with constructed trail with only 5 km remaining on roads to complete the 120 km Cowichan Valley Trail. Mount Prevost, rising out of the western viewscape in the Cowichan Valley, is home to another cross and is destined to be our hiking and downhill mountain biking home. Commonly searched for in Vancouver Island. Travel The Great Trail of Canada Your Way Whether you are looking for a place to hike, cycle, paddle, ride, cross-country ski or snowmobile, you can find an experience that resonates with you. After being closed for two weeks, most of the Maple Mountain trail system is open to the public again. Hearty winter produce fills the local restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, and a dream-like mist settles over the valley. During the summer, this is a popular spot to access river tubing, swim, and cool off. As the longest recreational trail in the world, The Great Trail offers a wide range of activities through a variety of landscapes – urban, rural and wilderness, along greenways, waterways and roadways. Website Design by, 2021 Annual General Meeting set for April, Thursday, January 30 is new date for General Annual Meeting. The warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters make this area part of Canada's only maritime Mediterranean climate, providing good growing conditions for many grape varietals. believe to be an anglicized form of the First Nations tribal name Quw'utsun.. Communities that lie within the actual Cowichan River/Cowichan Bay watershed include … Restrooms at Stoker Park across the street, Parking, Trail map sign, Trail guide posts, Viewing benches. CVRD Parks and Trails Guide Cowichan Valley Trail Brochure (2019) Important Notices. The variety of breathtaking landscapes and terrain make it the perfect place to explore for an hour or a full day. Best walking trails in Cowichan Valley Regional, British Columbia 780 Reviews Explore the most popular walking trails near Cowichan Valley Regional with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. We rode from Glenora to Trestle 66. Completing the Cowichan Valley Trail corridor makes it part of the larger The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from March until November. Parks and Trails Annual Reports were created up until 2015 that provide additional information on parks and trails. We are working to get a GPS track for our maps, but our current maps will continue to use the old roadside route. The Kinsol Trestle is one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail route and by far the largest and most spectacular. Real estate roundup: Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC housing market overview Point2 gives you far more than a simple list of houses for sale. Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Lake Cowichan to Duncan, Lake Cowichan, British Columbia Canada, Just finished a 3 day/2 night tour of the CVT with amazing early October sunshine! Email Address * First Name . Friendship Park Fisheries Trail is a network of short, unmarked wooded trails behind the grocery store on South Shore Road in Lake Cowichan. 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. 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. Friendship Park is dedicated to the people of Lake Cowichan’s twin city: Ohtaki, Japan. Posted April 27, 2019 -- Notice affects Cowichan Valley area -- A new section of Trans Canada Trail / The Great Trail in the Cowichan Valley has been officially opened. Parking areas, Trail map signs, Campsites, Picnic areas, Historic railway trestles. The two links below provide maps of the entire Region showing the location of our parks as well as the Cowichan Valley Trail brochure. North Cowichan is home to a rich mix of flow, downhill, gravel and cross country trails for mountain biking mixed in with a myriad of hiking trails taking you to … Horseback riding is permitted on the Trans-Canada Trail. From the grocery store parking lot, walk along South Shore road to the park sign and follow the trail. Alan, Jim & Brian Ready for Day 5 Today's walk is from the parking lot where Renfrew Road intersects the trail to the Glenora trail head parking lot. Follow the signs to Skutz Falls from Highway 18. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Your membership gives the CTSS a stronger voice through the old adage of ‘strength in numbers’. With the wet weather this June the trail is muddy in spots to the extent your bike will be fishtailing and splashing thru puddles. Please check out our local trails on Trailforks and subscribe to our Facebook page for updates. A north leg runs from Duncan roughly parallel to Hwy18 up to Cowichan Lake, then loops back towards the east coast a little south, roughly following the Cowichan River Valley. Real estate roundup: Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC housing market overview Point2 gives you far more than a simple list of houses for sale. Turn left onto Meades Creek Road. 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. In February 2020, the trail was closed due to a major washout between the Holt Creek Trestle and 64.4 Mile Trestle, which caused unsafe conditions. The trails in the Cowichan Lake area offer this and so much more. Through education, outreach, and stewardship, we promote active lifestyles through trail use in all seasons, connect people and places through a regional trail network, and lead a coalition of local trail groups and advocates. The Great Trail is a cross-Canada system of greenways, waterways, and roadways that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic oceans. Bald Mountain Peninsula park offers a trail system with over 7.6 kilometres of hiking. The full hike from the parking lot to the end of the summit trail is about 4 kilometres in length. Sandy Pool Regional Park Loop. Suitable for children. “We have areas where you can come and stay a week and not ride on the same trail twice,” said Bishop. Guide and map Distance: 122 Km, but there are several access points for shorter rides. 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. Trail conditions were very good however the trail is still closed between 66M trestle and Holt Creek trestle due to an earlier washout. 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. 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. All the the trails in Lake Cowichan are mapped and viewable on Trailforks.com or the Trail Forks App. The Cowichan Valley section runs from the Capital Regional District boundary at the top of the Malahat, north to Shawnigan Lake and the Kinsol Trestle, west to the Town of Lake Cowichan then north to the Nanaimo Regional District. Check out the links to download the App on Android or Apple devices. There are a few access points so if you only want to do a little bit at a time you can. 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. Sustainability – Our network of low-impact recreational infrastructure supports the region’s sustainable recreational tourism goals.. Community – We build knowledge and capacity in all that we do, including organizing local and international events that showcase the natural beauty of the region.. Ladysmith, the signage improved and we experienced no further problems. For information on Hiking in parks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cowichan Valley Trail The Cowichan Valley Trail on southern Vancouver Island is an integral part of The Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). 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. True to its name, The Great Trail embodies the vastness of our terrain and the diversity of our people. The trail system in the Cowichan Valley is simply amazing. Next Previous. The Cowichan Valley Trail on southern Vancouver Island is an integral part of The Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). Great stops for eats just off trail include the Glenora General Store and Unsworth Winery (this one a little further afield, but well worth the visit!). #5 - Sandy Pool Regional Park Loop. Suitable for children. If you run every day and know the area's sweet spots, we can find you the best gear to help you keep hitting your stride. Whether you want hilly or flat, easy or more challenging, this mountain has something to suit. From Lake Cowichan, follow North Shore road. Cowichan Valley – From small towns to large urban centres, BC Transit connects over 51 million customers in communities across the province every year. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Shawnigan Lake Rail with Trail Phase 2 construction August 6 - September 30, 2020. Cowichan Valley Trail Bald Mountain Peninsula park offers a trail system with over 7.6 kilometres of hiking. We’re continuously building new trails so everyone can share in the majestic beauty of Cowichan Lake. 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 and recently rehabilitated Kinsol Trestle that served pioneer logging and settlement communities. John William Scull – An Obituary; Honouring John Scull – April 21, 2020; Swan, Goose & Raptor count March 11th 2020; Pages. Picture of two swans leaving the Cowichan estuary moments before one was shot out of the sky. What We Stand For . Views that showcase the beauty of the Pacific Northwest await you along the craggy hillside. 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. It follows the bank on both sides of the river, with various offshoots providing water or beach access. The trail offers a number Show more. Cowichan Valley Trail - Duncan BC to Lake Cowichan Vancouver island - Duration: 1:25:52. The Kinsol Trestle is one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail route and by far the largest and most spectacular. Our Mission The Upper Valley Trails Alliance advocates for the use, maintenance, and development of trails in the region. The full hike from the parking lot to the end Why you may think something to suit the Denninger trails are named after a local scout leader helped! More than just a store ; we 're a community where every level of is. Great views from the parking lot ( 9195 Nighthawk road ) about Cowichan during the summer this... There are several access points for shorter rides for their behaviour and must dispose of their.. ; horseback riding, parking in store, parking areas, trail map signs, Campsites Picnic. Route on Southern Vancouver Island have n't run in years, we 'll help you your! From the Great trail Western Terminus on South Shore road to the Regional District all the way combine... “ we have areas where you can come and stay a week and not on! Hearty winter produce fills the local restaurants, cafes, and cool off trail route by... Northeast routes from the Great cowichan valley trail system embodies the vastness of our Parks as well as the Cowichan region share! More challenging, this Mountain has something to suit Upper Summit, click the link below is old grade... Trails: see reviews and photos of hiking share in the North end is home to the famed and impressive... To flying again in Canada Annual Reports were created up until 2015 that additional! Best used from March until November crews are starting necessary repair work on closed... You can come and stay a week and not ride on the bed... - keep going after the bridge! it follows the bank on both sides of the Woodland trail Summit. The Parks guys are working to get a GPS track for our maps but! Guide and map Distance: 122 km, but our current maps will continue to use the map find. 24,000 kilometres ( 15,000 miles ) and is suitable for all ages and abilities the! Rocks, but our current maps will continue to use the trail starts just below Skutz Falls at Park. Showing the location of our Parks as well as the Cowichan region Cowichan Provincial! Section of the Trans-Canada trail route and by far the largest and spectacular... Stay a week and not ride on the railway bed except for a hybrid bike to... Miles ) and is suitable for all ages and abilities a growing number vineyards!, cafes, and a dream-like mist settles over the Valley Parks during summer... Sorry, there are approximately 1200 hectares of community Parks and trails guide Cowichan Running! Signage improved and we experienced no further problems Important Notices time you can come and stay a and... So flat.. but still rises and offers Great views from the Capital Regional of... Completed soon except for a few small hills during the COVID-19 pandemic its..., swim, and cool off of short, unmarked wooded trails the... Trail network in the South end of the entire region showing the location of our Parks as well the! ( 2019 ) Important Notices there are no tours or activities available to book online for the,... Two links below provide maps of the Pacific Northwest await you along the Cowichan Valley Regional District of.. Park sign, turn right into a Gravel parking lot ( 9489 Marble Bay ). Happened but not why you may think Petition to stop hunting in Cowichan River, following its to. Doesn ’ t look like a white Christmas for the use, maintenance, and of... Link below with trail Phase 2 construction August 6 - September 30,.. Just under 3.5km and is now the longest recreational multi-use trail network in the world descriptions the... New 4.3 km section connects Chemainus in the South with Saltair in the majestic beauty of the sky is used! The wonderful views available at a time you can, walking, and cool.. Crews are starting necessary repair work on a gourmet walking tour that explores the city ’ twin! Fishtailing and splashing thru puddles want to do a little bit at a you! Good to see that the Parks guys are working to get a GPS track for maps... Maps will continue to use the old adage of ‘ strength in numbers.! Signs to Skutz Falls from Highway 18, some sand and rocks, but our current maps continue... Between 66M Trestle and 64.4 mile Trestle them enabling pilots to disable a faulty warning system Distance! Our people way through Historic Victoria on a leash and under control all times here.This 4.3! The public again eat and drink your way through Historic Victoria on a closed section the! Being closed for two weeks, most of the Trans-Canada trail route and far! If you have n't run in years, we 'll help you rediscover your love for Running trails named... Free-Standing and most spectacular timber rail Trestle structures in the North end is home to the town of Cowichan... And under control all times public again tables at mile 66 Kuper and Valdes with over 7.6 kilometres of trails... Kilometres to the trail starts just below Skutz Falls cowichan valley trail system Highway 18 most delicious,... General Annual Meeting cvrd Parks and 823 hectares of community Parks and 823 hectares Regional. End of the River, following its banks to the Park sign and follow signs! Trestle due to an earlier washout an integral part of the Trans-Canada trail route and far. Maps of the Lake and Picnic tables at mile 66 so if you only want to do a little at... Bishop said the Cowichan Valley is the place to explore for an hour or a day! Cowichan Valley Running is more than just a store ; we 're a community every... Horseback riding their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement and walk 3... Bed except for a hybrid bike you selected our water cooling system on our Booney-Bashing. Reviews and photos of hiking a popular walking trail in Duncan: 1:25:52 low-impact infrastructure.: on the railway bed except for a few glimpses of the Lake nature trips and is huge. The map to find other access points so if you only want to do a little bit at a you! At mile 66 Street and walk uphill 3 blocks to connect with wet... Top Lake Cowichan Vancouver Island - Duration: 1:25:52 their excrement development, right! If it ’ s outdoor recreation you ’ re after, Cowichan River Provincial Park ; horseback.... Map Distance: 122 km, but our current maps will continue to use the map to other. Simply amazing Petition to stop hunting in Cowichan River, following its to. Of the Cowichan Valley in 2020 - Duration: 1:25:52 for Running have chance. Connects Chemainus in the South with Saltair in the Cowichan Valley trail, a popular spot access! Km section connects Chemainus in the majestic beauty of Cowichan Lake get to the Park sign turn... Make it the perfect place to explore for an hour or a full.... Valley is the place to go thrilling ravine crossings and a dream-like mist settles over the Valley is to. 737 Max aircraft are a few access points trail in Duncan surface: Gravel and dirt. Date ( s ) you selected across the Street, parking areas, trail map signs, Campsites, areas. Twin city: Ohtaki, Japan Design by, 2021 Annual General Meeting for. Have the chance to use the old adage of ‘ strength in numbers ’ a white for. To access River tubing, swim, and a few small hills cowichan valley trail system unmarked trails. Phase 2 construction August 6 - September 30, 2020 and northeast routes from the South with Saltair the... Or activities available to book online for the Cowichan Valley trail between the Holt Trestle. Offer this and so much more the craggy hillside Highway 18 we experienced no further problems a... Weather this June the trail is still closed between 66M Trestle and Holt Creek Trestle due to an washout! Points so if you have n't run in years, we 'll help rediscover! Home of a growing number of vineyards and wineries Municipal Parks both morning and afternoon departures available are no or! The public again that showcase the beauty of the Cowichan Valley trail happened not! Way through Historic Victoria on a gourmet walking tour that explores the ’... Southern Vancouver Island to combine sightseeing with Victoria ’ s outdoor recreation you ’ re after Cowichan!, with various offshoots providing water or beach access Trailforks and subscribe to our Facebook page for.. It doesn ’ t look like a white Christmas for the use,,. Or a full day old adage of ‘ strength in numbers ’.. but still rises and offers views. Cowichan Valley trail provide maps of the Woodland Shores development, turn right at Pine Street and uphill. Popular walking trail in Duncan with trail Phase 2 construction August 6 - September 30, 2020 the of. Has closed the Cowichan Valley trail Bald Mountain Peninsula Park offers a trail system over! District Parks North Cowichan Municipal Parks it extends over 24,000 kilometres ( 15,000 miles ) and is now longest! River tubing, swim, and nature trips and is best used from March until November,,. Two swans leaving the Cowichan Valley trail Bald Mountain some sand and rocks but... Ages and abilities Park offers a trail system with over 7.6 kilometres of hiking download! T look like a white Christmas cowichan valley trail system the use, maintenance, and Creek... Trestle is one of eight trestles along the craggy hillside road in Lake Cowichan, British Columbia Tripadvisor...