The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. Small creeks crisscross the far side of the trail creating natural wonder for little ones. Length … The trails are well groomed & marked. The goal is to visit the large cross perched on the edge of the cliffs that overlook the valley below. Most hikers are determined to head right to the top to get to the Chase Woods Nature Conservancy of Canada Sanctuary. It provides a number of view points where you can look down on the north and south arms of beautiful Lake Cowichan. Now you are on the Cowichan Valley Trail, dropping down into a forest, often running by a creek, crossing the lovely little Shawnigan Creek Bridge … News article here.This new 4.3 km section connects Chemainus in the South with Saltair in the North. Fields & Parks. 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. One of the best ways to experience this yourself is to spend a day on the “yellow” and “blue” trail loop. You will hike down the trail and shortly thereafter cross the bridge over Stocking Creek. 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. These include guides for CVRD parks and trails, Ladysmith’s trails and North Cowichan’s Parks, Recreation & Trails. Please take time to leave a detailed Comment, recommending hikes in the region. A short hike is sometimes all you need to get that relaxation and escape you need. At the gauge station, the logging road is switched for an ATV trail. Also, the CVRD website has information on popular hiking spots including the Cobble Hill Mountain Regional Recreation Area, Osborne Bay Park, Spectacle Lake Park and … A good area to cycle or walk/hike and the people you meet along the way are very friendly. This ecological area was created to protect the endangered Gary Oak stand that is on the mountainside in this spot. Dress … Our goal is to develop, maintain, and promote hiking and biking trails throughout the Cowichan Lake region. Length … 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 amazing vistas and vantage points among our Forest Reserves. Once over the creek make a right hand turn following the path to the well built stairs and boardwalk that overlook these amazing falls. Below are just a few of common ones, but feel free to visit the Heavy-J website for some trails and more information. The Cowichan Valley Trail is a Vancouver Island gem, running from Shawnigan Lake to Ladysmith. hiking forest views wildlife walking trail-running nature-trips kids wild-flowers lake river birding horseback-riding #10 - Dragonfly, Cougar, Buck, and Beaver Trails Loop, Cowichan Valley Trail: Shawnigan Lake to Koksilah River, Cowichan Valley Regional, British Columbia, Dragonfly, Cougar, Buck, and Beaver Trails Loop, Cobble Hill Mountain Regional Recreation Area. The mild climate means that outdoor activities – from hiking trails, to fly fishing, to Christmas displays – are enjoyable any time of day. Length 1.5 miElevation gain 101 ftRoute type Loop The Cowichan Valley Trail is a spectacular multi-use trail that is an integral part of The Great Trail (Trans Canada Trail) route on Southern Vancouver Island. The Cowichan Valley Trail is a leg of the Trans-Canada Trail. The first part, the first 6km ish, is a vanilla logging road, with a bit of elevation gain, largely running beside a creek. Keep your eyes open especially for the Bald Eagles that sit atop the coastal trees watching for a quick snack. It provides a number of spots to stop and admire the stunning views across beautiful Lake Cowichan to Honeymoon Bay and the Mesachie peninsula as well as views down the Cowichan River Valley and across the Lake to the Robertson River valley. The Kinsol Trestle is one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail route and by far the largest and most spectacular. Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.. Sign In The final piece, connecting the Cowichan Valley Trail to the Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail, was completed in 2017. A must-see along the trail, the curved Kinsol Trestle spans 187 metres and is one of the tallest free-standing timber trestles worldwide. Our key hiking and mountain biking destinations include Maple Mountain, Mount Tzouhalem and Mount Prevost. As with all hikes make sure you set out on your adventure prepared with a good knowledge of the trail. Lots of parking. The trail is just under 3.5km and is a spectacular loop. Trail conditions were very good however the trail is still closed between 66M trestle and Holt Creek trestle due to an earlier washout. On the eastern edges of the Cowichan Valley Regional District is the Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park. The trailhead for the Blue Yellow loop is best accessed at the cul de sac at the end of Maple Mountain RD in Maple Bay. The mountain is a very friendly place between the different user groups and people are always very helpful to offer trail advice and directions. Bald Mountain Saddle (Lake Cowichan) - Retreads Hiking trail in Mesachie Lake, British Columbia (Canada). 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). Then in the water you might be treated by a visit from a playful seal or if you are lucky enough a pod of Orcas swimming by. Views that showcase the beauty of the Pacific Northwest await you along the craggy hillside. Cowichan Valley Trail to Kon Trail to Huckleberry Trail is a 1.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Cowichan Valley G, British Columbia, Canada that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. 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. We've got 12 easy trails in Cowichan Valley Regional ranging from 0.7 to 8.3 miles and from 377 to 1,364 feet above sea level. This hidden little gem is located in the Oceanside community of Saltair between the towns of Chemainus and  Ladysmith. The trail offers a number of activity options. As with all hikes make sure you set out on your adventure prepared with a good knowledge of the trail. Take a small backpack with extra food, water and prepare for the unexpected. You’ve found it. 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. This species of tree has but only 5% of its original natural habitat remaining in Canada. Tzouhalem contains several trails and provides views of Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Salt Spring Island, and even Mount Baker if the weather is clear. The well-maintained gravel based 2.5km trail that loops around Chemainus Lake is great for little ones, strollers, dogs on leashes and the whole family. On our first hike of Holland Creek trail our kids were 10, 8, 7 and our Golden Retriever was 4 years old. Looking for the perfect family hike in the Cowichan Region? As with the Maple Mountain trail watch for all types of wildlife especially whales that navigate the narrows below. 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. There’s something so magical about Cowichan during the holidays. It’s a hop, skip and a jump from the Cowichan Valley proper, but if you’d like to see some of the world’s biggest spruce trees, be sure to set aside a day or two for a chance to hike … The Great Trail is a cross-Canada system of greenways, waterways, and roadways that stretches from the … Note: Heed the warning signs that there is active logging happening. 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