Trans Canada Trail


Max and I on Extension Ridge taking in the magnificent views

 The Trans Canada Trail is the world's largest network of trails, completely developed and promoted by a non-profit registered charity. When fully completed it will encompass 23,000 km from Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic Oceans. 

 Today there is approximately 17,000 kilometres of the trail developed. Millions of Canadians and visitors hike, run, walk, and bike the trail. The goal is to completely connect the trail by 2017. 

view from the top of Extension Ridge

 Right now in the mid-island region the Trans Canada trail begins at the Departure Bay Ferry terminal. It passes along the waterfront, then continues on through Bowen Park, Buttertubs Marsh and then Colliery Dam. This then links up to the Extension Ridge part of the trail which I hike frequently. The views are amazing! It then continues along the Pipeline Trail that will eventually lead you to Nanaimo River. Currently there is no bridge across Nanaimo River, but hopefully that will change in the near future. In the meantime the Trans Canada trail runs east along the Nanaimo River Road to the Trans Canada Highway, south onto Spruston Road then picks up again at the Spruston Road trailhead heading south. From this trailhead you will eventually hit Timberlands Lake up behind Cassidy. This then leads to Haslam Creek which now has an active suspension bridge for crossing. It's worth the trip to see this bridge. 
the Pipeline trail

 The portion of the trail through the Ladysmith/Cowichan area is undeveloped as of right now, it picks up again near Duncan bringing you to the historic Kinsol Trestle .

The Trans Canada Trail picks up again near Glen Lake and connects to the Galloping Goose trail. 

This is a trail all nature lovers need to experience as it boasts some of the most gorgeous forested hikes and some amazing views, it's a true West Coast experience! 



 

Comments

Aunt B said…
Mile zero of the trail is actually in Lake Cowichan, Shaylin, and the trail heading east from the Cowichan Valley towards Cowichan Lake is very beautiful too. If you haven't had a chance to hike that part, you might want to plan on doing so this spring/summer.
March 27, 2013 at 9:52 AM
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