Kinsol Trestle

7.0 km one way.

Terrain: Gentle
Elevations (in meters)
Start: 215End: 230
Minimum: 215Maximum: 230
Net Gain: 15Cumulative Gain: 15
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Kinsol Trestle Trailhead: (35 km from Saanich Hall). Take the south entrance to Shawnigan Lake. Take West Shawnigan Lake road until you come to a dirt road on the left (just before the fire hall).

Oland Road Trailhead: (alternate start, 40 km from Saanich Hall). From Saanich Hall go to north on highway 1 to the south entrance to Shawnigan Lake (approximately 26k). Turn left and take Shawnigan Lake Rd to the junction with West Shawnigan Lake Road (5.9km). Turn left of West Shawnigan Lake Rd and follow it for 7.8km to Oland Rd (beyond the fire hall). Turn left onto Oland Rd and find a wide area on the road to park. If conditions are icy you may want to drive to a straight section of the road.

Uses

Cross-country skiBeginner.1.25 hours one way.Best from late December thru early March.
Cycling (touring)Easy. Suitable all year.
Dayhike1 boot (easy).1.5 hours one way.Suitable all year.
HorsebackEasy. Suitable all year.

Description

This trail is part of the Shawnigan Lake section of the Trans-Canada Trail (also known as the Cowichan Valley Trail). The trail is relatively flat as it uses an old railroad grade.

With the completion of the trestle restoration on July 28, 2011 the Cowichan Valley portion of the TCT is complete. The length of the trail is really up to the individual hiking it, it could be as short as a stroll down to the trestle from one of the parking lots or as long as 122km.

Trail makes an excellent cross-country ski trail when there is sufficient snow (6" min).

Features

This trail features historical artifacts (Trestle bridge(s)).

Hazards

The trestle is not safe to go on.

Trail-conditions

View trail condition reports for this trail.