The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Cowichan River Provincial Park

The Greendale Trestle Bridge was once part of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and has now been converted into a pedestrian and cyclist footbridge, part of the Cowichan Valley Trail and Trans Canada Trail. Beneath the bridge is crystal-clear water. In summer, the water is dotted with colourful inner tubes. In the autumn, it's a great vantage point to peer down and watch salmon spawning in the Cowichan River gravels.

The Cowichan Valley Trail, which spans 122 kilometres, is divided into a handful of sections. The Malahat to Shawnigan Lake stretching 19 kilometres, Shawnigan Lake to Duncan spanning 25 kilometres, and the Duncan to Lake Cowichan section coming in the longest, 28 kilometres. There are also the northern extensions of the trail, Duncan to Chemainus, and then Chemainus to Saltair. This is the Duncan to Lake Cowichan segment which follows the 1913 CN railway grade up to the Trans Canada Trail western terminus. It passes through Cowichan River Provincial Park, crosses the Holt Creek and Marie Canyon trestles. The surface of the trail is made up of mostly hard-packed crushed gravel, rather than pavement or loose dirt. The trail is also pretty wide and flat since it's a rail trail.

This is one of two Trans Canada Trail Western Terminus. This one, in the town of Lake Cowichan, is the westernmost physical point of the contiguous Trans Canada Trail network. There is a designated monument and pavilion marking the spot right across from the local visitor centre. The other Western Terminus is in Clover Point. This spot is also a sharp turn on the Cowichan Valley Trail, which spans 122 kilometres. This is about the halfway point and the trail turns from heading east to back west again. The town of Lake Cowichan has restaurants, hotels and is a recreation hub for bikers, walkers, and runners using its trails and boaters and kayakers on the lakes water.

Herons Wood Park is a small natural area in North Cowichan with a short walking trail that winds through a quiet patch of woodland within the surrounding residential neighbourhood. The park is much quieter than the nearby sports parks, with forested surroundings, a lovely pond, and a simple trail that’s perfect for a short, peaceful walk with a more secluded atmosphere than many of the larger urban parks in Duncan.

Evans Park is a large sports park complex with baseball diamonds and multi-sport fields, and is one of the Cowichan Valley’s main venues for organized recreation. There are seven ball fields, and lots of open green space where you’ll likely see a local game in progress while you’re here. Despite its sports focus, the surrounding open areas and pathways are a great place for a casual walk around the fields.

Woodgrove centre

Duncan lives up to its name "The City of Totems" and has over 40 beautifully carved totems scattered throughout the city. With the rich history behind each totem, it is a "must see" when visiting Duncan. Embark on a journey through culture and history by following the yellow footprints and embarking on the self-guided walking tour