Greendale Trestle Bridge – Lake Cowichan loop from North Cowichan Station

03:09

60.4km

450m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Cowichan River Provincial Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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16.9 km

Cowichan Valley Trail – Duncan to Lake Cowichan section

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

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.

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28.8 km

Greendale Trestle Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

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.

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30.0 km

Lake Cowichan

Highlight • Lake

- It has a length of approximately 30 kilometers.
- It is one of the largest lakes on Vancouver Island.
Popular for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming.
- Around the lake there are numerous cabins.
- The region has a rich cultural history and is important to local indigenous communities.

Translated by Google •

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