Cowichan Valley Trail – Cowichan Lake Road to Cowichan Lake

Hiking trails & Routes

Canada

British Columbia

Cowichan Valley F

Cowichan Valley Trail – Cowichan Lake Road to Cowichan Lake

Hard

Cowichan Valley Trail – Cowichan Lake Road to Cowichan Lake

07:30

29.0km

160m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 14, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.50 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.

Tip by

13.4 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.

Tip by

14.5 km

Western Terminus of the Trans Canada Trail

Highlight • Monument

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.

Tip by

29.0 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

28.4 km

706 m

Surfaces

28.4 km

706 m

Elevation