Trail Length

3.4 kilometres (2.1 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

The historic Kinsol Trestle is found on Vancouver Island, about 50 km north of Victoria, BC, on the Cowichan Valley Trail. Find parking and washrooms at the beginning of the trail off Glen Eagles Road and Shelby Road, where you head north to the trestle.

Description and Tips

The Kinsol Trestle is spectacular to ride across. It is actually one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail, but as one of the tallest free-standing rail trestle structures in the world (187 metres in length, standing 44 metres above the Koksilah River), it is by far the largest and most impressive of the route. Cowichan Valley Trail extends to the north, and is car free. It passes through farmland and open areas as well as alongside water, and is fairly flat as it follows an old rail bed. There are some provincial and private campgrounds within easy driving distance. Anyone not familiar with the area should note that if planning a trip to Vancouver Island, ferry reservations and camping reservations are a good idea.

Submitted By

Tim Morris