It is important to note that this larger loop can be divided into smaller loops denoted on the map using magenta-colored lines. Â As well, the map shows an extra loop that goes around Shawnigan Lake which is also part of the Trans Canada Trail. Doing the whole 100 km orange loop is the equivalent of 2 loops 28a and 28b.
This extraordinary loop features more than 60 km of rail trail that takes in the Kinsol Trestle, the Marie Trestle and Canyon, Skutz Falls, the Cowichan River, spectacular forests as well as Duncan, and the touristy fishing village of Cowichan Bay.
The rail trail is known as the Cowichan Valley Trail, which is the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s contribution to the Trans Canada Trail along with the Cowichan River Park section makes for a spectacular multi-use trail and an integral part of the TCT route on Southern Vancouver Island. Between Lake Cowichan and the Kinsol Trestle, the trail follows the gentle grade of the former turn of the century CN and CP railway lines that served pioneer logging and settlement communities.
Note that through the Cowichan River Provincial Park, walkers have the option of taking the footpath that connects with the rail grade from time to time (the brown track on the map gives the approximate location of the pathway).
A step-by-step pdf description
Here are the main features: (all sensational!)
- Coquitlam Centre Park with Lafarge Lake
- Coquitlam River Loop
- Loops to Crystal Falls
- Smiling Creek Greenways all the way to Hyde Creek
- Hyde Creek Greenway
- Coquitlam Lake lookouts
- Burke Mountain Village
- Burke Mountain Summit makes up Pinecone Burke Provincial Park
- Deboville Slough
- Minnekhada Regional Park
- Widgeon Slough Regional Park
- ETC.
The main trail loop is just over 10 kms but could end up being a good 12 kms when taking in all its features. It is an additional km one-way to or from the Sperling Skytrain using a sensational bridge over Winston Ave, a rail track, and Still Creek while being part of the Central Valley Greenway.
The park can be accessed by Skytrain from 3 stations. The recommended one is at the Sperling/Burnaby Lake Station which is the shortest access and stays on greenways.
The main features involve wetlands around a fairly shallow Lake which ensures its lake formation because of the Cariboo Dam at the east end. It is fed by Still Creek from the west and drains out in Brunette Creek at the east end which, in turn, outflows into the Fraser River.
It is a first-class walking trail with a number of boardwalks, bridges and ways to view the lake. On a clear day, it affords views of the North Shore Mountains, as well as, Eagle Mt. and the Golden Ears Mountain to the east. It features a viewing platform and the prominent Piper spit into the Lake. The Spruce and Conifer trails are worthwhile detours. Do take in the interpretive signage along the way. On occasion, there are km indicators along the10 kms starting at the east end of the lake going clockwise from the south shore where there is also a parking lot with toilet facilities. The main parking lots are at the east and west end of the lake. At the east end, there is an equestrian center with trails, while on the west end are the playing fields. There is another access point, with parking, halfway along the north side of the lake. Unfortunately, you will become very conscious of the freeway traffic noise on the south side of the Lake which is less noticeable when the leaves are back in the spring and summer months.
For the main ground cover vegetation look for cattail grass, salmonberry, blackberry, ferns and mosses.
There are prominent groves of large cedar trees. Other trees frequently encountered are hemlock, Sitka spruce, alder, and large cottonwoods.
Ducks and geese are the prominent birds of interest. Near the south side of the Cariboo Dam, turtles can be seen sunning themselves on a floating log.
 This is yet another one of our great regional parks that must be experienced.
The main loop can be done between 47 and 50 km. It is worth noting that this can be divided into a number of shorter cycling or walking loops.
It highlights a number of waterways:
- Howe Sound
- Squamish River
- Maquam River
- Stawanus River
- Maquam Blind Channel
- the Squamish Spit Estuary
The main Centers are:
- The Squamish Town Centre
- Brakendale
Connects a number of trail routes: or greenways
- The Sea-to-SkyTrail/Trans Canada Trail-The Great Trail
- Ocean Front Loop Trail
- The Apron Trail to the Stawmus Chief cliff
- The Stawamus Dike Trail
- The Laughing Turtle Trail
- The Maquam River Trail
- Ray Roberts Trail
- The Discovery Trail
- Estuary Trail
- Smoke Buffs Trail
Interesting Features:
- Shannon Falls Provincial Park
- Stawamus Chief cliffs
- Totem – Squamish Nation – Salish Coast Indigenous People
- Visitor Centre
- Mountain Peaks all around
- Forest and bog experiences
- Alice Lake Provincial Parks
Highlights for this interesting orange cycle loop features:
- Beaches, parks, and accommodation along the Okanagan Lake
- Summerland town Centre
- The high level Lakeview Trail allows for exceptional views across the lake towards Naramada
- A wonderful TCT trail to rail along Mt. Conkle
- The famous Trout Creek Trestle
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