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Capilano-Mosquito Creek HIKING/CYCLING TRAIL LOOP t63

Capilano-Mosquito Creek HIKING/CYCLING TRAIL LOOP t63

This is a Loop set in the traditional ancestral territories of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations with many interesting features. The loop spans the Spirit Trail, Capilano Regional Park, and the Mosquito Creek Trail.  It is a sensational walk from the Seashore up into a deeply forested mountainside along with canyon views.  Some particularly interesting destinations on this route are the Squamish Welcome Figure and Sna7m Smanit public art piece in Ambleside, as well the fish ladders in the Capilano Fish hatchery facility.  Be prepared for a whole day excursion of about 5-6 hours or more.  Best to start it either at the Fish Hatchery or in Ambleside Park.

There are actually 3 options on this section of the Trans Canada Trail.  The complete Spirit Trail version is a paved greenway path all the way through and can be done quite easily in 1.5 hours.  The Capilano Regional Park routing while being on parts of the Spirit Trail climbs up to the Cleveland Dam in Capilano Regional Park and continues through Edgemont Village to Mosquito Creek.  This latter route involves some roadway when cycling and can be done in less than 3 hours.  For those walking use the great Capilano Pacific Trail to the Capilano Regional Park.  Note: Loop routing is possible when going along the Capilano River.

Landmarks

Squamish Nation Welcome Figure

Artwork by Sequilieum Stan Joseph located at Ch’tl’am (Ambleside Park). Made from old growth Red Cedar it is a gift from the Squamish Nation. Welcome figures were traditionally positioned on shore lines to welcome visitors who made a canoe journey to come for potlatch. When one raises their hands in this motion it can signify thanks or welcoming.

North Vancouver WALKING/HIKING/CYClING TRAIL LOOP w7

North Vancouver WALKING/HIKING/CYClING TRAIL LOOP w7

As well as the Trans Canada Trail, this Loop combines a portion of the City of North Vancouver Green Necklace Trail  and Spirit Trail with their greenways and parks. A stretch of the Green Necklace along Keith Road connects the historically significant Victoria Park with Queen Mary Elementary and its community gardens.  The Grand Boulevard affords views towards the City of Vancouver. From here in a clockwise direction one enters the forested sections of the route.  Allow 3 to 4 hours. Add 2.5 kms for a total of 15.5k when adding the optional routing.  Best done clockwise starting at Brigman Park.

Newcastle Island WALKING/HIKING TRAIL LOOP w5

Newcastle Island WALKING/HIKING TRAIL LOOP w5

Travelers having to wait overnight for a ferry might want to check out Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park This 336 hectares reserve located right in Nanaimo Harbor is accessible by a 10 min ferry ride leaving from Maffeo-Sutton Park, just north of downtown Nanaimo (south of the ferry terminal), and offers fine camping and facilities.  Its trails offers a time away from urban life and offers great seashore experiences.

Quote from BC Parks: For an experience rich in history, culture and entertainment, do what people have been doing since the 1930s—hop a boat to Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, one of the most intriguing parks in BC. Bring your own boat or take the passenger ferry from Nanaimo—a 10-minute ride that deposits passengers on Newcastle Island, located just a few hundred metres offshore from Vancouver Island. From a distance you’ll see an island shoreline dominated by steep sandstone cliffs and ledges, interspersed with sunny beaches – a marked contrast to the interior of the island, which is studded with mature Douglas fir, Garry oak, arbutus and Big Leaf maple trees.

Chemainus WALKING/HIKING TRAIL LOOP w4

Chemainus WALKING/HIKING TRAIL LOOP w4

The town of great murals.  This former sawmill or forestry town has transformed itself into a mural capital and a magnet for artisans.  This relatively short walk of wonders will take an extended amount of time because of needing to stop to take in its attractions.  Allow about 3 hours or more.  The trail to rail making up the Trans Canada Trail balances out the town experience with a delightful natural trail.  Try to find parking as near to the train station as possible.

Cowichan River Provincial Park WALKING/HIKING TRAIL LOOP W3

Cowichan River Provincial Park WALKING/HIKING TRAIL LOOP W3

This wilderness loop allows for spectacular viewing of the Cowichan River and forest.  The mossy maple forest is of particular interest.  Of course, the Marie Canyon trestle is a wonder and Skutz Falls is also worth viewing.  Best to park at Skutz Falls.  This venture can easily be made into two smaller loops, a 6k, and an 8k loop.  There is a Provincial Campground nearby and Sathlam Lodge has a cable car over the river to the trail.