You Can Walk Over A 100 Year Old Abandoned Train Trestle In BC This Summer
There's no shortage of amazing hikes in BC to check out this summer, but there's one that definitely stands out as unique. This BC train trestle hike will take you over one of the most impressive structures you've ever seen. Looming 44 metres above a river, this giant abandoned wooden train trestle is worth adding to your summer bucket list.
Part of the Cowichan Valley Trail on Vancouver Island, you can actually walk or even bike across Kinsol Trestle. BC loves turning its decommissioned railways into recreational trails and this is one of the best examples of that trend in the province.
This trestle is truly massive. Even though it was completed in 1920, the Kinsol Trestle is still one of the tallest freestanding wood structures in the world. Don't get too close to the railings if you're afraid of heights!
Another amazing thing about this hike is that the Kinsol Trestle is just one of eight trestles on the Cowichan Valley Trail! This one though is definitely the largest and most impressive. It even has a gentle curve to it which is astounding and gives you a good view of the structure from any angle.
It takes about four hours to reach the trail from Vancouver. You can take a ferry from either Tsawassen or Horseshoe Bay and the trail is close to Shawnigan Lake. From the parking lot, it's only a 1.2 KM easy hike to reach the trestle. This hike is the perfect addition to your last-minute escape to Vancouver Island this summer.
Kinsol Trestle
Address: Glen Eagles Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0
Why you need to go: Hike along the Cowichan Valley Trail on Vancouver Island and go over this massive wooden trestle!