Cowichan River Provincial Park

Walking/Hiking Trails

Stoltz Pool Loop Trail: This relatively short, gentle loop trail runs from the Stoltz Pool day-use area adjacent to the river for much of its length before gently climbing inland through second-growth forest above the campground. Fishing is excellent at many spots along this trail.

Skutz/66-Mile Loop Trail: This 8 km loop trail gives spectacular views along the Cowichan River. Crossing at both the Skutz Falls forest service bridge and the historic 66-Mile Trestle, this trail travels through a steep canyon environment high above the Cowichan River.

Cowichan River Footpath: This historic trail winds its way along the Cowichan River for approximately 20 km from Glenora to Skutz Falls. This is an easy to moderate level of hiking and you should allow approximately 6.5 hours to hike its length. The main trail is well marked but several older secondary routes still exist and these are not signed or maintained. Notices will be placed at each trailhead (Glenora and Skutz Falls) explaining any current situations of interest to trail users. There is no drinking water available on the trail and river water must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption. Parts of the trail are through private property - please respect these areas and any potential restrictions that may be in place.

Trans-Canada Trail Route: This section of the Trans-Canada Trail route stretches from Glenora to Skutz Falls – an ambitious undertaking that involved the restoration of the 66-Mile and Holt Creek Trestles and the rehabilitation of approximately 13 kilometers of abandoned Canadian Pacific Railway grade. The beautiful railway trestles along this route offer spectacular views and a glimpse of the past to a time when log-laden traincars would thunder along the tracks high above the Cowichan River.

For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Travel Prepared: As emergency aid is not immediately available over much of this trail, basic supplies should include drinking water, a first aid kit and adequate clothing/footwear.

Return to Cowichan River Provincial Park