– Sonja Nagel is Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at manager@duncancc.bc.ca or 250.748.1111.
COWICHAN VALLEY – The Chamber and the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre are excited to be promoting a new wilderness trail in the Cowichan Valley. It’s a new section of the Trans Canada Trail or The Great Trail which connects the Cowichan Valley Trail to the new multi-use Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail.
The wilderness trail has been more than 20 years in the making. The challenging terrain caused the delays in connecting the two trails. The Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park Reserve was also off limits for the past 15 years to protect Victoria’s water supply. The new trail required the cooperation of a number of communities and regions including the Malahat Nation in Bamberton.
The Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail cuts through 13 kilometres of hilly terrain to connect with a new nine kilometre section of the Cowichan Valley Trail, well-known for the famous Kinsol Trestle and Cowichan River Provincial Park.
The trail will be a huge draw for cyclists and hikers and will also be open to horseback riding in the northern section. A key feature is a 41 metre suspension bridge across the Goldstream River at the south end. The north section features incredible vistas of the surrounding mountains, Finlayson Arm and Greater Victoria.
Bicyclists and hikers will be able to connect from the new trail to the streets and trails in the City of Langford, then on to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and running along the waterfront in Victoria, ending in Clover Point.
The new trail is a major visitor opportunity for the Cowichan Valley, already known as a tracks and trails paradise for hikers and bikers of all levels. What a bonus that the new trial opens in time for Canada 150 Celebrations and a busy tourism season in the Cowichan!
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Welcome New Members to the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce: HBHE Consulting, Arbutus RV and Marine Sales, SupErb Construction, Ultimac Technologies, Embellish Home Décor, Sawmill Tap House & Grill, Rock Cod Café, Pacific Plumbing Heating & Refrigeration, Gonzo Marketing & Research, RIBA Detailing Perfection, Warmland Logistics, Willow & Orchid, South Cowichan Physiotherapy, Wine Kitz and Emandare Vineyard.