In keeping with my plan to revisit all the places that brought me joy while I lived here, this was a frequented one. Delving into this sun dappled rain forest was a way to escape the ugly parts of the city and make my brain happier. Come see the Trans Canada Trail at Cowichan near Duncan with me.
Trans Canada Trail
What is it? The worlds longest network of recreational trails that spans the entire length of the country of Canada! From the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, at 28,000 kilometers long, the idea began to take shape in 1992. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, it is possible to make your way from one end of Canada to the other by walking, cycling, horseback riding, swimming and snowmobiling.
The tiny stretch that I am used to frequenting is located in the city of Duncan and heading out towards Lake Cowichan. Enter from various points around town, but more specifically from up near the hospital and around Mt. Prevost.
Cowichan Valley Trail
This portion is called the Cowichan Valley Trail and covers a large area. The southern most part at the Malahat, northern most at Nanaimo and to the west at Lake Cowichan. The trail is predominately gravel and flat, wide enough to accommodate cyclists and horses.
The area I enjoy is thick with forest, small bridges crossing bubbling streams and was usually not busy. However, on this visit I see a remarkable uptick in the number of users out at any given time.
Forest
The west coast of Canada, stretching up to Alaska and down to California is home to the largest temperate rain-forest in the world. With a relatively mild climate year-round and high rainfall, the plants flourish in this wet environment.
A favorite sight is the brightest greens from the huge variety of mosses covering fallen trees and dripping from branches. Combined with the lush ferns of the undergrowth, the scene is living history.
For me personally, the best days to walk here are the clear and sunny ones. The tall pines and voluminous maple trees create a canopy of darkness that can become unbearable if not for the sun rays breaking through. Having that dappled light flickering through the forest is magic, akin to light dancing on water.
Flowers
Even in the middle of summer, when the forest is at its driest, I am still able to spot any number of wild flowers. These I marvel in, stopping to inspect and take photos of each one. From bright pinks to sunny yellows, each blossom offers a unique smell and the chance to spot busy bees and butterflies.
Be aware of the giant hogweed though. With its large white flowers, it may look inviting but is anything but. I can see that it has been cleared from the trail as much as possible. Brushing up against this beast will leave you with bubbling blisters and swelling that will get so much worse with sun exposure. For this reason, I do not venture from the paths and am careful not to touch any plant.
Countryside
One of my favorite parts of the trail system around Duncan is the access to the pastoral views. Think bright red barns, horses flicking their feathery tails, cattle and fields of wheat. These picturesque scenes bring me a calming joy; one I craved during times of duress and stress.
Out in the open parts of the trail, once the thick forest has fallen behind, these views become the norm. Little brown rabbits will begin to appear on the trail ahead, skittering into the bush as you approach. Plump and juicy blackberries line the paths, locals out picking them by the bucket full. In the heat of summer, this is bliss.
If you are visiting any part of Canada, seek out the Trans Canada Trail. Here on Vancouver Island, it is particularly amazing, offering an idyllic vista and a peek into the nature that inhabits the land. Walk as long or as short as you wish, I guarantee it will bring you immediate peace and unfiltered beauty.
