Photo by Denis Bouvier
A magnificent work of art that successfully blends in with its natural surroundings – that’s the Kinsol Trestle. Built in 1920 from sturdy Douglas fir, the wooden framed bridge was part of the Canadian Northern Pacific Railway route on Vancouver Island.
Designed to carry trains which transported lucrative old growth lumber, it stands 44 metres (144 ft) high and 188 metres (617 ft) long, the largest wooden trestle in the Commonwealth and one of the highest railway trestles in the world.
A magnificent engineering feat, it was built by loggers, farmers and labourers without cranes, hard hats or steel boots, in an era when no project was too large or too difficult. It took three years and cost approximately $26,000. The last train to cross the trestle bridge was in 1979 and then the bridge was left to deteriorate.
With support from both the federal and provincial government, and many private donations, the bridge was rehabilitated in 2010 and completed a year later in 2011 at a cost of over $7 million. Not only is it recognized for its historic value but it also provides a vital link between the northern and southern sections of the Trans Canada Trail on Vancouver Island. This represents 120 km of trail route involving trestle bridges and former railway routes which accommodate walking, cycling and horseback riding. The Trans Canada Trail already winds its way across Canada and eventually will be the largest trail of its kind in the
world, snaking through every province and territory.
Located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley, the Kinsol Trestle is near Shawnigan Lake, about 30 kilometres northwest of Victoria in a heavily wooded area. It spans the Koksilah River and has viewing platforms which extend outward on both sides. There is also the Kinsol Interpretive Trail that winds downhill from the trestle’s north side. At the bottom, you’re 12 stories below the bridge and can really appreciate the intricate beauty of its structure.
There is a price to pay for all this pristine beauty and interesting history; you’ll see a notice warning of cougars and how you have to act aggressively if one begins to follow you. But don’t be put off – just travel with a partner or in a group. When I visited in August, I encountered lots of people in the area and soon could only concentrate on the wonder before me, the Kinsol Trestle Bridge.
Don Richardson
