Trans Canada Trail
This rugged 22-kilometre section of the Trans Canada Trail offers a backcountry adventure through diverse forest and river landscapes on both sides of the Nanaimo River. Traversing moss-covered ridges, private forest lands and the dramatic Haslam Creek Canyon, the route features the iconic 48-metre-high Haslam Creek suspension bridge. The trail also provides access to extensive Crown recreation lands from the Spruston Road trailhead and connects southward to the Cowichan Valley Trail, creating opportunities for longer regional hiking and exploration.
Within the RDN, the Trans Canada Trail is split into multiple sections: The sections, from north to south, include:
- Extension Ridge Trail: 5 km (one way) from Harewood Mines Road to Virostko Road. An earthquake fissure called ‘The Abyss’ is a notable destination along this trail.
- Roadside Connector: 1.3 km (one way) along low-traffic rural roads to link Extension Ridge Trail to Pipeline Trail.
- Pipeline Trail: 5.3 km (one way) from Bramley Road to the north bank of Nanaimo River.
- Darryl’s Way: 1.6 km trail (one way) from the south bank of Nanaimo River to the Spruston Road trailhead. There is no bridge crossing Nanaimo River, so the trail dead-ends there.
- White Pine Trail: 3 km (one way) from the Spruston Road trailhead to Timberland Lake.
- Haslam Trail: 6.5 km (one way) from Timberland Lake to Timberlands Road trailhead and parking lot. The Haslam Creek suspension bridge is a notable destination along this trail. Where the trail crosses Ninatti Road, there is a connection to the Cowichan Valley Trail.
Dogs
For the enjoyment and safety of all trail users, please ensure your dog is under your control at all times, meaning:
- the dog remains in your line of sight
- can be brought to heel by calling
- does not annoy or injure other park users.
If you cannot keep your dog under control it must be restrained by a leash.
Be prepared. Stay Safe
- Call 911 for emergencies
- Report all signs of a wildfire. Call *5555
- Report poachers. Call 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP)
What to do
How to get there
- Harewood Mines Road trailhead: roadside parking is available to access Extension Ridge trail
- Nanaimo River Road trailhead: roadside parking is available to access the Pipeline trail.
- Spruston Road trailhead: roadside parking is available to access White Pine Trail and Darryl’s Way. The Spruston Road staging area is also located here for horse trailer parking.
- Timberlands Road trailhead: a parking lot is located here to access the Haslam Trail. This parking lot also accommodates horse trailers.
Park Map
Parks Map PDF Version