Best Dog-Friendly Spot in BC: The Kinsol

The Kinsol Trestle located near Shawnigan Lake is a great place to check out with your dog and kids.

A warm breeze blows outside, as our family starts to wake one August morning. LB (our 10 lb. Boston Terrier mix) is pacing; he is ready for a walk. No school or work today means we can get a little more creative for our daily walk. LB loves the car and walking, where he can socialize a bit with other people. We have found a great place to go for a walk and stay cool.

The Kinsol Trestle located near Shawnigan Lake is a great place to check out with your dog and kids. The trestle was initially built in the early 1900’s and was used for rail transport until it was condemned in the late 1970’s. In the early 2000’s the trestle was re-built and is now a connecting part of the Trans Canada Trail. The trestle is 145 feet above the Koksilah River, and there is a path leading down to the river so you and your dog can swim in the water, and lots of places to stop for a snack or picnic.

The Kinsol Trestle can be accessed from Shawnigan Lake; there is a parking lot on Glen Eagles Road. It is a one-kilometre walk from the parking lot on a very level ground, as this is where the old rail line ran. This is part of the Trans Canada Trail has many access points, which could make the trek to the trestle longer if you are biking or want a more extensive walk.

The trail has signage mentioning that this an area for dogs on a leash. Having a dog on this busy trail that is unleashed, could result in a negative altercation with another dog. There is a poop bag dispenser at the parking lot, along with a port-o-potty if needed.

I would recommend taking your family (dog especially) to see the Kinsol Trestle. Stay cool and learn about our great community while getting some exercise in too.

Written by Meghan Seal