Features

On Vancouver Island, from Victoria at the south end, the Spine will follow the same route as the non-motorized, multi-use Trans Canada Trail (TCT) as far as Lake Cowichan. (The TCT stretches across the provinces and territories; in many regions the Trail is complete and in use.) From Lake Cowichan, the Spine will continue west to Port Alberni along the historic Canadian Northern Pacific Railway grade built in the 1913 era.

While details have yet to be finalized, the Spine will include part of the Beaufort Range, and will traverse part of the Forbidden Plateau section of Strathcona Park. In all cases, the Spine will follow or connect to existing trails, including lateral connections, where possible.

Much of the route in the north Island will be new trail or unused logging roads. The Spine will be routed near Victoria and Schoen peaks, and Nimpkish Lake. North of Port Hardy, the North Coast and Cape Scott trails will complete the Spine.

Communities along the Spine:

Shawnigan Lake, Duncan, Lake Cowichan, Port Alberni, Cumberland, Courtenay, Mount Washington, Campbell River, Gold River, Woss, Port McNeill, Holberg and Port Hardy.

Culvert on 1913 CNPR grade
Tawney Lem

Mt. Stubbs above Beaufort Lake; Randy Church

The route will avoid public or working roads to preserve a wilderness experience. Since the Island can receive high snowfall, the elevation of the trail will by-pass very high mountain terrain. This will permit a longer season for trail users. However, some parts of the trail may still attract cross-country or backcountry skiers.

In other long-distance trails in North America, communities along the way “buy into” the trails, providing material support and accommodation, which in turn can have a commercial benefit to the towns near the trails. Volunteer clubs and individuals assist with trail maintenance and act as “trail angels”, becoming part of the mobile community formed by trail users. Some examples are:

Great Divide Trail, Canadian Rockies (Yosemite - Yukon, the Y2Y route)
Pennine Way in the United Kingdom
Appalachian Trail in eastern USA, extending into the Canadian Gaspe Peninsula
Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada (Manning Park)