Maple Mountain, Mount Tzouhalem, and Mount Prevost are North Cowichan’s key hiking and mountain biking destinations. Additional walking, hiking, and equestrian opportunities can be found on Mount Richards, Mount Sicker, and Grace Road.
Overnight camping, campfires, and fireworks are not permitted in the Municipal Forest Reserve at any time.
E-bike use
The Municipal Forest Reserve is available for non-motorized recreational use, such as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. E-bikes are only permitted if they are Class 1 (100% pedal assist, with no throttle) and have a maximum assist speed of 32km/h.
Service notices:
Mount Tzouhalem trails: The Cowichan Trail Stewardship Society will be continuing maintenance work along the lower section of Double D, beginning Thursday, January 16 for approximately two to three weeks. This will result in the closure of the section between roads Old Mainline and Branch A. The work includes improving drainage, rebuilding berms, reducing braking bumps and modifying the existing trail to meet the Kootenay Adaptive Trail Standards.
Forestry gates: The forestry gates will open for Mount Prevost, Mount Sicker and Grace Road on the morning of Thursday, September 12, 2024. Reminder that campfires are always prohibited in the forest reserve and to remain cautious as the conditions are still quite dry.
Trans-Canada Trail / Bell McKinnon Road section: April 22 to late summer 2024: A construction detour will impact the Trans Canada Trail on Bell McKinnon between Mays Road and Herd Road. Trail users should consider detouring this section due to increased vehicle and truck traffic.
Wildfire Mitigation Projects: Fuel hazard reduction treatments are currently taking place on Mt Tzouhalem and Maple Mountain. This work may result in periodic trail closures and portions of parking lots may also be periodically closed. Please watch for signage and flaggers on site. For more information, visit Wildfire Protection.
Trails app
The North Cowichan Trails App shows all forestry roads and sanctioned trails for hiking or mountain biking. The app includes trails on Maple Mountain and Mount Tzouhalem, with expansion to the rest of the forest reserve in future years.
Details:
- Geolocate yourself on the mountain.
- Find and identify hiking, biking and equine trails.
- Trail descriptions and elevations
Mountain access
| Mountain | Uses | Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Mountain | Hiking, mountain biking, & Equestrian | Maple Mountain (GPS) (PDF) |
| Mount Tzouhalem | Hiking & mountain biking | Mount Tzouhalem (GPS) (PDF) |
| Mount Prevost | Downhill mountain biking | Mount Prevost (Original) (GPS) |
| Mountain | Uses | Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Richards | Hiking & equestrian | Mount Richards (Original) (PDF) |
| Mount Sicker | Hiking & mountain biking | Mount Sicker (Original) (PDF) |
| Grace Road | Walking, equestrian, & river access. | Grace Road |
Trans Canada Trail
The Trans Canada Trail runs through North Cowichan from Chemainus to just north of Duncan, and is part of the CVRD's Cowichan Valley Trail system. Visit cvrd.ca for more information.
Report a park, trail, or bylaw issue
Or by phone Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 250-746-3106 | After hours: 250-746-5112
Bylaw services: 250-746-3108
For situations that pose an immediate risk to property, public health or safety, call 9-1-1.