The Kinsol Trestle is a historic wooden railway trestle located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It was originally built in 1920 as part of the Canadian National Railway’s line and was an important transportation route for moving timber and other goods. The trestle spans the Koksilah River and is one of the tallest wooden rail trestles in the world, standing at 44 meters high and 188 meters long.
The Kinsol Trestle fell into disrepair and was eventually closed to train traffic in the 1970s. In the early 2000s, a restoration project was launched to preserve and rehabilitate the trestle for recreational use. The project was completed in 2011, and the trestle is now open to the public as part of the Cowichan Valley Trail.
Visitors to the Kinsol Trestle can walk or bike across the structure and enjoy views of the surrounding forest and river below. The trestle has become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the region’s history and natural beauty. The area around the trestle also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Overall, the Kinsol Trestle is a significant landmark in British Columbia and a testament to the engineering and craftsmanship of its time. It serves as a reminder of the important role that railways played in the development of the region and offers visitors a unique way to experience the area’s natural landscape.