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:
Forestry gates: Following recent rainfall, the forestry gates have reopened as of Wednesday, October 1.
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, adaptive mountain biking, & equestrian | Maple Mountain (GPS) (PDF) |
| Mount Tzouhalem | Hiking, mountain biking, & adaptive 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.