Columbia and Western Rail Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Explore the Columbia and Western Rail Trail: A Historic Journey Through British Columbia’s Wilderness

Hiking the Columbia and Western Trail: Discover the Beauty of British Columbia’s Kootenay Boundary Region

The Columbia and Western Rail Trail is a scenic and historic 162-kilometre multi-use pathway that follows the former Columbia and Western Railway through the rugged Kootenay Boundary region of British Columbia, Canada. Stretching between Castlegar and Midway, BC, the trail immerses travellers in a landscape of pine forests, sweeping valleys, glacial rivers, and mountain peaks, while also offering a fascinating glimpse into Canada’s industrial past. Originally built in the late 1800s to connect remote mining towns, the railway was once a vital artery for transporting ore, timber, and passengers across the province. Today, the rails are long gone, but the corridor has been reborn as a recreational trail that is part of the 28,000-kilometre Trans Canada Trail.

Marked by gentle grades, broad gravel pathways, and iconic features such as wooden trestle bridges, tunnels, and historic railway artifacts, the Columbia and Western Rail Trail is suitable for hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and in some sections, ATVs. Along its length, travellers pass through diverse ecosystems—from dry ponderosa pine forests to vast river valleys—and encounter highlights such as the legendary Bulldog Tunnel, once the longest railway tunnel in North America, and the shimmering waters of Christina Lake. Whether explored in sections or tackled as a longer journey, this trail offers an unforgettable blend of history, wilderness, and adventure in one of Canada’s most scenic mountain regions, giving it a place on our list of the 5 Best Rail Trails in British Columbia.

Trail Amenities on the Columbia and Western Rail Trail

As a converted railway corridor, the Columbia and Western Rail Trail provides basic but functional amenities to support outdoor recreation. The surface is primarily gravel and dirt, which is ideal for mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and sturdy hiking boots. Because the grades remain moderate thanks to the railway’s engineering, the route is considered accessible, yet some stretches can be rough with loose rock, erosion, or standing water after rainfall. 

Trailheads with signage, parking, and access points are located in Castlegar, Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Greenwood, and Midway, among other places. Consequently, travellers can explore the trail in sections rather than committing to the entire 162-kilometre route at once. In addition, covered rest areas with benches or interpretive signs are situated at various intervals along its length, but facilities remain limited. It should be noted that there are no official campgrounds or food caches directly on the trail, so self-sufficiency is required for longer outings.

Fortunately, because communities are found along the route, services remain within easy reach for cyclists or long-distance hikers. Castlegar, Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Greenwood, and Midway all offer lodging, camping, dining, and resupply options, making it possible to plan multi-day trips with comfort in mind. For cyclists and hikers who want extended adventures, carrying adequate water and food is recommended, since resupply points along the actual trail corridor are sparse. As a result, with this combination of community access and wilderness immersion, the Columbia and Western Rail Trail offers both adventure and convenience.

Wildlife Viewing Along the Columbia and Western Rail Trail

The Columbia and Western Rail Trail offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, thanks to its position in a biologically rich region of southern British Columbia. Travellers may encounter black bears foraging along berry patches, white-tailed deer grazing in open meadows, or coyotes trotting quietly across the trail. Elk and moose occasionally wander into the valleys, while smaller animals such as marmots and chipmunks add moments of liveliness along the way.

The skies above are equally rich with bird life. Bald Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks soar over the valleys, scanning for prey, while Osprey patrol the rivers for fish. Peregrine Falcons are sometimes seen along cliff faces, and in spring and summer, songbirds fill the forests with music. Wetlands along the trail attract waterfowl and migratory birds, making it an especially rewarding destination for birdwatchers.

Flora adds seasonal interest to the journey as well. In spring, wildflowers bloom in the meadows and along the trail edges, while autumn brings golden hues to the aspen and cottonwood trees. Combined with the trail’s relative quiet and sense of remoteness, the Columbia and Western provides abundant opportunities to reconnect with nature and observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

Route Description of the Columbia and Western Rail Trail

The Columbia and Western Rail Trail traces an unforgettable 162 km journey through the rugged mountains, river valleys, and historic communities of British Columbia’s Boundary Country. Beginning in Castlegar, the trail hugs the Columbia River before climbing high above Arrow Lake, crossing over wooden trestles and ducking through short rock tunnels, each opening to sweeping views across the valley. The route soon reaches Bulldog Mountain, where the 912-metre Bulldog Tunnel, once the longest railway tunnel in Canada, must be navigated by trail users. With a curve in the middle, no light can be seen at the far end, and anyone entering must brave the cold, pitch black darkness where the echoes of dripping water create a truly eerie feeling. Thankfully, at the far end of the passage you emerge at Tunnel Station, one of the many historic rail stops along the way which have been converted into covered rest stops.

From there the path continues upward toward Farron, 1,121 m above sea level, before descending past sites that recall the area’s turbulent past, including the mysterious 1924 explosion that killed Doukhobor leader Peter Verigin. Remnants of once-bustling sidings, the soaring Paulson Bridge, and quiet creeks now mark the way to Coryell. Beyond, the trail opens to brilliant views over Christina Lake, where trestles, rocky cuts, and forested slopes give way to the charming lakeside community of Christina Lake.

The descent continues into the wide valley of the Kettle River, where golden fields, cottonwoods, and the restored Kettle River trestle lead through Cascade’s ghost town and along the sweeping grasslands of Gilpin Provincial Park. Wildlife is abundant here — from bighorn sheep on the cliffs to praying mantises crawling along the trail.

As the route approaches Grand Forks, the Kettle River Heritage Trail brings travellers past Boothman’s Oxbow, a shaded rest area above marshes and beaches. Grand Forks itself offers cafés, murals, and railway history at the restored CPR station, making it a lively heritage stop. West of town, the trail climbs around Goat Mountain, where Mountain chickadees, Northern Flickers, and Blue Jays are constant companions. Historic stops include the Sectionman’s Shed, still providing shelter and a logbook, and Eholt, a vanished junction once bustling with ore trains.

From Eholt the path descends into Greenwood, Canada’s smallest city, where heritage buildings, mining history, and internment memorials add depth to the journey. The final stretch to Midway passes the towering smelter chimney at Greenwood, the ghostly site of Boundary Falls, and dry hills dotted with quail and grouse. Midway, Mile 0 of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, welcomes travellers with the Kettle River Museum and a mural marking the end of the Columbia and Western Rail Trail.

Part of a Rail Trail Network in British Columbia, Canada

The Columbia and Western Rail Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail, one of the longest trail networks in the world, linking the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. Its 162 kilometres form a vital section of this national pathway, connecting directly with the Kettle Valley Rail Trail to the west. Together, these routes create one of Canada’s most iconic rail trail systems, offering hundreds of kilometres of continuous off-road adventure through mountains, valleys, and vineyards. Whether hiked in sections or incorporated into cross-country itineraries, it offers flexibility for travellers seeking to design their own adventures.

When to Go Hiking or Cycling the Columbia and Western Rail Trail

The Columbia and Western Rail Trail is best enjoyed between May and October.

• Spring (May–June): Temperatures are mild, wildflowers bloom, and rivers run high, although some sections remain muddy.
• Summer (July–August): Warm, dry weather creates ideal conditions for cycling and hiking, yet midday heat can be intense in exposed valleys.
• Fall (September–October): Crisp air, golden forests, and reduced insect activity make this the most comfortable time for extended travel.
• Winter (November–April): The route is not recommended due to snow, ice, and unsafe conditions on trestles and slopes.

Because the trail is rarely crowded, even peak summer provides solitude and the feeling of immersion in wilderness.

A Journey to Remember in Canada’s Boundary Country

The Columbia and Western Rail Trail offers more than just recreation. It tells stories of miners, railway engineers, settlers, and Indigenous communities while simultaneously highlighting the enduring beauty of British Columbia.  As part of the Trans Canada Trail, this route preserves heritage and provides access to landscapes that define Canada’s identity. For hikers, cyclists, and history enthusiasts, this trail is visually stunning, physically rewarding, and deeply meaningful. We walked it as part of our cross-Canada hike, and it was one of our favourite sections.

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