|
Trans-Canada
Trail at Cassidy
You can access the Trans-Canada Trail from three locations in Cassidy.
One is off a logging road that starts at the end of Timberland Road
just past the Rondalyn RV Resort. The second point is at the end
of Spruston Road. The third access is located along the Nanaimo
River Road where you can walk either to Nanaimo River or the small
settlement of Extension.
Rondalyn
RV Resort
To get to the trailhead for the Rondalyn RV Resort, continue on
the road as it makes a left. Ignore the Trans-Canada Sign that is
near the resort's main entrance; this is not the start. Continue
on this road for 1.8 km (1.1 miles) past the Malaspina College Heavy
Equipment Operators' Program Training Centre.
Mindy's
Bridge
Follow the dirt road along the fence line that borders the gravel
pit next to the centre. Make sure you keep to the left as you go
past a gate to an active logging area. The parking lot and a sign
appear just past this junction. The trail will now lead you around
the gravel pit to a suspension bridge crossing Haslam Creek called
Mindy's Bridge.
Hiking
Trail
The trail continues on past Mindy's Bridge and tends to be more
suited for hiking rather than cycling. If you are cycling make sure
that you have a mountain bike as this section of the trail is quite
rough with lots of small boulders exposed.
Swimming
Hole
For swimmers there is a small swimming hole downstream from Mindy's
Bridge along Haslam Creek. Be careful on the slippery rocks as the
trail descends very steeply. There are a couple of small pools in
some sandstone shelves plus a gravel beach. Please watch young children
and non-swimmers along the Haslam Creek as it can be dangerous.
Spruston
Road
The section of trail off Spruston Road starts just past Loftus Road
and the Mountainaire Resort. The parking lot is just before McKay
Lake Forest Service Road. You can either go on the White Pine Trail
which takes you back to Mindy's Bridge on Haslam Creek or to Darryl's
Way which takes you to the Nanaimo River.
Darryl's
Way
If you do decide on taking Darryl's Way just remember the trail
stops at the Nanaimo River with no way of crossing the river. This
section of trail is quite overgrown and in terrible need of clearing
and is more suited for horseback riding. If you do hike, keep a
reminder of the way in as you can get lost on the way out.
Nanaimo
River Road
The third section of the Trans-Canada Trail that can be accessed
from Cassidy is up the Nanaimo River Road. Turn off Hwy 1 on Nanaimo
River Road past the Bunjy Zone. Once you pass the turnoff for White
Rapids Road, travel another 3.6 km up Nanaimo River Road to some
gates. Look for a small Trans-Canada Trail sign on the gate going
towards the Nanaimo River.
Pipeline
Trail
If you head south you will end up on the section where there is
no crossing across the Nanaimo River and Darryl's Way. The other
way going north follows the Pipeline Trail - a multi-use trail that
will take you into the small settlement of Extension, eventually
north to Nanaimo.
Be
Prepared
On certain sections, especially Darryl's Way take some extra surveyor's
tape or Compass (GPS) to help guide yourself out of the trail. Remember
the trail is rough in spots so don't hike alone plus make sure you
let someone know where you're going. Please take the usual wildlife
precautions.
Rondalyn
RV Resort
If you happen to be in the Cassidy area and need a place to stay,
try the Rondalyn RV Resort. The resort is very clean featuring a
heated pool, hot tub, golf course, local trails, RV and tenting
sites. The owners are extremely helpful and can help you with directions
to Mindy's Bridge.
|
