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Prepare for a memorable ride. This section takes you up to the summit past the Peter Verigan memorial and on to Bulldog Tunnel, the longest on the CPR (1 km – be sure to bring lighting!) The route from Paulson to Castlegar station is about five hours, and has beautiful vistas of the Arrow Lake and the remains of old towns which dotted this valley. There is a huge Natural Arch rock formation a short ways from the rail grade, and a creek which issues out of a cave. Ask for directions as there are no signs at present.
Follow Highway #3 north out of Christina Lake towards Castlegar. 100 m before the Paulson Bridge take the Paulson Detour Rd. up then down into the valley. This leads to the access point for the Trans Canada Trail.
Another of our most popular short hikes, this stretch of the trail winds through the trees along the mountainside, opening to a vantage point overlooking the town with panoramic views of Christina Lake. You can see the newly railed sections above the Crow & Bear restaurant from the highway. Formerly the Kettle Valley Railway Trail, it became part of the Trans Canada Trail in 2004.
Turn off Highway #3 and follow Santa Rosa 1.5 km until just before you reach the first switchback, and look for the parking area and information kiosk to your left. A public washroom is also available here
Christina Lake features over 215+ km of diverse trails ensuring an unforgettable experience for hikers, bikers, ATV enthusiasts, beginners and seasoned thrill seekers alike! The Trail Alliance works with all levels of government as well as dedicated volunteers to represent the needs and values of local trails so that all users have safe, accessible access while preserving the environment that makes our trails such a cherished asset.
The Christina Lake Trail Alliance (CLTA), established by the Christina Lake Tourism Society, is dedicated to stewarding the area’s trails to preserve their accessibility and beauty for all residents and visitors.
If hiking is your idea of a good time, then let the good times roll at Christina Lake. Here you will find a great network of trails for every level of hiker. Explore the outdoors on our extensive trails system of over 27 public access trails. Whether you like a leisurely stroll by a meandering creek or a steep descent down technical trails, we have it all.
Christina Lake is home to one of the finest sections of the Trans Canada Trail, the Kettle Valley Railbed, with two freshly decked trestles (one of the longest on the CPR) and the longest tunnel (over 1 km long!) on the KVR. Much of the surface has been renewed between Christina Lake and Grand Forks, making this riverside trip through the new Gilpin Grasslands Provincial Park easy and thoroughly enjoyable for families and friends. Of course the Cascade Gorge section is unrivaled anywhere on the KVR and must be seen to appreciate the majesty of the Falls.
Hiking can be scenic and leisurely in the Community Nature Park right by the Lake, or rugged and challenging to the top of nearby Old Glory or Gladstone Mountain. There are easily accessed trails throughout the district, offering everything from a short after dinner walk to excellent day hikes and overnight trips.
There is a fine selection of singletrack trails ranging from the classic Deerpoint Trail in Gladstone Provincial Park to Spooner Creek and Dewdney Trails, all excellent for intermediate riders. There are also new trails that have built-up sections, steep drops and challenging balance sections for expert free-riders. You won’t find these on the map, so ask at WildWays for directions and ask about their convenient shuttle services to get you or your group to the trails. Bike rentals are also available.
Explore our trails section and see for yourself why Christina Lake is now so much more than BC’s warmest clean lake. Spend a week or two exploring our trails, there’s so much to see!
At 25 km for the full trip, this leg of the trail is only for extremely dedicated hikers, as it will take a full day to reach Fife Road, but makes for an excellent half day biking trip. The rewards include passing through Paulson Tunnel, crossing the old Snowslide railway bridge and finally the ore loading tower...
At 25 km for the full trip, this leg of the trail is...
Prepare for a memorable ride. This section takes you up to the summit past the Peter Verigan memorial and on to Bulldog Tunnel, the longest on the CPR (1 km - be sure to bring lighting!) The route from Paulson to Castlegar station is about five hours, and has beautiful vistas of the Arrow Lake and the...
Prepare for a memorable ride. This section takes you up to the summit...
This hike will take you to one of the remnants from the smelter days on the KVR, the old limestone loading tower. Drive up Fife Road to the Trans Canada Trail crossing, which you'll find just around the bend from an old log barn, and land marked by the original Fife station building to your left. Head...
This hike will take you to one of the remnants from the smelter...
Another of our most popular short hikes, this stretch of the trail winds through the trees along the mountainside, opening to a vantage point overlooking the town with panoramic views of Christina Lake. You can see the newly railed sections above the Crow & Bear restaurant from the highway. Formerly the Kettle Valley Railway Trail, it became...
Another of our most popular short hikes, this stretch of the trail winds...
Christina Lake features over 215+ km of diverse trails ensuring an unforgettable experience for hikers, bikers, ATV enthusiasts, beginners and seasoned thrill seekers alike! The Trail Alliance works with all levels of government as well as dedicated volunteers to represent the needs and values of local trails so that all users have safe, accessible access while preserving...
Christina Lake features over 215+ km of diverse trails ensuring an unforgettable experience...