The trails of Gowlland Tod work their way along the edges of Finlayson Arm, our local fjord. From Caleb Pike, a short climb has you at Holmes Peak, the first of a number of amazing viewpoints. A fun, fast descent from Holmes Peaks has you cruising on rolling trails and slowly climbing up to the summit of Jocelyn Hill along a number of rocky, runnable ridges where views abound.

From the top of Jocelyn Hill, a winding, fast and often technical descent has you back to running rolling trails through the forest to Squally’s Reach, an outstanding viewpoint that looks up Vancouver Island to Cowichan Bay and Mt. Tzouhalem and up the Sansum Narrows that separate Saltspring and Vancouver Island.

After Squally’s Reach is a long downhill to the ocean, ending at McKenzie Bight. In the summer, it can get warm enough to swim here given the infrequent tidal exchange in the inlet. From sea level, you can make the long climb up to the top of Mt. Work, where sweeping views await from a number of different viewpoints. A huge variety of options are available at Gowlland Tod, from 1 hour out and back runs to five hour point to point runs. Gowlland Tod can be combined with Mt. Finlayson, Goldstream and even Thetis Lake trails for an all day adventure!

These runs can also start from our Swallows Nest property, with the option for a bonfire and BBQ at the end.