Trail Distance: 15 km
Pass Lake Trestle
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Location: Pass Lake, ON
If you are afraid of heights or have vertigo this hike is not for you. The hike goes from Nelson Road to Karen’s Kountry Kitchen –a great spot to eat before you head back.
The hike follows an abandoned CN railway line over the Pass Lake Train Trestle. This is part of the railway line known as the Kinghorn line that ran between Longlac and Thunder Bay that was discontinued in 2004. The Trans Canada Trail Association is working with community groups to make this part of the Trans Canada Trail.
The most impressive feature of the trail is the highly visible Pass Lake Trestle. Constructed in 1916, it is one of the largest and deepest trestles in North America. The trestle was originally built to get over a valley and a small creek. Later on the road was built to access the Sleeping Giant.
We were surprised to find large owls nesting under the bridge and at the time of our visit (late April) there were very young hatchlings in the nest. We left as soon as we discovered them and I hope that you plan to do this hike well away from nesting time so you will not disturb them either.
From Thunder Bay drive East on Highway 11/17 about 30 km to Nelson Road. Turn right onto Nelson and follow it until you see the train tracks. Park out of the way and start walking East along the tracks.
(May 8, 2009)
Popularity: 12% [?]
I grew up beside the trestle and if you think walking across the trestle is scary you should try standing in one of the fire barrel platforms with a train going by. One would never think a structure could sway so much and still stay standing. My brother use to ride his dirt bike across it from time to time. For the history buff the trestle use to be orange before being painted black. During the war years there were guards posted at each end of the trestle.
I tried to imagine what it would be like up there with a train zooming by and I think the sway would shake my confidence for sure! Thank you so much for your informative comment!
There is an open house on Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 at the MacGregor Recreation Center on Lakeshore drive to discuss converting this bridge as well as 100+km of the king horn rail line into a recreation trail.
Thanks for mentioning this Kailee. The old Kinghorn Line will hopefully become part of the Trans Canada Trail that is in development. I hope people will come out to the meeting.