The Boardwalk is Here — Balancing Rock Trail is Better Than Ever!

It's done. We couldn't be more excited to share the news: the brand new floating boardwalk on the Balancing Rock Trail is complete, the trail has been cleaned and cleared from end to end, and it is absolutely ready for visitors.

Whether you've been walking this trail for years or you've been meaning to check it out, now is the time. Come see it.

A New Boardwalk Worth the Wait

Before the old boardwalk through the skunk cabbage wetland had broken down and fallen apart, it served us faithfully for many years, but its time was up. In its place, we installed a floating dock-style boardwalk — approximately 90 feet long with 36-inch cedar decking — purpose-built to flex and move with the dynamic wetland environment it crosses. It's solid, it's beautiful, and it will be there for hikers for years to come.

Several volunteers with Asplundh Canada hauled in the float docks, a short section of new trail was built to connect the boardwalk to the existing route, and a small, skilled crew of dedicated volunteers did the rest.

207 Hours. A Community Came Together.

This project wouldn't exist without people who showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and got it done. Across two major work bees and additional sessions led by our Trail Management Committee, our volunteers gave 207 hours of their time — plus a quad, two side-by-sides, and a whole lot of heart. A huge, heartfelt thank you to every one of them: Ted Yarema, Ed Bailes, Ken Grover, Kevin Jackson, Mark Gomes, Brenda Gomes, Peter McCulloch, Ryder Moore, Brian Huscroft, Colby Shoop, Pennylane MacDonald, Mark Timler, Jim Schaefer, and Jerry Bauer.

Special thanks to Kevin, Peter, and Brian for bringing their machines — and to Jim for fabricating the custom brackets that hold the whole thing together. You are all appreciated more than we can say.

The project came in at a total cost of $8,239, fully covered by generous grants from the Creston Community Forest (CCF) and the Creston Valley Community Foundation (CVCF). Community investment, community result.

A Trail Refreshed from Start to Finish

The boardwalk is the centre-piece, but it's not the whole story. The trail has been cleaned and cleared top to bottom. Refurbished signs give the route a polished, welcoming feel. And there's a brand new trail registration box — handcrafted by members of the Men's Shed group right here in Creston — ready for your signature at the trailhead. Solid, beautiful, and built with local pride.

Don't forget to sign in when you visit!

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

From February 11 through April 27 — before the new boardwalk was even finished — the Balancing Rock Trail saw 1,014 visits over 76 days, averaging more than 13 hikers a day. This trail is loved. And now it's even better.

Go Explore

The skunk cabbage is blooming, the valley is alive, and there's a brand new boardwalk waiting for your footsteps. Lace up your boots, bring the family, and go enjoy one of the most magical corners of the Creston Valley.

And if you haven't yet become a paying member of TCVS — this is what your membership makes possible. Join us at crestonvalleytrails.ca and help keep projects like this one coming.