Bonshaw Hills Trail

The Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park includes a four-season trail system covering 25 kilometers. There are many shorter trails that vary in length and intensity connected to the main trail.

Enjoy over 18 kilometres of hiking and mountain bike trails along the Bonshaw River at the park. The trails are for all fitness levels from walking trails to challenging climbs. There are also picnic facilities, and a natural adventure playground featuring swings, balancing ropes and slide.

The main trail was named Ji'ka'we'katik Trail - after the traditional Mi'kmaq name for the West River. Ji'ka'we'katik (Pronounced - Jih Ga Way Ga Dig) means "the place where bass are plentiful" in Mi'kmaq.

The trail system is colour-coded, as follows:

• GREEN route is considered easy with gentle climbs and easily avoidable obstacles.
• BLUE route is considered more difficult with some steep slopes with a possibility of narrow trail.
• BLACK route is considered very difficult very steep slopes and possibility of loose trail. Not suitable for biking.

Environmental code of care for trail users

Use clean gear

Muddy or dirty footwear, bike tires or clothing can harbour seeds of invasive plant species, insects or disease spores, contributing to loss of ecological integrity in the park.

Pets are permitted on leash.

Scoop the poop. You must properly dispose of your pet's waste by placing it in a waste can or taking it with you.

Pack out what you pack in

All garbage, even compost, has an impact by changing wildlife behavior, damaging plants in the understory, diminishing other trail users' experience.

Leave what you find

The natural materials in the park contribute to the ecosystem there. It is all habitat for something.

Give wildlife space

Wildlife is placed at risk when the habituate to people, particularly when they begin to associate people with easy food. They also have no extra energy to deal with people in their territory when raising young or getting ready for a long and arduous migration.

Stay on trail

Taking shortcuts or walking / biking around obstacles or wet areas on the trail increases the damage to soils and surrounding vegetation. Follow the green and blue coloured blaze markers.

Respect trail closures

Closures indicate that the trail needs time with no traffic to dry out or be repaired. It is important to allow the ecosystem time to recover / adjust to seasonal changes.

Use the facilities

Use composting toilets. If that is not possible, waste should be buried at least six inches.

Be mindful of the potential for sparks

Sparks from cigarettes, bike brakes or campfires can burn a forest and eliminate what the park was created for in an instant.

Contact:

Phone: 902-368-4791
Email: vamuttart@gov.pe.ca