The Victoria Community Development Corporation
Community Trail System

Settlers were first attracted to the river valley were Victoria is located by the abundant forest, a Salmon River and good soil for farming. In the era of the horse travel people journeyed up to ten miles one way to reach the salmon, stands of firewood and cut saw logs in the valley. With such a rich natural environment, many cart paths and foot trails developed then that still exist today.

Walking, Hiking, Biking Trails

Six trails have been identified and mapped as part of the community trail system. These are excellent walking, hiking, and mountain biking routes that can still take residents and visitors through unspoiled areas.

Beaver Pond Environmental Education Area 1995 - 1999

Residents of Victoria are very fortunate to have a large pond surrounded by a natural habitat in the middle of the community. From 1995-1997 the VCDC, with the help of the Town Council and Conservation Corps worked to preserve this area with the goal of making it an Environmental Education Centre for local schools, residents and visitors.

The first two phases of the Victoria Trail system was completed over two summers (1995 & 96) by a total of ten members of The Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador Green Team. The corps is a non-profit group designed to provide training and employment opportunities for young people in the area of environmental enhancement and conservation. They developed 2.5 kilometer walking trail along the eastern shore of the pond that connects with trails at the top. This will allow anyone using the Beaver Pond Trail to access the more than 100 km. of walking, hiking and biking trails within the town boundaries. The team has installed signs and benches, and spent time promoting environmental awareness in the community through their involvement in the Come Home Year events.

In the summer of 1997 the trail was upgrades with the help of the Youth Service Canada(YSC) program. These 18 -24 year old young people maintained the walking areas and did clean up. To help local schools become aware of what wildlife could be seen in the beaver pond area YSC youth developed a Education Package of information and classroom activities.

Since 1995 the council had provided town's heavy equipment to move the materials needed to develop the trail areas. In the fall of 1999 and Spring of 2000, under a Federal TAG's program, the Town employed displaced Fishery Workers to extend the Beaver Pond trail on to the west side of the pond to connect with an abandoned railway bed.

The VCDC placed a large 4' x 8' colored trail map in the front window of the Town Hall outlining the routes and uses for which they were designed. Pamphlets were also printed and available to trail users.

Plans are to keep the beaver pond areas as natural as possible while making it useable to those w ho appreciate its unique characteristics

Click here for descriptions of each of the Town Trails.