For many years, we hiked in behind the University, following the bench as it wound through the hills above Mission Flats.     Most of this trail was a single track following the edge of the fence line.   It led to the gully and up the other side to the slopes of Mount Dufferin, coming around three sides of the bunker property.   Then, the University expanded its parking lots, followed by the Hillside Bypass, then the construction at the end of McGill Road which included the new data center, the City Works Yards, and the new recycling depot.   Through all of this, the access routes to the single track trails were cut off and we wondered if they were gone forever.   Once the City finished the McGill-Bunker Road work and the recycling facility was built, a new trailhead into the Park was also built, but it is hard to see and not many people know it exists.   To access the Sage Trail, go to the end of McGill Road and turn left onto Bunker Road, pass the data center, and turn in to the recycling facility, but bypass the blue containers and park in the lot just past.   A trailhead sign and gate shows the way.   The first 50m climbs up a gravel road and the trail splits off to the right.   The area to the left is used by the throwing program of the Kamloops Track and Field Club.  

The Sage Trail ambles through the hills as a single track for 650m before going through a gate onto the older trail system.   Some of the east trails end at the data center and the Bypass Road, but new minor tracks can be followed to create a loop.   At the north end, a track goes out to a lookout area near some communications towers.   The west end drops into a gully and comes up the other side on a steep route into the Kenna Cartwright trail network.   For a shorter hike of about 3km with very nice views, follow the Sage Trail and do a loop of the hilltop then back to the vehicle, Another option is to hike the trail and return into Kenna Cartwright Park, coming out at the Home Depot trailhead, about 4km of hiking, but this requires a two-car system.  

The Sage Trail follows the fence line for the former Department of National Defense base.   During WWII, a Royal Canadian Navy Ammunition Depot was built in Kamloops.   Twenty two bunkers were built and some still remain long after the Depot closed in 1963.

Kamloops was on the rail lines in the Interior of BC, away from vulnerable Coast locations.   Starting in 1944, bomb-proof bunkers were built.    Quarters, mess halls, administration buildings, roads, and perimeter defenses were completed by 1945.    The bunkers, called magazines, were used to store bulk explosives, shells.parts, supplies, and small ammunition.   After the war, the depot continued to store materials used for naval exercises. 

Bunker walls were built of thick concrete and were buried with a covering of earth and rock.   Doors were made of steel and were tall enough to allow vehicles to drive right inside the bunkers.   Tunnels connected the bunkers, used as escape routes.   An aerial tramway connected the depot to a CPR spur line below. 

Today the lands are part of the City of Kamloops and used for municipal operations, including storage areas and a Fire Training Center.

In the 1970's I had a chance to explore the old bunkers and tunnels, a story for another day.  

Hike the Sage Trail and watch for razor wire fences, old lamp poles, concrete bunkers, and the line of the old tramway.  Enjoy the views below to Rabbit Island and get a bird's eye perspectve on the Domtar Mill.   This is a good trail in the shoulder seasons when the weather encourages a shorter hike or bike.