Bicycling the Trails of Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Southern Vancouver Island is a picturesque and inviting destination for cyclists. The region blends urban charm, farmland, and untamed wilderness, offering several exceptional routes for day rides and extended tours. The three signature trails — Galloping Goose, Lochside Trail, and Cowichan Valley Trail — collectively span more than 150 kilometers through some of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes.
About The Trails
All three trails were once part of the Canadian National Railway. The Galloping Goose Trail runs 55 km northwest from Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park to Leechtown, an abandoned gold-mining settlement deep in the forest. Along the way, it passes farmland, neighborhoods, lakes, coves, and the Sooke Potholes — famous for their smooth rock pools and clear mountain water.
The Lochside Trail begins in Victoria and branches north from the Galloping Goose at the Switch Bridge, continuing 29 km to Swartz Bay. It meanders through farmland and coastal inlets, passing near the Victoria International Airport and ferry terminals for B.C. Ferries and Washington State Ferries.
The Cowichan Valley Trail offers the most remote and rugged experience. Though not fully completed, it traverses forests, river canyons, and the towering Kinsol Trestle — one of the world’s longest and highest wooden railroad bridges. Cyclists will find some of the region’s tallest trees and lush moss-draped rainforests along its path.
Getting There
Most visitors arrive via Victoria Clipper ferry from Seattle, which takes about three hours. Alternatively, ferries and flights connect Vancouver Island with Vancouver, Anacortes, Port Angeles, and other nearby ports. Once in Victoria, riders can access the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails directly from downtown without needing a car.
Planning the trip details? See our companion Vancouver Island Cycling Logistics Guide for ferries, airport info, when to visit, and lodging.
More Resources
- Capital Regional District Parks — Official information for the Goose and Lochside Trails.
- Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition — Local advocacy and route planning.
- GallopingGooseTrail.com — Unofficial site with helpful maps and photos.
- Cycling BC’s Trans Canada Trail — Provincial trail maps and resources.
- Kelly Koome’s Vancouver Island Trip Report — A detailed first-hand account of cycling the region.