Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the Vancouver Island region. There are many smooth well-marked routes along old railway lines, farmland, and hidden lakes, suitable for family outings. The surrounding environment ranges from sweeps of sparkling shorelines to dense canopies of old-growth forest. The best climate conditions for cycling occur from April and October.
Cowichan Valley Rail Trail
Gulf Islands
Galloping Goose Trail
Seaside Cycling Route
The Cowichan Valley Rail Trail is perhaps the most scenic route on the Trans Canada Trail in the Vancouver Island region. Built on a converted rail bed, it is a near-level ride. From Shawnigan Lake to Cowichan Lake, the trail passes rivers, valleys, forests, canyons and farmland, and over several trestles.
The 70m/230ft high, 300m/984ft in length Kinsol Trestle, a marvel of engineering, the largest wooden rail bridge in the British Commonwealth. Note: The Kinsol Trestle is undergoing restorative work. At times, there may be parts of the trail that are inaccessible. The Marie Canyon/99 Mile Trestle is one of the trail’s best viewpoints. Plant life along the trail includes Western hemlock, Broadleaf maple, arbutus, Pacific dogwood and Douglas fir in the forest and salal, Oregon grape, red huckleberry, dwarf rose, Saskatoon berry, and false boxwood. Wildlife includes cougars, Black-tail deer, Pileated woodpeckers, salmon, and trout.
Getting to the Cowichan Valley Rail Trail
The trail has multiple access points, but the main points are at the south end of Shawnigan Lake and the northwest end of Lake Cowichan. Shawnigan Lake is a 35min drive north of Victoria via Hwy 1. Cowichan Lake is about 25min west of Duncan via Hwy 18. The trail is open year round, but the best weather for cycling occurs from March to October.
Attributes: - Level of difficulty: easy to moderate
- Length: 47km/29mi
- Approximate time required: half-day to multi-day
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The southern Gulf Islands are scattered through the Strait of Georgia, between mainland BC and Vancouver Island. The islands have a decidedly rural character: Working farms are interspersed with pockets of old-growth forest and tiny commercial enclaves. Side roads lead to quiet shell, pebble, and sand beaches. There are captivating viewpoints accessible by cycling virtually everywhere on the Gulf Islands.
Getting to the southern Gulf Islands
The main southern islands - Saltspring, Galiano, Mayne, Pender and Saturna - offer regular ferry service from Vancouver Island and the mainland. An inter-island ferry service also makes hopping between these islands easy. Bike rentals are available on all of the islands.
From Vancouver Island, catch the ferry at Swartz Bay, a 30min drive north from downtown Victoria via Hwy 17. Salt Spring Island is accessible by ferry at Crofton. From the mainland, catch the ferry at Tsawwassen, a 45min drive south from Vancouver via Hwy 99.
Getting to the southern Gulf Islands
The northern Gulf Islands of Gabriola, Denman, Hornby, Quadra, Cortes, Malcolm and Cormorant can only be reached by ferry from departure points on Vancouver Island. Catch a ferry to Vancouver Island from Tsawwassen, Horseshoe Bay or Powell River, then drive to the departure point for the island you wish to visit.
Attributes: - Level of difficulty: easy to moderate with some steep sections
- Approximate time required: varies by route
- Roads to ferries are busy in summer - exercise caution
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The 55km/34mi Galloping Goose Trail begins at the Selkirk Trestle - a pedestrian bridge spanning the Gorge Waterway in Victoria West - and continues west to the community of Sooke. The trail then turns north and continues to the old gold mining area of Leechtown. From Downtown Victoria, cross the Johnson Street Bridge. Turn right onto the path that connects to Harbour Road and the trail. Galloping Goose Trail is multi-use, so be prepared to share the trail with others from time to time.
Attributes: - Level of difficulty: easy
- Approximate time required: varies by route
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The 11km/7mi Seaside Cycling Route was developed specifically for touring Victoria by bicycle. The route passes many major Victoria - area attractions, such as the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the Provincial Legislative Buildings, and Beacon Hill Park. Hugging the shoreline all the way, the route passes stunning ocean and mountain views. Begin at Victoria 's Via Rail Station on Johnson Street, and follow the sign posts along the city's Inner Harbour waterfront to the Ogden Point breakwater. Continue along the coastline through Oak Bay, Uplands and Cordova Bay. The Seaside Cycling Route connects to Lochside Trail and Galloping Goose Trail.
Attributes: - Level of difficulty: easy to moderate
- Approximate time required: varies by route
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