 Beacon Hill Park, Tom Ryan photo First-class wilderness adventures are never far away; challenging routes begin right inside the city with many others accessible by public transportation.
For a mix of the rugged and bucolic, hike and amble Galloping Goose or Lochside Trail. For civilized city gardens and scenery, saunter along Beacon Hill/Dallas Road/Ogden Point. For a walk on the wild side, try backpacking through East Sooke Regional Park.
Galloping Goose Trail
Galloping Goose Trail follows an old railway line past farmland, a quiet cove and hidden lake, rocky outcrops, a Douglas-fir forest, marshland and more. The 55-km/34-mi trail links to several parks, with wildlife evident everywhere.
From Victoria West, start out at the Selkirk Trestle and follow the trail west to Sooke. There, turn north and continue to the old gold mining area of Leechtown.
From downtown Victoria, cross the Johnson Street Bridge. Turn right onto the paved path that connects to Harbour Road and the trail.
Galloping Goose Trail is multi-use, so be prepared to share the road with others from time to time. The time required to complete this walking trail varies by route.
Lochside TrailWinding past beaches, wetlands, farms and suburban backyards, the 29-km/18-mi Lochside Trail is an enjoyable combination of wild and cultivated natural beauty. The mostly off-road trail was built on the bed of an old railway line that once linked Victoria to Patricia Bay.
From downtown Victoria, follow the Galloping Goose Trail to the Switch Bridge in Saanich. Turn right and follow Lochside Trail north towards Sidney and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.
From the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, follow the signs for Lochside Regional Trail.
Lochside Trail is multi-use, so be prepared to share the trail with others from time to time. The time to complete this easy trail varies by route.
Beacon Hill/Dallas Road/Ogden Point
This lovely, 6-km/3.6-mi city walk explores Beacon Hill Park, Ogden Point and the James Bay waterfront. Famous for its flower gardens, Beacon Hill Park also features duck ponds, playgrounds, a petting zoo, spray pools and tennis courts. Dallas Road, near Clover Point, is home to the cruise ship terminal and the breakwater, a popular spot for hang-gliding, windsurfing and kite flying. The James Bay waterfront borders one of Victoria's oldest neighbourhoods.
Walk south through Beacon Hill Park, follow Dallas Road west to Ogden Point and then along the waterfront. It takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete this easy trail.
Westsong Way
Westsong Way is a popular coastline walk that borders two charming residential neighbourhoods. The 6-km/3.6-mi roundtrip route offers enchanting views of the Inner Harbour and Olympic Mountains, with benches for sitting and resting along the way. There are many places to stop and enjoy a picnic. Westsong Way connects with Galloping Goose Trail and the Inner Harbour walkway at the Johnson Street Bridge.
Start at West Bay Marina in the township of Esquimalt and continue to the Johnson Street Bridge. This easy route takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
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