Bicycle Touring Route

The Saanich Bicycle Touring Route (PDF 272 KB) circumnavigates the Municipality of Saanich. Wherever possible, it follows the Galloping Goose or Lochside Trails; elsewhere it uses rural or residential roads. The eastern section offers spectacular ocean views; the northern section passes Elk and Prospect Lakes, both with excellent swimming and picnic facilities; to the west are rural undeveloped forested areas and farms; the southern section follows the Galloping Goose trail which overlooks the Portage Inlet.

The total circle route is approximately 45 km, but cyclists preferring a shorter route may follow a smaller loop by taking any of the many other bicycle routes within Saanich. Bicycle symbols on a bright yellow back-ground clearly mark the route direction as it passes through Saanich.

Galloping Goose Trail
The Galloping Goose Trail is an off-road multi-use regional trail system along an abandoned rail right of way. The trail serves a variety of users from all age groups, including walkers, cyclists, and roller bladers and accommodates strollers and wheel chairs.

The portion of the Galloping Goose in Saanich south of McKenzie Avenue is called the Saanich Spur, while the portion north of McKenzie is called Lochside Trail. 

Points of Interest
Mount Douglas summit, accessible via a paved, but steep, park road, is the highest point within Saanich.  The lookout provides a 360^o view over-looking downtown Victoria and the Olympic Mountains to the south, the San Juan Islands and Mt. Baker to the east and the North Shore Mountains behind Vancouver to the north.  Mount Douglas Park beach is a long sandy beach.  

Dominion Astrophysical Observatory offers panoramic views of southern Vancouver Island and also an opportunity to visit the telescope. It is a steady 5-6% climb to the summit.  

Hartland Mountain Bike Park is accessed via Hartland Road in the Saanich northwest corner.  Detailed information and maps for this superb mountain bike park are available at most bike shops.

Spectacular ocean vistas appear all along the eastern section of the route. Watch for Saanich Park's beach access signs that often mark secluded coves and beaches. Especially look for Gyro Park Beach in Cadboro Bay, Hollydene Park and Arbutus Cove. 

A scenic side loop overlooks Glencoe Cove with an unobstructed panorama of Haro Straits and the San Juan Islands. If you venture into the park, please stay on the trail, many rare, protected plants grow here.

Other points of interest along the eastern section of the route are the University of Victoria and Mt. Tolmie lookout, possibly the best view of the entire Greater Victoria region.

For more cycle touring information, visit the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition touring web site.