advertise
Cowichan Valley Trail

Cowichan Valley Trail

Picture yourself gliding along a gravel path, the scent of cedar in the air, as the Cowichan River sparkles through the trees. Cycling on the Cowichan Valley Trail is an invitation to immerse yourself in the soul of Southern Vancouver Island. This spectacular multi-use trail, a former railway line, stretches over more than 60 km of rail trail, connecting Duncan to Lake Cowichan with a gentle, beginner-friendly grade. From the awe-inspiring Historic Kinsol Trestle to serene meadows dotted with wildflowers, the cycling routes Cowichan Valley Trail offers are a cyclist’s dream. Whether you’re a family seeking a leisurely outing or an adventurer eyeing the 190km figure-eight bikepacking route, this guide provides everything you need—detailed Cowichan Valley Trail map insights, cycling safety tips, and local secrets—to plan an unforgettable cycling tours Cowichan Valley Trail adventure.

Cycling in Victoria

Cycling in Victoria

Imagine pedaling through a city where history meets nature in perfect harmony. Cycling in Victoria blends breathtaking scenery, diverse cycling routes Victoria offers, and a rich cultural tapestry. Nestled at the southern tip of the Saanich Peninsula, surrounded by the shimmering Salish Sea, Victoria boasts scenic bike paths that wind past Victorian architecture and rugged coastlines. Whether you’re drawn to the flat, leisurely Galloping Goose Regional Trail or the hilly challenges of the Tour of the Highlands, this guide unveils the best bike trails Victoria has to offer. Packed with detailed route breakdowns, gear recommendations, and insider tips, it’s your roadmap to an unforgettable Victoria cycling adventure.

Galloping Goose trail

Galloping Goose trail

Cycling the Galloping Goose Trail is an unforgettable adventure that showcases the best of Vancouver Island cycling. This iconic 55-kilometer multi-use trail, stretching from Victoria to Leechtown, offers cyclists a unique blend of history, stunning scenery, and accessible terrain. Once a bustling railway line, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail now welcomes riders of all levels to explore its paved and gravel paths, making it one of the best cycling routes on Vancouver Island. Whether you’re planning a full-day bikepacking Vancouver Island journey or a short family ride, this trail has it all. In this exhaustive guide, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of cycling the Galloping Goose Trail, from its rich history to practical tips, ensuring you have the most comprehensive resource for your ride.

Your Adventure Starts with Vancouver Island Tours

Black Bear Tracking & Salmon Run Adventure Tour

5-Day Black Bear Tracking Adventure on Vancouver Island
Group
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from 1,135
5 days and 4 nights
Black Bear Tracking & Salmon Run Adventure Tour

A 3 Day Whale Watching Tour On Vancouver Island

Your three Day Victoria Whale Watching Getaway on Vancouver Island
Group
Victoria
Victoria
from 1,138
3 days and 2 night
 A 3 Day Whale Watching Tour On Vancouver Island

5-Day Vancouver Island Tour Package

Coastal Wonders & Wildlife Adventure
Group
Victoria
from 700
5 days and 4 nights
5-Day Vancouver Island Tour Package

4-Day Wildlife Watching on Vancouver Island

Pacific Rim & Clayoquot Sound Adventure
Group
Nanaimo
Tofino
from 1,897
4 days and 3 nights
4-Day Wildlife Watching on Vancouver Island

Sea Lions & Eagles Adventure

Experience an Unforgettable Half-Day Adventure in the Heart of Fanny Bay
Group
Nanaimo
from 2,850
1 day
Sea Lions & Eagles Adventure

Port Renfrew Bottom Fishing Tour

Guided Fishing Adventure Tour on Port Renfrew Vancouver Island
Group
Victoria
Port Renfrew
from 1,475
3 days and 2 nights
Port Renfrew Bottom Fishing Tour

Victoria Kayak Fishing Adventure Tour

Explore Inner Harbour & Catch Inshore Fish
Group
Victoria
Victoria
from 1,000
2 days and one night
Victoria Kayak Fishing Adventure Tour

Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

One-Day Chinook Salmon & Halibut Adventure Tour
Group
Victoria
Sooke
from 1,140
2 days and one night
Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

Ultimate 7-Day Vancouver Island Escape Tour

Wildlife, Beaches & Coastal Adventure
Group
Victoria
Victoria
from 1,813
7 days and 6 nights
Ultimate 7-Day Vancouver Island Escape Tour

Vancouver Island Getaway Tour

5-Day Tour from Victoria to Tofino with Nanaimo
Group
Victoria
Vancouver Island
from 2,100
6 days and 5 nights
Vancouver Island Getaway Tour

7-Day Vancouver Island Wildlife Watching Adventure Tour

Your 7-Day Wildlife Watching Escape
Group
Victoria
Vancouver Island
from 2,310
7 days and 6 nights
7-Day Vancouver Island Wildlife Watching Adventure Tour

Vancouver Island Wildlife watching Tour

Explore Whales, Bears & Coastal Rainforests
Group
Victoria
Tofino
from 750
3 nights and 4 days
Vancouver Island Wildlife watching  Tour

Fly Fishing Tour on Vancouver Island

Fly-Fishing Paradise on the Gold River
Group
Campbell River
Gold River BC
from 1,400
1 day
Fly Fishing Tour on Vancouver Island

Ultimate Vancouver Island Wildlife Experience

6-day Black Bear Wildlife Adventure Tour
Group
Nanaimo
Vancouver Island
from 1,950
6 days and 5 nights
Ultimate Vancouver Island Wildlife Experience

3 Day Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Tour

Salish Sea Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Adventure
Group
Victoria
from 550
3 days and 2 nights
3 Day Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Tour

Cycling Vancouver Island

Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure across Vancouver Island, a region where rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and tranquil islands create a cyclist’s paradise.
Vancouver Island boasts a diverse array of cycling routes, from urban paths to wild backcountry trails. Start with the Tour of Victoria (47 km), a scenic loop through historic Victoria, or cruise the Coastline Cruise (28–56 km) along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. For a full-day ride, the Cowichan Valley Trail (84 km), including the Kinsol Trestle loop, offers vineyard views and history. Adventurers can tackle the epic Victoria to Port Hardy route (524 km) or the Tree to Sea Loop, a 1,000 km gravel cycling journey through Vancouver Island’s untamed wilderness, perfect for vancouver island bikepacking. The island’s mountain cycling shines in the Highlands with the Tour of the Highlands (36 km), while the Galloping Goose and Lochside regional trails provide versatile, family-friendly options.
Across the Salish Sea, the San Juan and Gulf Islands elevate the experience with their unique charm. The Tour of San Juan Island (81.5 km) is a standout, blending history at English Camp and American Camp with stunning views at Lime Kiln Point State Park. Orcas Island’s Eastsound to Doe Bay (35 km) delivers coastal beauty, while Salt Spring Island’s Tour of the Island (55 km) showcases Gulf Island villages and vistas. Pender Island’s Northend Loop (13 km) offers easy terrain and moderate hills, ideal for a relaxed ride. Ferry connections make bike touring between islands effortless, enhancing your self-guided bike tours.

Cycling Common Questions and Answers

Profile Picture

Author: Alireza Moghimehfar

2025 April 12
Profile Picture

Supervisor: Farhad Moghimehfar

2025 April 13

Share Your Experience about Cycling Vancouver Island