Route |
Distance |
Difficulty |
Terrain |
Highlights |
---|---|---|---|---|
Full Trail
|
55 km one way
|
Moderate
|
Paved/Gravel
|
Sooke Potholes, Leechtown
|
Luxton to Roche Cove
|
34 km round trip
|
Easy
|
Gravel
|
Matheson Lake, ocean views
|
Rocky Point to Roche Cove
|
10 km round trip
|
Easy
|
Gravel
|
Matheson Lake, Roche Cove
|
Sooke River to Leechtown
|
22 km round trip
|
Easy to Moderate
|
Gravel
|
Trestle Bridges, Barnes
|
Lochside Trail
|
33 km one way
|
Moderate
|
Paved
|
Sidney, Blenkinsop Trestle
|
E&N Trail
|
9 km one way
|
Easy
|
Paved
|
Suburban Victoria, railway history
|
Highlands/Humpback Loop
|
38 km
|
Moderate to Strenuous
|
Distance: 55 km one way (110 km round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Paved (0-13 km), gravel (13-55 km)
Elevation Gain: Minimal, with short steep pitches at trestle sites
Highlights: Selkirk Trestle, Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, Leechtown
Starting at the Galloping Goose Trail: start from Victoria on the Johnson Street Bridge (0 km), this route kicks off with urban vibes before easing into suburban and rural scenery. Cyclists pass the 300-meter Selkirk Trestle, a railway relic, and reach Sooke Potholes Provincial Park at 51 km—perfect for a swim or camp. The trail ends at Leechtown (55 km), a historic gold rush site. Ideal for bike touring on Vancouver Island, this 3-5 hour one-way ride (depending on pace) rewards with diverse vistas and a sense of accomplishment.
Month |
Weather Conditions |
Trail Accessibility |
Considerations |
---|---|---|---|
May
|
Variable; cooler temperatures (8-16°C), moderate rainfall (~30 mm)
|
Trail open; check for maintenance or closures due to winter damage
|
Less crowded; prepare for wet conditions; spring wildflowers enhance scenery
|
June
|
Mild temperatures (10-18°C), decreasing rainfall (~20 mm)
|
Trail fully open; dry conditions
|
Increasing number of cyclists; pleasant weather; ideal for family biking Vancouver Island
|
July
|
Warmer temperatures (12-22°C), minimal rainfall (~10 mm)
|
Trail fully open; optimal conditions
|
Peak season; higher number of users; book Galloping Goose Trail accommodation early
|
August
|
Warm temperatures (12-22°C), minimal rainfall (~15 mm)
|
Trail fully open; optimal conditions
|
Peak season; higher number of users; start early to avoid crowds
|
September
|
Cooling temperatures (10-18°C), increasing rainfall (~25 mm)
|
Trail open; some gravel sections may be wet or muddy
|
Less crowded; vibrant fall foliage; prepare for variable weather
|
55 km one way, 110 km round trip.