Bike along the Galloping Goose Trail

The Galloping Goose Regional Trail connects downtown Victoria, Canada to the former town of Leechtown. Part of the Trans Canada Trail (which traverses the entire country) the Galloping Goose follows the path of the former Canadian National Railway passing through the communities of Sooke, Metchosin, Colwood, Langfod, and Saanich.

There are many options for adventures along the Galloping Goose from long distance multi-day trips to family friendly single day rides. 

A fun and family friendly option is to take the trail from downtown Victoria to the famous Hatley Castle in Colwood. Hatley Castle has famously been used in multiple movies and TV shows including multiple times in the X-Men movies series as Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. 

The ride to Hatley Castle is a little over 9 miles and will take about 1 hour in each direction. Along the way you will crossover the Selkrik Trestle giving you some great views of Upper Victoria Harbor and Deadman Island. Once you are over the harbor the trail heads north and west going through small suburbs of Victoria before swinging back South into Colwood and Hatley Castle. On the return trip you can choose to take the 1A east route, cutting about 3 miles compared to the Galloping Goose, and experience views of the West Bay. 

For those interested in multi-day bike trips this trail makes a great 2-3 day trip, starting in Victoria and ending in Sooke. The trip goes through many small towns in Western Vancouver Island with small bed breakfasts as well as campgrounds in both Matheson Park and East Sooke Regional Park.   

If you are in need of bike rentals and possibly a tour guide, The Pedlar has very friendly and knowledgeable staff and is conveniently located in the heart of Victoria across from the ferry terminal.