Best Cycling Paths On Vancouver Island

Posted by Tom Westley on Tuesday May 12th, 2020

Vancouver Island has some of the most exquisite scenery in North America, and cycling your way across coastlines, forests, and mountain ranges is an exquisite way to enjoy it. Let the world come to you at your own pace, and stop to enjoy the views along the way.

Here’s our guide to some of the best cycling trails on Vancouver Island, as well as some other must-see places and activities you can take in while you’re there.

Seaside Touring Route, Victoria

Our wonderful city of Victoria has developed a richly deserved reputation as one of Canada’s premier destinations for cyclists, with a growing network of cycling lanes, bike lock-up stations, and cycling routes to suit every level of skill and experience.

One of the most popular routes is the Seaside Touring Route. Suitable for beginners and experts alike, the Seaside Touring Route is a 39km circular trail that stretches from North America’s oldest residential neighbourhood in James Bay to Oak Bay.

While You’re There:

Take a scenic ride along the Ogden Point Breakwater
Stroll down the beaches of Fairfield and Gonzalez
Try out some local delicacies from the array of fines restaurants in Oak Bay: such as the acclaimed local seafood eatery, Oak Bay Seafood

Galloping Goose Trail, Victoria

The wonderfully named Galloping Goose Trail is 55 km and situated along the remnants of a converted 1920’s railway that snakes its way through the city of Victoria, all the way out from the city centre to past Sooke.

The trail offers a variety of unique landscapes, with Douglas Fir lined rocky trails coming up against bucolic farmland and glistening waterways.

While You’re There:

At the end of the trail, enter a haunted place, where no man dares venture and see the ghosts of Leechtown! Just kidding, but this abandoned 19th-century mining town does remain a must-see tourist attraction.
Take a dip into, or simply just enjoy the sights of Thetis Lake
Stop for a coffee at one of the city’s many amazing cafes

Cowichan Valley Trail, Cowichan Valley

With its dense verdant forests, towering trees, and staggering mountain views, cycling through the Cowichan Valley can feel like being transported to a wondrous fantasy realm - and this trail, one of over 150 in the area, is the ideal way to enjoy those sights.

This 122 km trail takes riders of all skills from Shawnigan Lake, onto Lake Cowichan, and then finally finishing up in Duncan. More advanced riders looking to test their skills can take this moment to try out the challenging Maple Mountain climb. A taxing 18km loop, this black-diamond trail will push even experienced riders to their limits.

While You’re There

Take in some of the amazing arts on display in the fabled Cowichan Corridor of galleries and studios
Discover the culinary delights of Cowichan’s many independent suppliers and restaurants
Take to the waters for a spot of canoeing or kayaking

Cumberland Trails, Cumberland

A former Coal Mining town, the trails in Cumberland make the most of the impressive mountain surroundings to offer mountain bikers an experience unlike any other.

With a combination of rocky trails and precipitous drops, the Cumberland Trails are sure to get your heart racing. This commitment to the extreme and the extraordinary is even reflected in the names of the trails themselves, with monikers like “Space Nugget” and “Queso Grande”.

While You’re There

Learn more about the history of the area at the Cumberland Museum
Take in the sparkling waters of Comox Lake
Enjoy the artisanal delights of the Cumberland Bakery

Lochside Trail, Victoria

Straight off the ferry, you’re greeted by the Lochside Trail. Beginning at Swartz Bay, carrying on all the way through to Victoria, this 29 km trail offers an abundance of greenery and coastal views.

While You’re There

Take a stroll along the piers of the Sidney Waterfront
Spread your wings and learn more about the history of flight at the Sidney Aviation museum
Enjoy the stunning sands and sights of the Sidney Spit nature reserve

Being unable to travel doesn’t mean you’re not able to plan ahead! We know that you’re already looking ahead to getting back on the road, and enjoying all the wonderful sights of Vancouver Island, and when you do, we’re here for you.

We are also still open to reservations from residents of Vancouver Island only, for more information read our message here.

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