I'll admit it: when I first landed in Victoria, I didn't own a bike, a rain jacket that actually worked, or any idea where the trails were. Ten years later, I've worn out two bikes on the Galloping Goose, and I still think the best things in this city are the free ones. Our trails, parks and waterfront cost nothing to use, and a lot of them start a short walk or ride from Ocean Island.
Here's my guide to getting outdoors around Victoria without spending much.
Before You Go: Easy Logistics for Hostel Guests
- Getting a bike: Downtown has several bike rental shops, and you can also find rideshare-style bike options around the city. Ask at the Ocean Island front desk what's handy right now. Check the rental's website for current rates.
- Bikes on buses: Most BC Transit buses have a front rack that fits a couple of bikes, first come, first served. It's a great bail-out option if your legs give up halfway. Plan your route with the trip planner at bctransit.com.
- Paying for the bus: You can pay on board with exact change, and day passes exist if you're hopping around. Check bctransit.com or ask the front desk for current fares.
- Weather: We get a lot of rain, won't lie, especially from October to April. Pack a light waterproof layer year-round. The good news is that our winters are mild, so the trails stay open and usable most of the year.
- Daylight: Winter days are short. If you're heading out on a long ride in the colder months, bring lights and start early.
- Fuel: Pack snacks and a refillable water bottle. Grab picnic supplies at a grocery store downtown before you head out, and save your money for a proper bowl of noodles afterwards.
The Galloping Goose Regional Trail
This is the one locals rave about, and for good reason. The Goose is a converted railway line that runs about 55 km from downtown Victoria out toward Sooke. Because it used to be a railbed, it's mostly gentle and flat, which is perfect if you're not a hardcore cyclist (hi, it's me).
Why I love it
- It starts right downtown. You can pick it up just across the Johnson Street Bridge in Vic West, an easy ride from Ocean Island.
- The Selkirk Trestle is a lovely wooden bridge over the Gorge waterway, just a few minutes in. It's great for photos.
- It changes as you go. First it's urban, then suburban, and then it opens up into farmland, forest and lakes the further west you ride.
- It's mostly paved near the city. Further out, the surface turns to packed gravel, which is still fine for a hybrid bike.
Good turnaround points
- Short ride: Head out through Vic West and along the Gorge, then come back. It's a relaxed half-day.
- Longer day out: Push on toward Colwood and Langford, where it starts to feel properly rural.
- The big one: Riding all the way to the Sooke Potholes area is a serious full-day trip. Know your limits, and plan your return before you set off.
Bikes and walkers share the trail, so ring your bell when you pass and keep right.
The Lochside Regional Trail
The Lochside is the Goose's quieter sibling. It runs about 29 km north from Saanich up the Saanich Peninsula to the BC Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay. The two trails connect in Saanich, so you can ride from downtown onto the Goose and then branch onto the Lochside.
What to expect
- Farm country. You'll pass fields, roadside farm stands (bring small change), and views of the ocean and the Gulf Islands.
- A mix of surfaces. Some sections are paved trail, some are gravel, and a few stretches follow quiet country roads. Watch for the trail signs.
- Mostly gentle. There are some rolling bits, but nothing brutal.
- Sidney by the Sea. The little seaside town of Sidney sits near the north end and makes a nice place to stop. You'll find cafés, bookshops and a waterfront walk.
My favourite budget trick
If you're catching a BC Ferries sailing to the mainland or the Gulf Islands, you can ride the Lochside all the way to Swartz Bay. It's a scenic, free way to reach the ferry if you're travelling light. Give yourself plenty of time, and check the BC Ferries website for sailing times and how to board with a bike.
Mount Doug (PKOLS)
Want a view without a full-day mission? Mount Douglas Park, also known by its WSÁNEĆ name PKOLS, is your spot. It's a big forested park in Saanich with a summit that looks out over the whole region: the city, the Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands, and on clear days, the Sooke Hills rolling away to the west.
Hiking it
- Several trails lead to the top. Some are steep and rooty, so wear shoes with decent grip, especially after rain.
- The climb is short but punchy. Most reasonably fit people can reach the summit in under an hour from the base.
- There's more to explore. Forest trails wind down toward the beach side of the park, where you'll find a quiet shoreline on the other side of the road.
Getting there
Mount Doug is north of downtown. Use the BC Transit trip planner to find the current bus route, or combine a bike ride with a bus back. You can also ask the front desk for the easiest way to go that day.
Dallas Road Coastal Walks
If you only have an afternoon, walk Dallas Road. This waterfront path runs along the southern edge of the city, with the Strait of Juan de Fuca on one side and Beacon Hill Park on the other. It's flat, free and gorgeous in any weather. Yes, even in a sideways winter storm, which is honestly kind of thrilling.
Highlights along the way
- Ogden Point Breakwater: Walk out along the breakwater to the lighthouse at the end. It's a classic.
- Beacon Hill Park: This huge, beautiful park borders Dallas Road. It has ponds, gardens, big old trees and resident peacocks.
- Mile Zero: The western start of the Trans-Canada Highway sits right by the park. Grab the obligatory photo.
- Clover Point: This is a great spot to watch the waves, the kites and the sunset.
- The shoreline paths: Wander down to the pebbly beaches below the cliffs when the tide's low.
One heads-up: parts of the grassy areas along Dallas Road are off-leash dog zones. Expect lots of very happy dogs.
Easy loop from downtown
Walk from Ocean Island down to the Inner Harbour, then cut through James Bay or Beacon Hill Park to reach Dallas Road. Follow the water as far as you like, then loop back through Fairfield or the park. You can make it as short or as long as you want.
Quick Picks: What Should I Do?
- Half a day, no bike: Walk Dallas Road and Beacon Hill Park.
- Want a view: Hike Mount Doug.
- Easy, flat ride: Do an out-and-back on the Galloping Goose through Vic West.
- Full day on two wheels: Ride the Lochside up the Peninsula, or head deep out along the Goose.
- Catching a ferry: Ride the Lochside to Swartz Bay.
For trail maps, seasonal events and more ideas, have a look at Tourism Victoria.
A Few Trail Manners
- Keep right and pass on the left. Ring your bell or call out before you pass.
- Pack out what you pack in.
- Respect farm stands, private land and wildlife along the way.
- Some trails cross busy roads, so slow down at intersections.
The first time I rode the Goose out past the city and saw nothing but fields and blue sky, I remember thinking, okay, I could live here. Turns out I was right.
Pop by the Ocean Island front desk anytime and we'll help you plan your route, sort out bike rental options, figure out the buses, or just point you toward the best sunset spot on Dallas Road. See you out there!