• Home
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
      • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Detailed Chart: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus Bike Computers: Premium vs. Budget!
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
      • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
    • 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
    • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists – Fitbit and Garmin
    • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Contact Us
  • Product Reviews
    • Garmin Edge and Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Versus Posts!
        • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart & Video: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs. 830 vs. 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus: Premium vs. Budget!
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s NEW About the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus?
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Varia Vision and Varia Rear Light Radar
      • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
    • Bike Computer Reviews
      • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65, 2020 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
      • Best Bike Computers, 2020 – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
      • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Detailed Chart & Videos: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
      • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Cycling Gear Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Women’s Cycling Jackets, 2020 – Waterproof and Windproof
        • Best Cheap Cycling Jackets under $100
        • Best Cycling Jackets
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women, 2021
        • How to Choose the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants
        • Showers Pass Rogue Cycling Pants – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
        • 3 Regular-Looking Pants that Work Well as Cycling Pants
      • 9 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm this Winter
      • Best Waterproof Cycling Gear for Men and Women, 2020
      • 7 of the Best Short Sleeved Cycling Jerseys for 2021
      • 7 of the Best Cheap Cycling Jackets Under $100
    • 90 Best Gifts for Cyclists – Our Ultimate Gift Guide for Cyclists
    • Bike Pannier Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2020 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
      • Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Bike Light Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2021
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Bike Lights
      • 3 of the best bike lights for commuter cyclists – Light & Motion Urban 350 vs. CatEye Volt 800 vs. NiteRider Lumina 750
    • Bike Saddles
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles, 2021
      • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
    • Headphone Reviews
      • 5 of the Best Headphones for Safe Cycling in 2021
    • Recumbent Trikes
  • Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
        • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Detailed Chart & Videos: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s NEW About the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus?
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus Bike Computers: Premium vs. Cheap
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
    • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65, 2020 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
    • Best Bike Computers, 2020 – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
    • 7 of the Best Bike Computers, 2020 – from Budget to Premium
  • Health Benefits
    • Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
      • How to Prevent Cycling Knee and Hip Pain – Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Great Strength and Conditioning Exercises for Cyclists
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Cycling and Strength
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
        • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
    • Cycling and Sleep
      • How Cycling Helps You to Sleep Better and Get Healthier
      • Why Cycling May Be the Sleep Aid You Need
      • How I Became a Bike Commuter and Shed Stress Immediately
      • One in Three Cyclists Experience Reduced Stress Levels
    • Cycling and Aging
      • Study Shows that Interval Training on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging
      • Study Shows that Cycling Really Does Fight Aging
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
        • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
        • 5 Great Strength and Conditioning Exercises for Cyclists
        • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
        • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
    • Kids biking
      • 7 of the Best Baby and Child Bike Seats to Keep Your Child Safe – Reviews and Videos – 2020
      • 9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
      • 5 Tips for Parents to Keep your Kids Safe on their Bikes
      • How to Transport Kids on Bikes (Video and Infographic)
      • 10 Family-Friendly USA Cycling Trails to Visit with the Kids
      • Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Start
      • How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikes
        • How to Help your Kids Bike to School
A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

Average Joe Cyclist

A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

  • Cycling Training Plans
    • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
      • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
    • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
    • Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists
      • How to Prevent Cycling Knee and Hip Pain – Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Updated Video: 3 Hip Stretches to Cure Cycling Hip Pain
      • Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Core Workout for Cyclists
      • 5 Best Core Exercises for Cyclists
      • Muscle Stretching: The Cyclist’s Secret Skill – Why Stretching is Important for Cyclists
      • The 10 Best Stretches for Cyclists
    • How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training
    • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Training (HIT) on Your Bike – And How to Add Interval Training to Your Cycling
      • Study Shows that Interval Training on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging
      • Research shows Amazing Benefits of Sprint Intervals in Cycling
    • 7 Top Tips to Help You Keep Mountain Biking after Age 40
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
  • Indoor Cycling Training
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
    • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • What is a Smart Turbo Indoor Trainer?
  • Cycling with Dogs
    • 5 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets to Safely Take Your Dog Cycling in 2021
    • Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Bike Basket
    • 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
  • Lose Weight!
    • Cycling and Weight Loss
      • 7 Steps to Lose Weight by Cycling
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
      • Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • The Top 10 Ride Your Way Lean Eating Rules, for Effective Weight Loss
      • How Cycling to Lose Weight Saved Phil’s Life – Heartwarming Video
    • A Guide for Fat Cyclists
    • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
    • Cycling Nutrition
      • Best Matcha Tea for Cyclists: My Matcha Life
        • How to Make Matcha Tea
      • How Protein Helps your Post Bike Ride Recovery
      • 5 Best Protein Supplements for Exercise Recovery and Health
    • Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
      • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
      • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Training (HIT) on Your Bike – And How to Add Interval Training to Your Cycling
    • Cycling and Health
  • Tips & How-Tos
    • How to Prevent & Cure Cycling Knee Pain
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
      • How to Prevent Cycling Knee and Hip Pain – Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
    • Bike maintenance
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
    • How to Keep your Bike from being Stolen – Top 10 Tips
      • 7 of the Best Bike Locks to Keep Your Bike Safe, 2021
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
    • How to Pick the Right Size Bike – Complete Bike Frame Size Guide
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist
    • How to Understand Bike Terminology
  • Bike Commuting
    • Bike Commuting Tips
      • How to Set Up a Commuter Bike
      • 9 Useful Tips for Women Bike Commuters
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2020 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
      • How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues
        • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles, 2021
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Winter Cycling
      • Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Cold Weather Cycling
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2020 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
    • Benefits of Being a Bike Commuter
      • Ten Reasons to be a Bike Commuter
      • Survey Shows London Bike Commuters are Happier and More Productive
      • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow!
      • 5 Ways that Cycling Boosts Your Brain Function
    • Bike Maintenance
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • How To Clean Your Bike Chain the Easy Way
      • How to Set Up a Commuter Bike
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • Inspirational Video: How to Fix a Bike Flat – with No Hands
    • Cycling Infrastructure
      • 4 Benefits of Separated Bike Lanes
      • 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes
      • Research reveals a surprising benefit of separated bike lanes
      • Montreal Cycling, Part 3: Separated Bike Lanes – What Other Cities can Learn from Montreal
      • Cycling and the Post-Covid Transformation
    • Safety for Cyclists
      • How to Use Bike Reflectors to Be More Visible
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2021
You are here: Home / Cycling Reviews / Bike Tours and Trails / Cycling in Canada / Vancouver Island Cycling / Galloping Goose Trail, Vancouver Island

Galloping Goose Trail, Vancouver Island

February 15, 2016 by Average Joe Cyclist

Pin
Share
Tweet

Avatar

This is a guide (plus map) to cycling the family-friendly and dog-friendly Galloping Goose Trail on Vancouver Island – a very long, diverse and beautifully scenic bike trail, with bed and breakfast and camping options along the way. Cycle from an urban area, through a rural area, and end up in semi-wilderness with breathtaking views!

This is a complete guide to the wonderful off-road Galloping Goose Bike Trail on Vancouver Island. It runs through beautiful forests – in some parts of the Galloping Goose Trail it feels like you are in a cathedral of natural light. This video shows part of the trail, starting off from the city of Victoria:

As you can see, the Galloping Goose Trail is a world-class trail, almost entirely off-road, and almost entirely flat. On it, you are sure to see interesting things and meet interesting people!

Miniature donkeys, Frosty and Lola, protect their owners from deer, cougars and bears - and enjoy taking a stroll on the Galloping Goose Trail!
Miniature donkeys, Frosty and Lola, protect their owners from deer, cougars and bears – and enjoy taking a stroll on the Galloping Goose Trail!

The Galloping Goose Trail was constructed on the abandoned CNR (Canadian National Rail) railway line, which once linked Victoria and Leechtown (now a ghost town). The Galloping Goose Trail is named after a gawky and noisy gas rail-car which carried passengers between Victoria and Sooke in the 1920s. In 1987 the rails were transformed into this spectacular trail, and the trail was opened.

Related: Bike Rentals Vancouver: Where to Rent Bikes in Vancouver

A sign on the Galloping Goose Trail informs you about the origins of the trail
A sign on the Galloping Goose Trail informs you about the origins of the trail

Details of the Galloping Goose Trail, Vancouver Island

Surfaces: All off-road, hard soil, gravel, and some paving.

Distance: Around 55 km/34 miles, one-way

Difficulty level: very easy, mainly flat; but there are some short, very steep hills with slippery gravel. Sometimes you have to cross roads with motor vehicle traffic. There are some uncontrolled road crossings

All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart and Videos

Safety level: safe for the whole family (not for unaccompanied children, though)

Type of bike required: a hybrid or a mountain bike would be best

Suitable for: everyone, including bikes, trikes, horseback-riders, and strollers

Congestion: usually not very busy

Dogs allowed? Yes, on leash

The Galloping Goose Trail

Vancouver Island’s Galloping Goose Trail (known as “the Goose”)  is a multi-use path for human-powered activities of all kinds: cycling, running, hiking, and horseback-riding. It’s suitable for all ages and abilities (AAA), so it’s a great place to take the whole family for a bike trail ride. And if you’re struggling to get your children to bike at all, here’s a post with tips to get kids to cycle more. And here’s a post with tips on helping your child start to bike to school safely.

Most of the Galloping Goose Trail is easy cycling, but there are a few steep, gravelly sections where you might want to push your bike
Most of the Galloping Goose Trail is easy cycling, but there are a few steep, gravelly sections where you might want to push your bike

Below is a map of the entire route. The red line is the Goose. This map also shows the Lochside Trail, which connects the Goose with Twassen ferry terminal. Here is a post all about the Lochside Trail.

Map of Galloping Goose Trail and Lochside Trail
Map of Galloping Goose Trail and Lochside Trail. Map credit: CRD, BC

It’s a long bike route, with plenty to see along the way. Starting near Victoria, it travels to Saanich, then through the urban setting of View Royal, Colwood and Langford – but the cycle trail is shielded by ferns, shrubs, and rock outcrops, so it does not feel very urban at all. At Metchosin, the trail goes past small farms surrounded by hills. Eventually you reach semi-wilderness. Here’s a fun video that gives you an idea of the diversity of the trail. Notice how flat it is. At around minute 2:38 you will clearly see why you should NOT cycle this route at night!

Along the way there are many signposts to keep you on track. There are one or two points where it gets tricky, especially after crossing major roads, but as long as you pay close attention to signs you should be fine.

Sign along the Galloping Goose Trail, next to one of the very rare washrooms
Sign along the Galloping Goose Trail, next to one of the rare washrooms

An ideal way to do the trail is to plan to spend two to four days cycling, and book bed and breakfasts along the way. You can also camp at km 43 at the Sooke Potholes Regional Park. It’s possible (if you are very fit) to cycle the whole trail in one day, but why would you want to rush this wonderful experience?

Old but brilliantly constructed bridges tell the tale of the history of the Galloping Goose Trail. It's fun to imagine trains thundering across
Old but brilliantly constructed bridges tell the tale of the history of the Galloping Goose Trail. It’s fun to imagine trains thundering across

Along the way you can visit the town of Sooke. Towards the end you can visit the awesome Sooke Potholes, and camp at the Sooke Potholes Regional Park. At the very end you can explore the mining ghost town, Leechtown.

Where to Start Out From

If you are coming from Vancouver on a bike: A good place to start your ride is the ferry terminal at Swartz Bay. From there, follow the Lochside Trail all the way to the Galloping Goose Trail.

Marg and Dennis on the Lochside Trail Vancouver Island - safe bike routes
Here’s a post all about the family friendly, very lovely, Lochside Trail on Vancouver Island.

Of course, this does add a lot of extra cycling miles to your trip, so this starting point would be more suitable for a multi-day tour. After about 32 km (20 miles) on the Lochside trail, the trail splits: choose to head for Victoria or Sooke. Follow the signs for Sooke, which will put you on the Galloping Goose Trail.

If you are coming from Victoria: The Galloping Goose Trail begins at the south end of the Selkirk Trestle, at the foot of Alston Street in Victoria West. You can see that in the video right at the top of this post.

There are many other access points along the entire trail route. Parking areas are located at Atkins Avenue in View Royal, Aldeane Avenue in Colwood, the Luxton Fairgrounds on Sooke Road in Luxton, Rocky Point Road in Metchosin, and Roche Cove Regional Park in East Sooke.

How to get to Victoria (which is where the trail starts): Victoria is on Vancouver Island, 107 km (76 miles) southwest of Vancouver. The trip, by car or bus, plus ferry, takes approximately four hours each way. By bus, you could book a tour bus from a downtown Vancouver hotel, or a Greyhound bus from the Vancouver Railway Station (and a few other departure points). It is also possible to take a TransLink bus to the ferry. Check Translink online schedules for times or call Translink at 604-953-3333. Once you get to the Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island, take bus # 70 ‘Pat Bay Hwy’ to Victoria. Make sure to check beforehand that bikes are allowed on your chosen buses. Or, just rent a bike in Victoria.

What to Take With You on the Galloping Goose Trail

I recommend you take the following with you if you plan to do the entire Goose, especially if you are going to be cycling for several days:

  • a bike repair kit, pump and spare tube/s
  • lots of water
  • snacks
  • flashlight in case you end up being on the trail after dark  (NOT recommended)
  • bear spray, as you will be in bear country from about km 35
  • wet gear, as weather changes quickly on Vancouver Island
  • a cell phone, as you will be out in the semi-wilderness (in Canada, 911 is the emergency number)
  • bike locks
  • basic first aid kit, including bug repellant
Take plenty of water on the Galloping Goose Trail!
Take plenty of water on the Galloping Goose Trail!

How to Cycle the Galloping Goose Trail

Once you are on the Galloping Goose Trail, it is marked with beacons that tell you how many kilometers you have come. These are very useful reference points.

The first 30 km (20 miles) of the Galloping Goose Trail are a mixture of urban and rural. The further you go, the more you are cycling in the semi-wilderness. So the views get progressively better.

The first part of the Galloping Goose Trail through Victoria, Saanich, and parts of View Royal (to Atkins Ave) is paved asphalt — making for smooth cycling. The Galloping Goose west of Atkins Avenue in Langford is unpaved; for this part it is better to be on a mountain bike. The trail surface is wide (two to five metres) and mostly flat.

Be extra careful as you pass horses on the Galloping Goose Trail - they scare easily
Be extra careful as you pass horses on the Galloping Goose Trail – sometimes they scare easily

The Galloping Goose Trail is shared by cyclists, hikers and horseback-riders. This means that one has to be careful and polite around other users. Keep right, pass on the left. As always, cyclists should yield to pedestrians, and let people know if you are passing them, so as not to scare them – just say something like “On your left!” before passing. Be especially careful not to scare horses – horses can be scared by sudden noises and movements.

Restaurant and Bike Repair Shop on the Galloping Goose Trail

There’s a restaurant on the Galloping Goose that provides coffee, food for riders and repairs for bikes. Find the Nest Café at 2311 Watkiss Way, between Victoria and Langford, on the Goose trail. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer, and until 5 p.m. the rest of the year. It’s in a townhouse complex at the intersection of Burnside Road and Watkiss Way, and has bike racks, bike tune-up and repair facilities.

Take a break from your ride to enjoy coffee, tea, juice, soup, sandwiches, paninis and desserts – and get some help with your bike, if you need it!

Share the Galloping Goose Trail!

Along the way, observe standard trail etiquette: keep right, pass left, and be careful around kids, dogs, and horses. My experience has been that other users are unfailingly polite and friendly. For example, we met the couple at the top of this post while they were out for a walk with their miniature donkeys, Frosty and Lola. They told us they kept them for protection, because they guard against deer, cougars and bears!

On that note, be careful of bears. I have always told to ring a bell, but many experts dispute this idea. Apparently, the bear may not hear the bell until it is too late to avoid you. Instead, they recommend you do something to make it clear you are a human, such as singing loudly. Also, do NOT whistle if you get tired of singing, as the bears may think you are a Pika, which is a small whistling mammal that bears like to eat! Also, bear spray is always recommended in case of emergency.

Take extra care between km 35 and 37, where there are warning signs of steep downhills and loose gravel. These are for skilled cyclists only – others should dismount.

A skilled cyclist gives a grin of delight as she makes it up this steep hill on the Galloping Goose Trail
A skilled cyclist gives a grin of delight as she makes it up this steep hill on the Galloping Goose Trail
This photo shows how steep this short section of the Galloping Goose is
This photo shows how steep this short section of the Galloping Goose is

What to See and Do

Impressive bridges: Much of the beauty of the Galloping Goose Trail is due to the fact that it was once a railway line – this gives you an opportunity to do truly memorable things, such as cycle on very high mounds, and bike across wooden bridges that are very impressively constructed.

On the Galloping Goose Trail you will cycle over spectacular bridges next to awesome trees that are over a hundred feet high
On the Galloping Goose Trail you will cycle over spectacular bridges next to awesome trees that are over a hundred feet high

Wildlife: There is also plenty of wildlife and farm life to enjoy, including rabbits, deer, eagles, pigs, sheep, horses, and all kinds of birds. If you are interested in botany you are in for a treat: expect to see foxgloves, blackberry bushes, shasta daisies,  Douglas firs, Arbutus trees, Hemlock and Cedar, and all kinds of ferns and mosses.

Expect to see a spectacular variety of plant life, including this vivid moss, as you cycle along the Galloping Goose Trail
Expect to see a spectacular variety of plant life, including vivid moss, as you cycle along the Galloping Goose Trail

The Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary: At km 4, this is a 58-hectare sanctuary protecting the marshy lowlands around Swan Lake and the high, rocky Garry oak outcrops of Christmas Hill. It’s a beautiful place to stroll along trails (including a floating boardwalk) and watch birds, muskrats, river otters and mink. The Nature House has exhibits and a reading room. Phone (250) 479-0211 for more information.

As you approach Sooke, a reminder that you are on traditional Salish territory - Galloping Goose trail
As you approach Sooke, a reminder that you are on traditional Salish territory
As you approach Sooke on the Galloping Goose Trail, you will see stunning views of the Sooke Basin
As you approach Sooke on the Galloping Goose Trail, you will see stunning views of the Sooke Basin

Sooke: Around km 40 you will get to Sooke Road. Just down the road is the Stickleback West Coast Eatery, with a patio perfectly situated on Cooper Cove, Sooke Basin. Go there for good West Coast cuisine right next to the water. You can rent a canoe or kayak from Rush Kayak Adventures and explore the peaceful Sooke Basin. Or continue 5 km down Sooke road to visit the interesting town of Sooke. Alternatively, just cross Sooke Road and continue along the Goose. This used to be a very dangerous crossing for cyclists, but it now has a traffic light to help you across.

View of the Stickleback West Coast Eatery near Sooke, seen from the Galloping Goose Trail
View of the Stickleback West Coast Eatery near Sooke, seen from the Galloping Goose Trail
It's a special experience to have lunch right on Sooke Basin! The Galloping Goose Trail gets you there.
It’s a special experience to have lunch right on Sooke Basin! The Galloping Goose Trail gets you there.
At this point on the Galloping Goose, you could pop down to Sooke. Here's Maggie at the Information Center in Sooke - worth a visit! Unfortunately, cycling in Sooke is not so great - read about it here.
At this point on the Galloping Goose, you could pop down to Sooke. Here’s Maggie at the Information Center in Sooke – worth a visit! Unfortunately, cycling in Sooke is not so great – read about it here.

Food: There are not many opportunities to stop for a snack, so take advantage of those you do see. There is a Tim Horton’s on the route (at km 12, at Old Island Highway and Wales Road). And of course the Stickleback West Coast Eatery at km 40.

At km 17.5 of the Galloping Goose Trail you will find Cycle Inn, beautifully situated on Glen Lake
At km 17.5 of the Galloping Goose Trail you will find Cycle Inn, beautifully situated on Glen Lake

Bed and Breakfasts: There are a few of these along the way, including:

  • At km 17.5 there is Cycle Inn, beautifully situated on Glen Lake.
  • At km 37 there is Arbutus Cove B&B Guest House, beautifully situated on the Sooke Basin.
  • Comfort Cove Cottage on the Sooke Basin is a pet-friendly, self-catering cottage, with great views.

Sooke Potholes Regional Park: The entrance is at km 44. You can camp at this park.

Welcome to Sooke Potholes Regional Park - Galloping Goose Trail
Welcome to Sooke Potholes Regional Park

At km 47 you will find the Potholes themselves. There are viewing platforms so that you can enjoy the amazing views.

There are viewing platforms so that you can enjoy the amazing views of the Sooke Potholes
There are viewing platforms so that you can enjoy the amazing views of the Sooke Potholes. These are the steps down to the platforms

Leechtown: At km 55 the trail ends at Leechtown, a ghost mining town. There is still gold to be found in the area, and it is a fascinating place to cycle through.

When to Go (and when NOT to Go)

The Goose is great most of the year. However, it’s best to avoid being on the Goose at night, as it is not lit, and there are places where there are very steep drops close to the path.

The Galloping Goose is Part of the Trans Canada Trail

The Trans-Canada Trail is a national multi-use trail system that will eventually link trails from coast to coast of Canada. The Galloping Goose is one of the first completed sections of the Trans-Canada Trail, and is also part of the CRD Regional Trail system that will some day link Swartz Bay and Port Renfrew.

For more Vancouver Bike trails, see How to Have a Fun Cycling Vacation in Vancouver.

GREAT BIKE TRAILS IN AND AROUND VANCOUVER

Tips for Planning a Great Cycling Vacation in Vancouver

Seaside-Bike-Route-Vancouver_child table(1)

Great Bike Rides in and Around Vancouver
bike rentals
The Whistler Valley
Trail

Whistler-Valley-Trail
Central Valley Greenway
CVG-and-Lougheed
Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver
Brockton-Point-Stanley-Park-600
Seaside Bike Route, Vancouver
Seaside-bike-route-cyclist
Galloping Goose Trail, Vancouver Island
Galloping-Goose-Trail-horses-and-cyclists
Lochside Trail, Vancouver Island
lochside-trail.indexed1.indexed
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Pacific Park boy cycling small
West Dyke Trail, Richmond
West Dyke trail
Deer Lake Park Bike Trails, Burnaby
Deer lake park
Traboulay PoCo Trail, Port Coquitlam
Traboulay trail Poco
Barnet Highway, Burnaby
Barnett Highway
Shoreline Trail, Port Moody
Children-cycling-on-Rocky-Point-bike-trail
Springboard Trail, Belcarra Park, Port Moody
Springboard Trail, Belcarra Park uphill
Lower Seymour Trails, North Vancouver
Lower Seymour(1)
Osprey Loop, Pitt Meadows
Osprey
Bike Rentals Vancouver
x-Seaside-riders
Second Beach Pool to Prospect Point, Stanley Park
Vancouver-cycling-Second-Beach-to-Prospect-Point
Convention Center to Science World
Convention-to-Science-World-2-small1
Whistler village to Green Lake
all ages and abilities copy 2

Check Out Our Most Popular Posts!

  • 7 of the best indoor bike trainers
    7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
  • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
    ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared, with Comparative Chart & Videos
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison with Reviews and Videos
  • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs. 1030 Plus. Would a much CHEAPER bike computer work for you?
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • Zwift makes indoor cycling fun!
    How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Bike Training System on Any Budget
  • 7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
  • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists to Track Bike Rides
  • Best road bike saddles
    Video-packed post - 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for Men and Women
  • 7 of the Best Bike Computers
  • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
  • 5 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets to Safely Take Your Dog Cycling in 2020
  • 9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets for men and women. A great waterproof cycling jacket will keep you dry, and at the same time be breathable, so that you don't overheat your core
    9 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
  • 7 of the best waterproof cycling pants for men and women
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030
  • Get a new bike, and then get outside and have fun!
    7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon, 2020 - Cruiser, Mountain, Road and Hybrid
  • Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
    Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
  • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1 - Start Getting Fit Now!
  • Waterproof cycling jackets - group of cyclists
    Best Waterproof Cycling Gear - Includes Jackets, Pants, Gloves, and Balaclavas
  • Great bike lights will light up the night for you! Just be sure to get the ones that are right for you
    7 of the Best Bike Lights
  • 7 of the Best Women's Cycling Jackets
  • Garmin Edge 1030 vs 1000
  • 7 of the Best Windproof Cycling Jackets - Find a Great Fall Cycling Jacket Now!
  • How to Choose the Safest Headphones for Cycling
  • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers Compared
  • 7 of the Best Child Bike Seats Compared
  • How to Buy the Best Electric Bike
  • 7 best bike locks
    7 of the Best Bike locks Compared. Find the Best Bike Lock For You!
  • How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
    Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist

Did you enjoy this post or find it helpful? If so, please support our blog!


average-joe-cyclist-mug-shot copyWe write this blog because we love cycling. But we also need to earn a living, so we REALLY would appreciate if you click through to one of our reputable affiliates for your online shopping. We are proudly affiliated with Amazon, which sells pretty much everything, and has outstanding shipping and return policies. For your cycling and athletic shopping needs, we are also affiliated to Competitive Cyclist, REI Co-op, and Backcountry. When you buy from our affiliates we make a small commission, and this is the only way we earn any income. Plus, it costs you nothing at all - a real win/win situation!
Shop at Amazon in the USA:
Shop at Amazon in Canada:
Shop at Amazon in the UK:
Amazon USA
Amazon Canada
Amazon UK
Buy from the Online Retailer of Your Choice!

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Related

Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Vancouver Island Cycling Tagged With: Family-friendly trails, Galloping Goose Trail, Vancouver Island cycling

  • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530

Welcome to Average Joe Cyclist!

Average Joe CyclistWelcome to our blog! I’m Joe Goodwill, an average cyclist, and I write a blog for people like me. People who love cycling but will probably never win any races, and who don’t necessarily look good in Lycra! I also write the Electric Bikes Blog and Average Joe's RV Living Blog. To find our most popular posts, check out our Start Here page.

Mrs Average Joe Cyclist - MaggieHi! I'm Maggie Neilson (aka Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist). Joe and I have done a lot of cycling, and we share what we have learned on this blog . We also write reviews of cycling products and trails! Get to know us better HERE.

How our Product Links Work

  • You pay EXACTLY the same price, whether you use our links or go direct to the websites.
  • Earning some commission enables us to spend more time writing posts 🙂
  • THANK YOU to all the good people who have bought through our links. Your support is sincerely appreciated.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Shop at Amazon in the USA.

Amazon USAShop at Amazon in Canada.

Amazon CanadaShop at Amazon in the UK.

Amazon UK

Search Average Joe Cyclist!

Trending – Our Top Posts Right Now!

  • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
  • 7 of the best budget indoor trainers 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
  • A Guide for Fat Cyclists. I am not exactly your stereotypical cyclist with the body of a greyhound. However, I don’t let my weight stop me from cycling. This was a 15-mile cross-country ride I did with my wife. We are pushing our bikes here because we were on loose gravel A Guide for Fat Cyclists
  • Cycling is a fantastic way to lose weight. And as a bonus: if you lose weight while maintaining your power, you will become faster on your bike 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
  • tips for success lose weight cycling Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
  • If you keep asking your body to do more, it will grow stronger and fitter to adapt to your demands. How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
  • We simply did not evolve to sit in front of a computer all day. No wonder exercise is such a mood lifter, when we actually get out and do it. 7 Steps to Lose Weight by Cycling
  • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer? Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer? Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos

​

Special Offer for Average Joe Cyclist Readers – Get 10% off a New Totem Pole Bike Rack!

Transport up to 6 bikes with the revolutionary new Totem Pole Bike Rack! AND get a 10% discount off the price! Just use the discount code AVERAGEJOE

Click here to claim your discount!

9 of the best road bike saddles

How Women Cyclists can prevent saddle soreness and associated issues

World's first folding electric carbon bike

Copyright © 2021 · Average Joe Cyclist, please contact us for syndication rights.