Explore Vancouver Island’s Classic Rail Trail
Stretching 55 kilometres from Victoria to Sooke, the Galloping Goose Trail is one of British Columbia’s most popular rail trails. Ride through waterfront parks, forests, farmland and quiet communities before finishing beside the Pacific Ocean in Sooke. Suitable for almost every rider, it’s a route you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ride Snapshot
- Distance: 55km one way … or ride as far as you like
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
- Surface: Mostly paved, some gravel sections
- Best for: Families, e-bikes, recreational cyclists
- Climb: Mostly flat with a few gentle grades
- Highlights: Selkirk Trestle, Matheson Lake, Sooke Potholes
plan your ride
- View this ride on a Google map
- Follow the Galloping Goose on RideWithGPS
- Want a guided or self-guided trip? Into The Wild Cycling Tours makes it easy and fun.
- For a multi-mode trip, ride the Galloping Goose and return to Victoria by bus! How to use the rack and bus schedule
Still have energy?
Continue your Vancouver Island adventure with the scenic Lochside Trail, explore the spectacular ʔapsčiik t̓ašii trail between Tofino and Ucluelet, or enjoy another day cycling Victoria’s beautiful waterfront on the Victoria Seaside Tour.
Discover many more rides in Let’s Go Biking books
I’ve ridden the Galloping Goose many times over the years, and every trip is a little different. Some days I stop at Matheson Lake, other times I continue all the way to the Sooke potholes.
It’s one of those rides to enjoy again and again. ~ Colleen
