| Did you know...
Saanich, the largest of the four core municipalities
in Victoria, is located on the southern tip of Vancouver
Island.
There is regular ferry service to Victoria/Saanich
from Vancouver, Anacortes, Seattle and Port Angeles,
Washington. And yes, you can take your bike
on the ferry! |
The Saanich
Bicycle Touring Route circumnavigates
the Municipality of Saanich. Wherever possible, it follows
the Galloping Goose or Lochside Trails; elsewhere it uses
rural or residential roads. The eastern section offers
spectacular ocean views; the northern section passes Elk
and Prospect Lakes, both with excellent swimming and picnic
facilities; to the west are rural undeveloped forested
areas and farms; the southern section follows the Galloping
Goose trail which overlooks the Portage Inlet.
The total circle route is approximately 45 km, but cyclists
preferring a shorter route may follow a smaller loop by taking
any of the many other bicycle routes within Saanich. Bicycle
symbols on a bright yellow back-ground clearly mark the route
direction as it passes through Saanich.
The total circle route is approximately 45 km, but cyclists
preferring a shorter route may follow a smaller loop by taking
any of the many other bicycle routes within Saanich. Bicycle
symbols on a bright yellow back-ground clearly mark the route
direction as it passes through Saanich.
The Galloping
Goose Trail is an off-road multi-use regional trail system
along an abandoned rail right of way. The trail serves a variety
of users from all age groups, including walkers, cyclists, and
roller bladers and accommodates strollers and wheel chairs.
The Lochside
Trail begins at the Switch bridge and travels north
to Sidney and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.
The Bikeway
Network Map shows
the cycling network in Saanich. The network consists of
the Regional trails, commuter routes, local connectors
and touring routes.
Mount Douglas summit, accessible via a paved, but steep, park
road, is the highest point within Saanich. The lookout
provides a 360o view over-looking downtown Victoria
and the Olympic Mountains to the south, the San Juan Islands
and Mt. Baker to the east and the North Shore Mountains behind
Vancouver to the north. Mount Douglas Park beach
is a long sandy beach.
Dominion
Astrophysical Observatory offers panoramic views of
southern Vancouver Island and also an opportunity to visit
the telescope. It is a steady 5-6% climb to the summit.
Hartland Mountain Bike Park is accessed via Hartland Road
in the Saanich northwest corner. Detailed information
and maps for this superb mountain bike park are available
at most bike shops.
The Seaside Touring Route offers spectacular ocean vistas
all along the eastern section of the route. Watch for Saanich
Park's beach access signs that often mark secluded coves
and beaches. Especially look for Cadboro-Gyro Park Beach
in Cadboro Bay, Hollydene Park and Arbutus Cove.
A short scenic side loop through Glencoe Cove-Kwatsech Park
overlooks Glencoe Cove with an unobstructed panorama of Haro
Straits and the San Juan Islands. If you venture into the
park, please walk your bike and stay on the trail, many rare,
protected plants grow here.
Other points of interest along the eastern section of the
route are the University of Victoria and Mt. Tolmie lookout,
possibly the best view of the entire Greater Victoria region.
Mt Tolmie has annually won first place for best location
in the region to “take-in a scenic vista” of
the greater Victoria area as voted by readers of community
newspapers.
For more cycle touring information, visit the Greater
Victoria Cycling Coalition touring web site.
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