The Galloping Goose is a beautiful multi-use trail that used to be a railway line. It stretches 55 kilometers from Victoria to Sooke, passing through urban, rural, and wilderness areas. You can cycle, walk, run, or ride a horse in the rural sections. Whether you're commuting to work, enjoying a weekend stroll, or taking your time from Sidney to Sooke, the trail is there for you to enjoy and protect. Remember, dogs must be on a leash on all regional trails.
Originally built during World War I as a freight railway, the Galloping Goose is part of The Trans Canada Trail, which connects trails across the country. “The Goose” intersects with the Lochside Regional Trail, a 29-kilometer former railway line from Saanich to Sidney. It also connects with the E&N Rail Trail – Humpback Connector, a 13.5 km trail for cycling and walking that runs mainly within the E&N rail corridor, linking Victoria to the West Shore.
Come and explore the best of the capital region, from urban streets to farmland and rugged wilderness, all within a day's trip from Victoria. You’ll pass by a quiet cove, a hidden lake, rocky outcrops, marshes, canyons, skunk cabbage swamps, tall Douglas-fir forests, Garry oak and arbutus forests, rural farmland, and waterways.
Trail Rating: Accessible (paved sections) to Easy
Length: 55km
Location: Sooke, Metchosin, Colwood, Langford, View Royal, Saanich, Victoria
Established: 1987
Hours: 24/7
Suggested Day Trips:
- Thetis Lake Regional Park: From Victoria, take the Galloping Goose Trail and then Six Mile Road (11 km one way).
- Mill Hill Regional Park: From Victoria, follow the Galloping Goose Trail and then Atkins Avenue (12 km one way).
- Devonian Regional Park: Park at the Luxton parking area on Marwood Ave. off Happy Valley Rd. Follow the Galloping Goose Trail, then Lombard Drive and William Head Road (9 km one way).
- Matheson Lake and Roche Cove Regional Parks: Park at the Galloping Goose parking lot on Rocky Point Road and follow the trail (5 km one way).
- Sooke Potholes Regional Park: Park at Roche Cove Regional Park and follow the Galloping Goose Trail (13 km one way). You can also camp at Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground in the park from May to September.
Suggested Weekend Cycling
Start from downtown Victoria on the Galloping Goose Trail and spend the night in the Sooke area. The next day, explore more around Sooke or return after a detour to East Sooke Regional Park (40 km one way).
Trail Habits
Follow these simple tips to keep regional trails safe and enjoyable for everyone.
- Share the Trail: Stay to the right except when passing.
- Alert Others: Let others know before you pass and control your speed.
- Yield to Others: Cyclists should yield to all trail users, and all trail users should yield to horses.
- Yield at Road Crossings: Give way to traffic at road crossings unless signs indicate that trail users have the right of way.
- Be Alert and Visible: Wear reflective gear and use a light.
- Dogs must be on a leash on all regional trails.
Amenities
How to Get There
From Downtown Victoria
Start at the corner of Wharf Street and Pandora Avenue. Cross the Johnson Street bridge, then turn right on the paved path that connects to Harbour Road and the trail.
There are many access points and parking lots along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
Parking Lots
Public Transportation
BC Transit bus #61 from Victoria to Sooke stops at various locations along the route of the Trail. Contact BC Transit for schedule information.