The picturesque multi-use Galloping Goose Regional Trail, formerly a railway line, moves through urban, rural and wilderness scenery on its 55 kilometre journey from Victoria to Sooke. You can cycle, stroll, run, or even ride a horse through the rural sections. Whether you’re commuting to work, meandering on a weekend afternoon or pacing yourself from Sidney to Sooke, the trail is yours to enjoy and yours to protect.

The Galloping Goose was originally a freight railway line built during the First World War. It is part of the Trans Canada Trail, a national multi-use trail system linking trails from coast to coast. “The Goose” intersects with the Lochside Regional Trail, a 29 kilometre former railway line from Saanich to Sidney.

Trail Rating: Accessible (paved sections) to Easy
Length: 55km
Location: Sooke, Metchosin, Colwood, Langford, View Royal, Saanich, Victoria
Established: 1987
Hours: 24/7

Things to Do

Come and experience the best of the Capital Region – from urban back streets to farmland and rugged wilderness, all within a day’s travel of Victoria. Travel past a quiet cove, a hidden lake, rocky outcrops, marshland, canyon land, skunk cabbage swampland, tall Douglas-fir forest, Garry oak and arbutus forest, rural farmland and waterways.

Suggested Day Trips
From Victoria, follow the Galloping Goose Trail, then Six Mile Road, to Thetis Lake Regional Park (11km one way).

From Victoria, follow the Galloping Goose Trail, then Atkins Avenue, to Mill Hill Regional Park (12km one way).

Park at the Luxton parking area at Marwood Avenue, off Happy Valley Road. Follow the Galloping Goose Trail, then Lombard Drive and William Head Road, to Devonian Regional Park (9km one way).

Park at the Galloping Goose parking lot on Rocky Point Road and follow the trail to Matheson Lake Regional Park and Roche Cove Regional Park (5km one way).

Park at Roche Cove Regional Park, and follow the Galloping Goose Trail to Sooke Potholes Regional Park (13km one way). You can also camp at The Land Conservancy of BC tent and RV campground adjacent to Sooke Potholes Regional Park from May to September. Cyclists pay by donation at the campground.

Suggested Cycle Weekend
From downtown Victoria, take the Galloping Goose Trail and overnight in the Sooke area. The next day, explore beyond Sooke or return after a detour to East Sooke Regional Park (40km one way).

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 other access points to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. View the Map showing directions to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail (PDF)

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.

Please Help Conserve Our Parks

  • Share the trail and keep right except to pass.
  • When passing, alert other trail visitors and use caution, particularly around horses.
  • Respect the trail environment and neighbouring lands.
  • Yield to farm equipment.
  • Control your speed and yield to pedestrians and horse riders.
  • Keep your dog under control and on the trail.
  • Pick up your dog’s droppings.
  • Do not remove or disturb animals or plants, such as wildflowers.
  • Leave no trace and carry out litter.
  • Motorized vehicles, camping, open fires and alcohol are prohibited.

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