Galloping Goose Regional Trail

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.

Learn about upcoming improvements to popular sections of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail on the Regional Trestles Renewal, Trails Widening and Lighting Project page.

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.

Length: 55km
Location: Sooke, Metchosin, Colwood, Langford, View Royal, Saanich, Victoria
Established: 1987
Hours: 24/7
Galloping Goose Regional Trail Map [PDF/4MB]

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).

Share the Trail

CRD regional trails are multi-use, which means that people who walk, bike, and roll are all welcome – We all belong here! Below are basic trail etiquette tips that make our regional trail system safe and enjoyable for everyone:  

• Keep right except to pass
• Control your speed
• Yield to pedestrians and horse riders
• When passing, alert other trail users and use caution
• Be Alert and Visible: Wear reflective gear and use a light.
• Keep pets on leash and on the right side of the trail
• Communicate with signals and eye contact
• Respect the trail environment and neighbouring lands
• Be extra cautious and visible at road crossings. Right-of-way varies, depending on the municipality
• Cooperate and show mutual respect
• Show kindness to fellow trail users if they make mistakes. Consider a nod, wave or smile when passing others

Learn more at Regional Trails

Related Content

• CRD Regional Trails Management Plan 2016 [PDF/12.6MB]
• CRD Regional Trails Closure Policy [PDF/250KB]