Lochside Regional Trail
Regional Trail
Central Saanich, North Saanich, Saanich, Sidney, Victoria
The Lochside Trail is a picturesque, multi-use trail that used to be a railway line. Stretching from Swartz Bay to Victoria, the Lochside trail runs alongside beaches, farmland, and wetlands, winding through country lanes and alongside suburban backyards. While some sections are off-road and scenic, others require sharing paved or gravel public roads with cars and farm vehicles.
You can cycle, walk, run, or ride a horse in the rural areas. Whether you're commuting to work, enjoying a weekend stroll, or taking your time from the Switch Bridge to Swartz Bay, the trail is there for you to enjoy and protect.
The Lochside Trail connects with the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, a 55-kilometer path that used to be a railway line from Victoria to Sooke, and is part of the Trans-Canada Trail.
Length: 29km
Location: Saanich, Central Saanich, Sidney, North Saanich, Victoria
Established: 2001
Hours: 24/7
Lochside Regional Trail Map [PDF/4.9MB]
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.
Related Content
Activities
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Cycling
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Walking/Running
Amenities
Bike rack
Drinking water
Information kiosk
Parking lot
Parking, accessible
Public transit
Rest area
Toilet
Toilet, accessible
Wheelchair access
How to Get There
North from Downtown Victoria
Follow the Galloping Goose Regional Trail from Victoria to the Switch Bridge in Saanich. Turn right to follow the Lochside Trail north toward Sidney/Swartz Bay. There are several access points along the trail, including Lochside Park off Cordova Bay Road, Cy Hampson Park off Lochside Drive in Central Saanich and Tulista Park off Lochside Drive in Sidney.
South from Swartz Bay
Follow the signs for the Lochside Regional Trail.
Cyclists: after passing under the Lands End Road overpass, turn right at the bicycle lane, right at the overpass, and then right onto the trail.
Foot passengers: turn left at the Lands End Road overpass, then right onto the trail.
Public Transportation
BC Transit bus #70 from Victoria to Swartz Bay stops at various locations along the route of the Trail. Contact BC Transit for schedule information.
