Biking from the Marina
Victoria International Marina is located in the perfect spot for a day spent biking. Whether taking advantage of the city’s new protected downtown bike lanes, or venturing onto the Galloping Goose Trail, there’s much exploring to do. Here are some of the highlights you’ll move past as you cycle from the VIMarina.
Access to the Galloping Goose Trail
Cycling from the Marina, heading East on Kimta Road, then left on Tyee Road, a quick right on Harbour Road quickly connects you to the city’s Galloping Goose Trail. The trail, transitioning from paved to gravel sections, runs North as far as Sidney and West towards Sooke. Walkers, joggers, and cyclists use the trail all year-round.
Dockside Green, The Selkirk Waterway, & Glo Restaurant
As you get started on the Galloping Goose Trail from Harbour Road, you’ll pass the condos of Dockside Green on your left (including the 20,000 square foot locally run market known as ‘Topsoil’). On your right, you’re met with stunning views of the Selkirk Waterway where you eventually move across the Selkirk Trestle. Here, it’s common to see kayakers, rowers, and dragon boaters paddling as you cross the trestle, with patrons of the hugely popular, Glo Restaurant, dining on the patio in the distance.
Moving beyond the Selkirk Waterfront, the trail eventually parallels, then crosses (via overpass) the TransCanada Highway. It is here, you can travel North to Sidney or West to the Western Communities (Langford and Colwood) and Sooke.
Lakes and Trestles
Keeping right, you’ll move towards Sidney, a small community roughly 28 kilometers from VIMarina – a 54 kilometer round trip. Though, cycling there and back might be too ambitious for most, even travelling part way there brings you in close proximity to scenery, including coffee shops, restaurants, and boutique shops too. After crossing the highway, you’ll move alongside Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, past the Monkey Tree Pub, then over another trestle running above an incredible marshy lake known as Blenkinsop Lake.
The Haro Strait, Mattick’s Farm, & Cordova Bay Golf Course
The trail eventually transitions from the Galloping Goose to the Lochside Trial which moves into some of the most scenic residential neighbourhoods in Victoria. Nestled in densely forested hillside, the homes you’ll pass in Saanich offer stunning views of the Haro Strait. At approximately 13 kilometers, you’ll happen upon Mattick’s Farm. Adjacent to Cordova Bay Golf Course, and home to boutique shops, Mattick’s Farm is an incredible place to stop for coffee, lunch or ice cream, at Adrienne’s Restaurant & Tea Garden.
Dallas Road & Beacon Hill Park
The City of Victoria recently constructed incredible protected two-way bike lanes in the downtown core. Moving across the brand new Johnson Street Bridge, you can either head East up Pandora Avenue, or Fort Street or carry on cycling along Wharf Street (with its bike lanes nearly complete). Downtown offers access to a scenic ride along Dallas Road where you’ll see cruise ships and kite surfers, or you could opt for the secluded tranquility of the 200-acre Beacon Hill Park.
For all your yacht provisioning call our concierge desk at 778-432-0477. If you’re looking for a superyacht marina we accept 65′ to 180′ vessels. Phone or book online to reserve your slip.
