First of all, let's look at a map so you have a general idea where it is located.
The northern terminus of the trail is at Swartz Bay. This is the massive ferry landing from mainland BC and the Gulf Islands. The trail heads south through Sydney, where the Anacortes Washington ferry docks and continues down the Saanich Peninsula to the Switch Bridge located north of Victoria. At this location, you can make a choice to go further south to Victoria or head west to Sooke and Leechtown .
The trail is 100 kilometers (80 miles) long but don't let the length scare you. Unlike some remote trails on Vancouver Island, the Galloping Goose has many entry points. Many residents and visitors only use a small portion of the trail for the day by parking their cars at one of the many regional parks or municipal parking lots. Other residents & visitors may choose to do longer lengths of the trail and stay over night at one of the many bed & breakfasts bordering the trail. In the Victoria part of the trail, many commuters enjoy a quiet and quick trip to work.
The Galloping Goose Trail is multi-use so people can walk, jog, cycle, inline skate, ride horses and use wheelchairs. No motorized vehicles are allowed except for wheelchairs. The trail is very popular due to allowing several modes of transportation. You will find old and young people along the trail. You don't have to be in top physical shape to enjoy the trip.
What can you expect to see along the trail?
- On the Saanich Peninsula (northeast trail), you will find small farms along with a mixture of little towns. Sidney is your larger town where you can stop and shop or enjoy a meal at several restaurants. You will follow the east coast of the Island for a good portion of the way before you head inland and begin to encounter the suburbs of Victoria.
- At the Switch Bridge, the trail to Victoria takes you through the back streets and wooded areas where you will cross the Selkirk Trestle. With most of this trail going through or near populated areas, you can stop off at restaurants, pubs or have a picnic at many of the urban parks.
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