Lochside Regional Trail: The Complete Cycling Guide

The Lochside Regional Trail is one of Vancouver Island's best cycling routes — a 29-kilometre paved and gravel path running from Swartz Bay in the north to downtown Victoria in the south. Whether you're a daily commuter, a weekend recreational rider, or planning a point-to-point adventure, the Lochside has something for every cyclist on the Saanich Peninsula.

Here's everything you need to know to ride it well.

Trail Overview

• Distance: ~29 km one way (Swartz Bay to Victoria)
• Surface: Mix of paved multi-use path, packed gravel, and short road sections
• Elevation: Mostly flat with gentle grades — suitable for all fitness levels
• Connects to: Galloping Goose Regional Trail at the south end (via the Switch Bridge in View Royal)
• Managed by: Capital Regional District (CRD)

Key Access Points

• Swartz Bay: North terminus near the BC Ferries terminal — great for ferry-to-bike trips
• Saanichton: Central access with parking near Keating Cross Road
• Royal Oak: Popular mid-point with nearby amenities
• Quadra Street / Blanshard: South end connections into downtown Victoria

Best Sections by Rider Type

Families and Casual Riders

The central Saanich sections between Keating Cross Road and Royal Oak are the most relaxed — wide, paved, and away from traffic. This stretch is ideal for kids and riders who want a low-stress outing. Pack a picnic and turn around whenever you like.

Commuters

The Lochside is one of the best car-free commuting corridors in Greater Victoria. Riders commuting from Central Saanich or Saanichton into Victoria can cover the full route in 60–90 minutes depending on pace. The trail connects well to downtown bike lanes at the south end.

For commuting, we recommend a commuter bike with fenders, a rear rack, and reliable lights — especially for early morning or evening rides in fall and winter.

Fitness and Distance Riders

Ride the full 29 km one way and return via road for a solid 60+ km day. Combine with the Galloping Goose for a longer loop. The trail is fast enough on a hybrid or gravel bike to make for a genuinely satisfying workout.

Seasonal Conditions

• Spring: Trail is generally rideable by March. Watch for wet gravel sections and debris after winter storms.
• Summer: Peak season — expect more pedestrian and family traffic, especially on weekends. Start early for a quieter ride.
• Fall: Beautiful riding with fewer crowds. Leaves on the trail can be slippery when wet — slow down on corners.
• Winter: Victoria's mild winters keep the Lochside rideable year-round. Fenders and lights are essential. Watch for frost on shaded sections in the morning.

What to Bring

• Water (limited refill points on the northern sections)
• Snacks for longer rides
• A basic repair kit: spare tube, tire levers, mini pump or CO2
• Lights if there's any chance you'll be riding at dusk
• A properly fitted helmet — always

Bike Recommendations for the Lochside

The Lochside's mixed surface (paved path + packed gravel) makes it versatile for a range of bikes:

• Hybrid bikes: The ideal all-rounder for the Lochside — comfortable, efficient, and handles both surfaces well
• Commuter bikes: Great if you're using the trail to get to work
• Gravel bikes: Fast and capable, especially if you're connecting to rougher sections or the Galloping Goose
• Road bikes: Fine on the paved sections; the gravel stretches will slow you down

Before You Go: Get Your Bike Serviced

Nothing ruins a trail day like a mechanical. If your bike has been sitting over winter or you haven't had it looked at in a while, bring it in for a tune-up at Brentwood Cycle before your first big Lochside ride of the season. We're located on the Saanich Peninsula — right along the trail corridor — so we're a natural stop before or after your ride.

Have questions about the best bike for the Lochside, or want to talk routes? Come in and see us — we ride these trails too.