The best cycling routes around Central Saanich
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Touring cycling around Central Saanich offers diverse routes across the Saanich Peninsula. The region features a mix of open farmland, coastal views, and forested areas, providing varied terrain for cyclists. Routes often follow former railway lines, offering largely flat and accessible paths, while other country roads present moderately rolling hills. This area is characterized by its blend of agricultural fields, marine shorelines, and treed sections, making it suitable for different cycling preferences.
Best touring cycling routes around Central Saanich
- The most popular touring cycling route is Lochside Regional Trail – Johnson Street Bridge loop from Saanich Peninsula, a 33.8 miles (54.5 km) trail that takes 3 hours 25 minutes to complete. This moderate route follows a former railway line through open farmland and shaded sections.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Brentwood Bay Terminal – Lochside Regional Trail loop from Brentwood Bay, a moderate 37.9 miles (61.1 km) path. This route offers varied scenery, including coastal vistas and agricultural landscapes.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Elk Lake – Johnson Street Bridge loop from Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, a 22.1 miles (35.5 km) trail leading through varied landscapes, often completed in about 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Central Saanich is defined by open farmlands, coastal views, and forested paths. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels.
- The routes in Central Saanich are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 75 reviews. More than 1300 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Central Saanich's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
4.8
(37)
471
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
68
riders
61.1km
03:51
400m
400m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
45
riders
35.5km
02:31
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
42
riders
33.9km
02:37
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
46
riders
26.3km
01:40
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Triangle Park is a small local park just west of the Johnson Street Bridge. It has a mix of public art, tupelo trees, benches, and simple lighting that gives it a relaxed, neighborhood feel. The park sits along the Vancouver Island Trail, so it’s a nice spot to pause if you’re walking or biking through the area.
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Elk Lake is a deep, freshwater lake connected to Beaver Lake by a narrow channel. Known for its calm surface and consistent winds, it’s a training ground for competitive rowing and a favorite for paddling and fishing. Surrounded by forest and part of a larger regional park, it's a great place for a quiet escape just minutes from Victoria.
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watch for pedestrian traffic, but bikes are allowed on this path.
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The Johnson Street Bridge spans the waters of Victoria Harbour at a narrow point. The single-leaf bascule bridge opened in March 2018. At night, the bridge is illuminated in blue. This commemorates the original bridge from 1924, which was also called the 'Blue Bridge' because of its light blue color.
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A very interesting drawbridge that is beautifully lit at night.
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The Johnson Street Bridge is a futuristic bridge connecting the city centre with Vic West and is a striking landmark over the Upper Harbour. It is beautifully lit at night.
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Buy tickets on board the ferry, or at local Thrifty Foods supermarkets. The eastern terminal at Brentwood Bay has a few businesses, including Seahorses Café which is immediately next to the dock. At the western Mill Bay terminal, the closest services are on the Trans-Canada Highway.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Central Saanich?
Central Saanich offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 45 options available for exploration. These routes cater to various preferences, ranging from easy to difficult.
What types of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Central Saanich?
You'll find diverse terrain, including paths along former railway lines like the Lochside Regional Trail, which are largely flat. Other routes traverse quiet country roads through open farmlands and forested areas, often featuring moderately rolling hills. The region's landscape includes agricultural fields, marine shorelines, and treed sections.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Central Saanich?
Yes, Central Saanich has 12 easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. These routes often follow accessible paths through scenic farmlands and shaded sections, providing a relaxed cycling experience.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks I can see along the cycling routes?
While cycling, you can enjoy stunning coastal views of the Olympic Peninsula and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Many routes pass through picturesque farmlands. You might also consider visiting nearby attractions like Butchart Gardens, a renowned National Historic Site, or exploring the trails in John Dean Provincial Park for old-growth forests.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Central Saanich?
Yes, many routes in Central Saanich are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to start and end your ride in the same location. Examples include the Lochside Regional Trail – Johnson Street Bridge loop from Dean Park and the Lochside Regional Trail – Inner Harbour, Victoria loop from Island View at Highway 17.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Central Saanich?
The touring cycling routes in Central Saanich are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied scenery, including open farmlands and coastal vistas, and the well-maintained paths.
Can I access touring cycling routes in Central Saanich using public transport?
The region is actively working on improving connections to its trail networks, including the Lochside Regional Trail, to facilitate regional cycling trips. While specific public transport connections to trailheads vary, efforts are being made to enhance accessibility between key communities like Brentwood Bay and Saanichton, which may offer public transport options.
Are there opportunities to stop for food or drinks along the cycling routes?
Yes, the Saanich Peninsula Loop, for instance, allows riders to explore charming neighborhoods and offers opportunities to stop at local spots like Mattick's Farm or the town of Sidney for breaks. Many routes also pass through farmlands where you might find local farm stands.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Central Saanich?
Central Saanich offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. The spring brings vibrant wildflowers, especially in parks like Gore Nature Park and Oak Haven Park. The summer and fall provide generally mild weather for exploring the diverse landscapes.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders seeking a longer challenge, the Saanich Peninsula Loop spans 100 kilometers with moderately rolling hills and approximately 1,000 meters of elevation gain, offering splendid views. Routes like the Lochside Regional Trail – Johnson Street Bridge loop from Brentwood Bay also offer significant distances, reaching nearly 65 km.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Central Saanich?
Many popular trailheads and regional parks in Central Saanich offer designated parking areas for visitors. For example, routes starting from Dean Park or Island View at Highway 17 would typically have parking facilities nearby to accommodate cyclists.
Are there any specific cycling pathways or dedicated bike lanes in Central Saanich?
Central Saanich is investing in its cycling infrastructure, including projects like the Mount Newton Pathway, which aims to create new pathways and improve safety by separating cyclists from vehicle traffic. The Lochside Regional Trail is a prime example of a dedicated pathway, following a former railway line.
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