Victoria's exquisite natural landscapes are among the most impressive in all of Canada. From sandy beaches and ocean views to dramatic mountains and cliffs, there's a postcard-worthy view everywhere you look.  

Driving past these views in a vehicle doesn't do them justice, but not everyone is up for days-long hikes through the wilderness either. Try out these five scenic cycling routes around Southern Vancouver Island, and we know you'll understand why.

Bike to Beautiful Vistas on These 5 Cycling Routes Around Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula 

Dallas Road Cycling Route 

Address: 12 Erie Street, Victoria, BC V8V 0B2

Let's start with one of the shortest and most popular cycling paths near our Victoria homes for sale: the Dallas Road Cycling Route. This short loop takes you along the southern edge of Victoria's coastline and back through the city on roads with minimal car traffic. Points of interest you'll spot along the way include: 

• The city's famous Inner and Upper harbours 
• Landmarks like the Fairmont Empress, Government House, and Craigdarroch Castle 
• Bustling docks like Fisherman's Wharf and the Oak Bay Marina 
• Scenic outlooks like Clover Point, Cattle Point, and Ogden Point Breakwater 

You'll circle back to your starting point in around 2 hours, and you'll always be near someplace you can get some water and rest, making this a great starter route for beginner cyclists.

Thetis Lake and Hatley Castle Tour 

Address: 685 Humboldt Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2Z7 

The Thetis Lake and Hatley Castle Tour gives riders a close-up look at two of the most interesting attractions near our Colwood and View Royal homes for sale: 

• Thetis Lake Regional Park, home to one of the most pristine freshwater lakes on Southern Vancouver Island 
• Hatley Castle, a historic stone mansion with gorgeous Tudor Revival architecture and three painstakingly landscaped ornamental gardens 

While these two spots are the highlight of the trip, you'll also get to see spots like: 

• The Inner and Upper harbours 
• Portage Inlet, the serene basin at the end of the Gorge Waterway 
• Cuthbert Holmes Park, a wooded urban park that surrounds Colquitz Creek 
• Beachlands Park, a quiet sandy beach dotted with driftwood sculptures and overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca 

The out-and-back route takes just 2 hours from start to finish without stops. That leaves you plenty of time to explore the park or castle grounds and still get back well before dark. 

Victoria Seaside Cycling Trail 

Address: Downtown Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3

Cyclists who want a longer ride can check out the Victoria Seaside Cycling Trail, the quintessential bike tour route for sightseers on Southern Vancouver Island. Like the Dallas Road route, this 39-km loop starts in the heart of downtown Victoria and follows along the southern coastline. Instead of looping back through the city, though, this trail continues upwards toward the area near our Saanich homes for sale.  

You'll see everything you would on the Dallas Road path, plus: 

• The many luxury boats docked at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club 
• Blenkinsop Lake, a small marshy lake you'll ride over on a century-old wooden bridge 
• Willows Beach, an expanse of soft white sand with Mount Baker and Discovery Island as a backdrop 
• PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park), a 190-hectare forest with a towering peak you can hike up for better views

The entire route takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete and features relatively few hills or steep inclines. Bring some extra water and snacks to make sure you don't run out on the more remote sections of the path.  

Sidney by the Sea Tour 

Address: 812 Wharf Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3

The Sidney by the Sea Tour starts in downtown Victoria and takes riders along the Lochside Trail all the way up to the area near our Sidney homes for sale. Get ready to spot landmarks like: 

• Cordova Bay, a long stretch of coastline with a pebbly beach and clear line of sight all the way to the San Juan Islands 
• The Haro Strait near North Saanich, a sparkling section of the Salish Sea with views of the Gulf Islands in the distance 
• The Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Sanctuary, a nature preserve known for its birdwatching opportunities with both wetland and meadow biomes 
• Many small farms with fresh local produce for sale (perfect for a mid-ride snack) 

This out-and-back path can be completed in around 4 hours without stops, but we recommend taking some time to explore Sidney while you're up there. It's a gorgeous town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions to keep you busy for an afternoon.  

Cowichan Valley 8 

Address: 501 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC V8V 1X4

Up for a multi-day excursion? The Cowichan Valley 8 is a whopping 190km long, but it's one of the most beautiful cycling paths in all of BC. Travelling from Victoria's Legislative Assembly building and up into the Cowichan Valley, you'll see:  

• Goldstream Provincial Park, one of the best spots for waterfall views on the island  
• Cowichan River Provincial Park, a 20km-long protected space full of rushing rapids and towering cliffs  
• The Kinsol Trestle, an old wooden bridge suspended hundreds of feet above the Koksilah River 
• Lake Cowichan, a small but dazzlingly pretty town located at the foot of (you guessed it!) Cowichan Lake 

Experienced riders may complete the circuit in a long push, but many cyclists treat it as a two- to three-day bikepacking trip. Taking breaks every few hours gives you time to explore landmarks along the way and lets your muscles rest before you get back on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cycling Around Victoria

What are the best scenic cycling routes near Victoria, BC?

Some of the best scenic cycling routes near Victoria include the Dallas Road Cycling Route, Victoria Seaside Cycling Trail, Sidney by the Sea Tour, Thetis Lake and Hatley Castle Tour, and Cowichan Valley 8. These routes highlight ocean views, urban landmarks, regional parks, beaches, lakes, and forested sections of Southern Vancouver Island.

Which Victoria cycling routes are best for beginners?

Shorter routes near Dallas Road and the downtown waterfront are usually the most approachable for beginner cyclists. They offer scenic views without requiring a full-day ride, and riders are never far from cafés, parks, water stops, and other places to take a break.

Is the Cowichan Valley 8 suitable for a day trip?

The Cowichan Valley 8 is best suited to experienced cyclists or bikepackers. At roughly 190km, it's a major route that many riders complete over two or three days rather than as a casual day trip.

Pedal Your Way to Paradise in Victoria, BC 

Victoria's mix of urban amenities and incomparably gorgeous natural vistas makes this city a dream come true for cycling enthusiasts. Want to see where your wheels can take you? Contact us today to take a closer look at our local home listings and find the perfect launchpad for all your cycling adventures.