This picturesque multi–use trail, formerly a railway line, stretches from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in Sydney to BC’s Capital City, Victoria.
From the coast, this trail travels past beaches, farmland, and wetlands, down country lanes and beside suburban backyards. While some parts of the Lochside Trail are off-road and others downright pastoral, in some places trail visitors share paved or gravel public roads with motor vehicles and farm vehicles.
The Lochside Trail intersects with the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, a 55 kilometre former railway line from Victoria to Sooke, and the first section of the Trans-Canada Trail.
Suggested Cycle Day Trips
From the Switch Bridge, take the Lochside Trail past Swan Lake and over the Blenkinsop Trestle to nearby Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park or Cordova Bay beach. 12km one way
From the Switch Bridge, follow the Lochside Trail through the farmland of the Saanich Peninsula to Sidney. Stop to explore Island View Beach Regional Park on the way. 29km one way
