Embark on an exhilarating bicycle adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the Pacific Northwest! With your adventurous spirit in mind, we have hand-picked some spectacular routes and destinations for your bicycle trip. These world-class rides offer the quintessential cycling experience for all ages and experience levels. Begin your journey on either side of the border and explore the Olympic Discovery Trail starting from Port Angeles or the Galloping Goose from downtown Victoria!
PLUS! Bicycles are now FREE on Black Ball Ferry Line with the purchase of a ferry ticket.
Need to rent a bike for your adventures? No problem. We have excellent bicycle partners in each destination — The Pedaler in Victoria and Discover E-Bikes in Port Angeles both offer a wide range of bike rental and tour options.
BOOK VICTORIA BIKE RENTALS BOOK PORT ANGELES BIKE RENTALS
The Olympic Discovery Trail.
The Olympic Discovery Trail on the Olympic Peninsula
The Olympic Peninsula is home to the 135-mile (217 km) Olympic Discovery Trail, composed of paved road and multi-use paths. As an ongoing project spanning over 35 years, more than half of the route is now made up of trails reserved for non-motorized travel, with more being added every year. With a large and ever-expanding trail that takes you through the quaint towns of Forks, Port Angeles, Sequim, and Port Townsend, the pedaling possibilities are endless! The Olympic Discovery Trail winds through diverse landscapes including fields, farms, parks, towns, various bodies of water and national recreation areas.
Whether you're venturing out for a day of exploration or embarking on an extended bike journey, continue below for our top recommendations along the Olympic Discovery Trail. Planning an extended trip? Take advantage of overnight package deals with our Olympic Peninsula hotel partners!
BOOK AN OVERNIGHT ON THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
Bridge over the Elwha River.
Elwha River Valley
West of Port Angeles, the Olympic Discovery Trail runs across the Elwha River, which flows from the Elwha snowfinger (a perennial snowfield that is the water source of the Elwha) in the Olympic Mountains into the Strait of Juan de Fuca (6.8 miles / 11 km one way). The trail crosses the river on a picturesque suspension bridge — Continuing from there, it runs parallel to the Strait of Juan de Fuca coastline connecting to beaches along the route.
The view of Lake Crescent.
Lake Crescent
Beyond the Elwha River, the Olympic Discovery Trail runs south towards Lake Crescent, a large glacier-fed lake nestled between towering mountains (23.6 miles / 38 km one way). The trail runs across the lake's north shore on a 8.1 mile / 13 km stretch of former railroad, passing through restored tunnels along the way. If you’re looking for a longer ride from Port Angeles, the Lake Crescent region is an excellent destination. To make a weekend out of it, Lake Crescent Lodge provides a historic stay right on the water — The perfect place to relax and enjoy the Olympic Peninsula area after a day of pedaling!
Field of lavender at a farm in Sequim.
Sequim
Heading east from Port Angeles (the opposite direction of Lake Crescent), you will reach the sunny town of Sequim on the Olympic Discovery Trail (19.2 miles / 31 km one way). While this trip is an absolute must in the summer months during Sequim’s famous lavender season, it is also an excellent ride year-round, with a gentle grade following former railroads. The prairie-like region is rich with farmland, providing a quiet, country atmosphere. The trail runs through the city of Sequim, the cultural center of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley area, with local storefronts including shopping, restaurants, and activities.
The Galloping Goose Trail. Credit: CRD.
The Galloping Goose in Victoria, BC
The Galloping Goose is a multi-use trail spanning a 34.2 mile / 55 km journey from Victoria to Sooke, BC. The route was originally a freight railway line that was built during WWI. “The Goose” is part of the larger Trans Canada Trail, linking coast to coast across all of Canada’s varying picturesque landscapes, meaning that the adventures are endless! Within Greater Victoria, the trail intersects with the Lochside Regional Trail (connecting Saanich to Sidney) and the E&N Rail Trail (linking Victoria and the West Shore).
To begin your journey on the Galloping Goose Trail from the Black Ball Ferry Line terminal in Victoria, head East along Belleville Street towards Government Street. Turn left on Government, then take another left onto Wharf Street. Follow Wharf Street until you reach Johnson Street Bridge on your left. Cross the bridge, then turn right on the paved path that connects to Harbour Road and the trail. The trailhead is approximately 0.6 miles / 1 km from our Victoria ferry terminal!
See below for our favorite bike routes and destinations in Greater Victoria. Whether you are wanting a quick trip to take in the local beauty, or a more remote trek out to Sooke, the Galloping Goose has something for you.
PLUS! There are several bike lanes within the downtown Victoria core, making it a very bike-friendly destination. If you have time, we highly recommend checking out the downtown Victoria scene via bike. Downtown is filled with local shops, numerous food spots, craft breweries and pubs, and iconic spots like Beacon Hill Park, Dallas Road, and Chinatown.
Thetis Lake.
Thetis Lake
From Victoria, take the Galloping Goose to Six Mile Road, connecting to Thetis Lake Regional Park (7.5 miles / 12 km one way). Thetis Lake is a popular local lake in Greater Victoria, perfect for a post-ride dip or a scenic hike. You will find a network of moderately challenging hiking trails around Lower and Upper Thetis Lake that wind through west coast rainforest and boast beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Blooming flowers at Mill Hill Park. Credit: CRD.
Mill Hill Park
From Victoria, follow the Galloping Goose Trail, then Atkins Avenue, to Mill Hill Regional Park (8.1 miles / 13 km one way). At Mill Hill Park, enjoy the patchwork beauty of Victoria’s many environments, including Douglas-fir forest, a Garry Oak ecosystem, and a rocky hilltop with panoramic views of the Esquimalt Harbour and Victoria area. Feeling adventurous? You can hike the trail along the eastern side of Mill Hill to connect with Thetis Lake Regional Park to make the most of your journey!
Stunning views of Iron Mine Bay in East Sooke Regional Park.
Weekend Bike Trip to Sooke
If you are looking to spend more time in Greater Victoria, and on the Galloping Goose Trail, venture out to Sooke for an overnight trip. From downtown Victoria, take the Galloping Goose all the way out to the Sooke area. There are a plethora of B&B’s and other accommodation options in the region — We recommend Prestige Oceanfront Resort or Sooke Harbour House, a historic inn on the ocean. The next day, explore beyond Sooke or return to downtown Victoria after a detour through East Sooke Regional Park (24.5 miles / 40 km one way).
