Sooke Potholes

Another thing I love about this ride is that even though you feel like you are far away from civilization, the trail is close to the road the whole time, so in case you need to find help, you will be able to! There are also two bike shops located directly on your route, in case you need help fixing any mechanicals. Even though the ride to your destination is over 70km, this trip is suited for beginner bikepackers that are used to longer rides.

Our crew took the ferry over to Vancouver Island on Friday evening and camped at Smonećten campground, just 3km from Swartz Bay terminal. I like camping here every time I have a long ride on the island ahead of me, so I can avoid hours of traveling in the morning and can have a slower morning at the campground instead.

After breakfast, the group packed and started the 75km journey to Sooke Potholes. Shortly after passing through the town of Sidney, we merged to Lochside Regional Trail, which passes through the never-ending farmlands of Central Saanich and the quiet neighborhoods of Cordova Bay. Expect to see many beautiful views and if you get lucky, also run into horses.

In approximately 1.5 hours, around kilometer 28, a few more Buddies from Victoria joined us at the Uptown Mall. This is a nice spot for a stop, with a shaded plaza, coffee shop, bakery, washrooms, and water refill. It’s also the point where Lochside Trail transitions into Galloping Goose Regional Trail for the next approximately 3 hours of riding.

Galloping Goose Trail, formerly a railway line, moves through urban, rural, and wilderness scenery. The first few kilometres of are paved, and in summer many colorful wildflowers are growing on the side of the trail. Once you reach the town of Langford, the pavement turns into gravel for the rest of the route. Langford, at kilometre 40, is also the last resupply point for groceries and liquor, unless you are planning to make a detour to Sooke.

There are some nice options for a snack break with a view, either by Matheson Lake or at Hutchinson or Roche Cove. Once you reach the park, there are plenty of opportunities for a swim or exploration. I would suggest riding to the campground first, both because you can drop off your bags and explore with the unloaded bike and also because the sites are on a first come first serve basis. You don’t need to worry about not getting a spot though, park operators confirmed they would not turn cyclists away and would squeeze them into the common area if the cyclist spots are already taken.

After we set up our tents, we spent a fair amount of time at the beach, enjoying the refreshing water after a hot day of riding and relaxing with a good book. I previously also explored other areas around the park, some that have actual dipping holes, places you can jump into the water from, and some viewpoints. They are all marked on the map.

The next day, after breakfast, we rode back to Swartz Bay and took the ferry back home.

If you have time, I recommend stopping at some local brewery or cider on the way.

Happy travels, Buddies! :)

Notes:

• No cell service at the campground
• Bring cash, as the terminals don’t work at the campground
• Most of the Galloping Goose trail is shaded
• There are water refill stations and pit toilets on the way

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