Goose to Sooke Potholes

Route Description for Goose to Sooke Potholes

Kick off the Goose to Sooke Pothole bike ride from the Luxton Fairgrounds, onto Galloping Goose Trail.

Follow the well-marked and easy to follow trail towards Happy Valley, where the path is surrounded by verdant forest. The trail becomes extra beautiful after Taylor Road, where you catch your first glimpse of the Salish Sea.

Continue to follow the Galloping Goose Trail, until you reach Matheson Lake Regional Park. Here, the trail weaves around the shining crystal lake, treks over wooden boardwalks and at times, up the occasional hill. Feel free to explore the park at your leisure, or continue onwards following parallel to Gillespie Creek, out towards the North Pacific Ocean.

Next, you’ll hit the equally stunning Roche Cove Regional Park, where you’ll pass unique rockfaces, lush trees and travel waterside for most of the way.

From there, continue on the Galloping Goose Trail for 12.0 km, enjoying the scenic waterways and the cool ocean breeze.

Arrive at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, where you’ll find the Sooke Basin, which serves as a serene natural pool, as well as many hiking trails and rock-climbing walls. Within the park, there are numerous trestles to ride over that are very well maintained. The final trestle before the Sooke Potholes is the impressive Todd Creek Trestle, which is work checking out.

The final destination here is the Sooke Potholes Campground, where you could camp overnight before returning to Victoria, or if you just want to spend the day, cool off in the natural pothole pools that are particularly refreshing on a hot summers day.

Insider Hints for Goose to Sooke Potholes

• On the official Galloping Goose map there are multiple parking lots along the trail to make for shorter options if desired.
• After crossing Wale Road in Langford, the rest of the trail is well maintained, firm-packed, fine gravel. Important to be aware of this as one might not want to take a carbon fiber bicycle on the gravel trail.