Metchosin Loop

Difficulty
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Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3-5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
66.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
599 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead
Metchosin Loop

The Metchosin Loop bike ride takes in scenic waterside views, weaving through the inner suburbs of Victoria. This moderately challenging ride will take you past the picturesque Fisgaurd Lighthouse, then to the stunning natural Esquimalt Lagoon, where birdlife is abundant.

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Route Description for Metchosin Loop

Set out on the Metchosin Loop bike ride from downtown Victoria at the Greater Victoria Visitors & Convention Bureau. Set out, heading left on Wharf St., and onto the bike path on the Johnson Street Bridge. Note that most of this ride follows a dedicated bike trail, though some street riding in bike lanes is required.

After crossing the bridge, stay straight on Esquimalt Road, following the small loop on our map heading into Victoria West Park, which is a pretty local greenspace with a skateboard and dog park.

Continue back onto Esquimalt Road, until it turns into the E&N Rail Trail, veering to the right.

Follow the E&N Rail Trail for quite some time, passing through the inner suburbs of the city and in and around the shorefront. Take in the pretty views of the glistening water, as you pass through Portage Park. Just as you pass under the Island Highway, the bike path turns into the Galloping Goose Trail as you follow the bend in the road, towards the left.

Follow the Galloping Goose Trail until you arrive in Langford, right by Belmont Park. Then, turn off the Goose at Wale Road and head towards the signs to Fort Rodd Hill and Esquimalt Lagoon via Ocean Blvd.

Get a glance out over Fort Rodd Hill and in the distance, you’ll also spot the Fisgard Lighthouse. From there, you’ll bike across the stunning Esquimalt Lagoon (this is a highlight!) and then up the other side.
For beautiful scenery there is the option to go down to Witty’s Lagoon or Albert Head Lagoon, both of which are lovely.

Continue just past the Metchosin church, to discover nice views at Taylor Beach, which is one block down from the path on Taylor Rd.

Peddle onto quiet country roads along William Head Rd. and up to Pearson College (United World College).

From there, return back the way you came, then ride along Kangaroo Rd. and prepare for a nice long descent along Lindholm Rd. until reaching Happy Valley Rd.

Continue until the road turns to Sooke Rd., hopping back onto the Galloping Goose Trail and retracing your path all the way back, only this time, skip Victoria Park and stay on Esquimalt Rd.

Insider Hints for Metchosin Loop

  • On the Metchosin Loop bike ride, there are plenty of options to stop for coffee if needed, but bikers particularly love Royal Roads Café, which is directly on the trail and offers bike parking.

Getting to the Metchosin Loop Trailhead

From downtown Victoria, follow Yates St. Then, turn left on Government St. Continue to Wharf St., turn right. The 900 Wharf Street City Parking Lot is on the left-hand side.

Route Information

  • When to do

    March-November

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Metchosin Loop Elevation Graph

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