Peninsula Loop

Route Description for Peninsula Loop

Start the Peninsula Loop bike ride from the parking lot for Elk Lake Regional parking lot, heading left onto Hamsterly Road. Then, almost immediately you’ll peddle right onto Sayward Rd.

Continue along the dirt road into Fowler Park, a small, lush forested area, where the path turns into Hunt Rd.

When Hunt Rd. Turns into Welch Rd, you should be able to see beautiful views on the shoreline to your right. From here, you’ll be on the east side of the large peninsula, overlooking the Haro Strait, which is a notable body of water that separates Vancouver Island and the San Juan Islands of the United States.

Take a left onto Martindale Rd, moving slightly away from the water, heading towards and onto the Lochside Regional Trail. You’ll eventually pass Mitchell’s Farm Market where you can grab coffee and snacks, or even grab some fresh veggies for a picnic lunch later in the ride.

Continue along Lochside Regional Trail, until you hit Mt. Newtown Cross Rd., where you’ll take a right, then almost an immediate left to get back onto the Lochside Regional Trail. From here, you’ll pass by multiple beautiful bay parks if you want to stop to rest or explore. You should also be able to spot the volcanic peak of Mt. Baker rising off in the distance if the sky is clear.

Follow Lochside Regional Trail all the way along to Tulista Park, enjoying the scenic waterfront views. You’ve arrived in the Sidney area, where you can stop to shop or indulge in a ritzy late lunch if you’d like. Continue onto Fifth St., following it through the downtown core.

Push on through, turning right onto Amelia Ave., then right onto Resthaven Dr. Bike past Robert’s bay, which is a fantastic lookout point, then carry onto McDonald Park Rd. Right before the road ends and splits into two, find the dirt path to the right and follow it into Tsehum Harbour Park, following the shore-hugging lane running parallel to Patricia Bay Hwy.

Follow the road as it bends left, into Lands End Rd., heading towards the most northern tip of the peninsula. From the tip top of the point, you can look out and see all the surrounding smaller islands and their unique formation.

Start heading back now on the west side of the peninsula, biking down towards Deep Cove. Stop by picturesque Chalet Beach to dip your toes in the water or have a picnic lunch if you’ve yet to stop and refuel.

Continue along the waterfront path, then turn left onto Downey Rd., following it all the way to W Saanich Rd., where you turn right, heading south.

Follow W Saanich Rd. for quite some time, looking out over the water at the Saanich Inlet, where you can see the wooded slopes of the Malahat summit. You’ll also pass through some of the most spectacular homes in this waterfront neighbourhood, most costing well over $1 million.

Once the W Saanich Rd. turns into Old West Saanich Rd., follow the path passing rolling vineyard fields. Come to Brookhaven Rd., turn left and then left again onto Oldfield Rd.

Once you reach Brookleigh Rd., turn right and follow it all the way back to the parking lot and your car.

Insider Hints for Peninsula Loop

• The Peninsula Loop bike trail passes multiple wineries. If you decide to do a wine tour of the area, make sure you arrange a drive home.