This scenic BC trail was once a railway line & it’s the perfect fall stroll

Outdoor enthusiasts likely need no reminder of the famed Galloping Goose Trail’s beauty come autumn, but what you might not know about the picturesque 55 km-long nature trail is that it was once a railway line built during the First World War. How’s that for an intriguing piece of local history?

Stretching from Victoria to Sooke, the Galloping Goose Trail is like the Arbutus Greenway in the sense that it moves from urban to natural scenery. Though the former has much more untamed wilderness to offer runners, cyclists, and those looking for a casual scenic stroll.

Whether you’re on a morning commute or going on a weekend bike ride, the trail is yours to enjoy, and it’s open 24/7.

Another cool fact about the iconic trail is that it connects to national, multi-use trails from coast to coast, including the Lochside Regional Trail from Saanich to Sidney, and the E&N Tail Trail that will one day link Victoria and Western communities.

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Best of all? The entire 55 km is rated accessible and “easy” by the Capital Regional District, which means even more visitors can take in the natural beauty.

Looking for a scenic day trip idea? Head to Sooke Potholes Park first, and make your way on foot or by bike along the Goose Trail to Kapoor Regional Park, and sneak a peak of BC’s gold-rush era ‘ghost town.’

So there you have it, BC. If the phrase ‘outdoor adventure’ was a singular place in BC, we’d put money on the beautiful Galloping Goose Trail.

Galloping Goose Trail

Where: Sooke, Metchosin, Colwood, Langford, View Royal, Saanich, and Victoria, BC

Information on the Galloping Goose Trail is from the Capital Regional District and is accurate as of the publication date.