Outdoors
Galloping Goose Trail Bike Ride
From Roche Cove you ride the rural gravel section of the old railway beside Sooke Basin to the Sooke River Road parking area, then follow Sooke River Road to the rock pools of Sooke Potholes. The full trail runs 55 km from downtown Victoria towards Sooke; this part has a smooth surface and a gentle grade.
- Where
- Vancouver Island, Canada
- Distance
- 12 km one way (24 km return)
The route
Roche Cove Regional Park to Sooke Potholes Regional Park.
Park at Roche Cove Regional Park on Gillespie Road in East Sooke, about 45 minutes' drive from Victoria. BC Transit route 64 serves the area on weekdays only.
Permits and fees
No permit is needed to ride. If you drive to Sooke Potholes instead, pay parking applies from 1 May to 30 September ($2 for two hours or $5 a day).
Before you go
- The trail is unpaved beyond Wale Road in Colwood, so wider tyres are more comfortable on this section.
- Roche Cove has toilets and an information kiosk at the trailhead.
- Keep right, pass on the left and yield to walkers and horse riders.
- Sooke Potholes Regional Park is open sunrise to sunset, and dogs must be on a leash there.
What to bring
- Helmet
- Spare tube, tyre levers and a pump
- Water and snacks
- Front and rear lights
- A layer for descents and stops
Getting ready for it
Time in the saddle matters more than speed.
If you have not ridden for a while, do two or three rides of an hour or two first so your legs and your seat are used to it.
Staying safe
- The last part follows Sooke River Road, and the trail crosses other roads, so ride with traffic in mind.
- Wear bright clothing and use lights wherever there is traffic.
- Check your brakes and tyres before you leave.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against crd.ca, crd.ca, crd.ca, gallopinggoosetrail.com and en.wikipedia.org. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
