South Saanich cycling trail loop c27

South Saanich cycling trail loop c27

This fully featured loop comes off the Lochside Trail, an alternate for the TCT from Victoira to the mainland.  It also offers a loop within the main loop by taking in the fantastic greenway trail around the lake in Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.  From there it is connected to the Centennial Trail and a section of the main Trans Canada Trail on the Galloping Goose Trail.  Other highlights include Swan Lake with its own walking loop around the lake and the iconic Blenkinsop Bridge.  Allow about 4 hours.

Victoria-View Royal-Esquimalt trail cycling loop c26

Victoria-View Royal-Esquimalt trail cycling loop c26

This loop combines the Galloping Goose and E&N Rail Trails – 18.6k.  For a longer ride add Victoria Center Loop for a total of 30.5k.

Link:  Allow 3.5 to 4 hours for the complete loop that includes Victoria.

Othello Tunnels WALKING/HIKING TRAIL LOOP w25

Othello Tunnels WALKING/HIKING TRAIL LOOP w25

There are only superlatives to express the experience taking in the Othello tunnels and its canyon.  No one leaves this area unimpressed.  The loop allows one to take a trail, once part of the Brigade Trail, above the tunnel area.  Expect the latter to be a rugged trail and requiring quite a bit of climbing.  Of course the trail through the tunnels was once a railroad and therefore the grade is less than two percent.  The distance may seem short but because of the climbing it will take extra time.  Allow 2.5 to 3 hours.

University Hill UBC WALKING/HIKING TRAIL LOOP w24

University Hill UBC WALKING/HIKING TRAIL LOOP w24

This walking loop takes in Pacific Spirit Regional Park including Wreck Beach with its towering cliffs. It also takes in a few campus features such as the new Reconciliation regarding Resicential Schools Haida Totem Pole and other Totems. The whole loop is an amazing natural setting that takes advantage of the majestic coastal forest and seashore of the UBC Endownment Lands.  Along the seashore there a couple of WWII bunkers to distract.  Be prepared for lenghty stairways up and down the cliffs.  Expect nudists between trail 3 and 6 which can be mainly avoided by following the magenta routing through UBC Campus. Completing this whole loop will likely take about 3.5 to 4.5 hours.