Van Isle Marina’s Courtesy Bikes are back, and better than ever!

Van Isle Marina’s four brand new Norco bikes are easy to use and are a breeze to ride. The step-thru design makes the bikes suitable for people of all athletic abilities and can accommodate heights ranging from 5’2” to 6’2”. As always, baskets, locks and helmets are included with your courtesy rental!

Sidney and the Greater Victoria Area is known for it’s extensive network of bike paths and trails. Here are our local favourites!

The Lochside/Galloping Goose Trail:

The Lochside Trail is a popular route reaching from downtown Victoria to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. It is designed to be an easy commuter trail that is accessible for all activity levels. Much of the path is paved and fairly flat, even when while winding through some of the most beautiful farm land that Saanich has to offer. Along this route you will find many farm stands, a food truck, bridges, a pig farm and scenic ocean views.

From Van Isle Marina, this route would take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes each way.
Extending past Victoria, the Lochside trail turns into the Galloping Goose trail, which in total length from Swartz Bay is 55 kilometers. This route can take you as far as Sooke!

Victoria Airport – “The Flight Path”:

This route is a 9.3-kilometer loop around the Victoria International Airport and is a favourite of locals! The entire loop is paved and marked at every kilometer, with historical information signs every few kilometers. The Flight Path’s views range from the ocean at Patricia Bay to the airport runways. At “Mile Zero” you will find parking, washroom facilities, a water fountain and a war memorial.
From the marina, it is a 10-minute bike ride. The loop is roughly a 35-minute ride.

Resthaven/ Lochside Loop:

This loop is a great way to see Sidney and an excellent route if you are looking to do some provisioning! The route takes you down Resthaven Drive, right to the middle of town, down Fifth Street down to the waterfront by Tulista Park. At the roundabout at the end of Fifth Street, head West down Ocean Avenue to meet the Lochside Trail. The trail will take you alongside the Patricia Bay Highway until you reach MacDonald Park Road/ Resthaven Drive. It is a 7-kilometer loop, and very rider friendly.

Check in with the Front Desk at Van Isle Marina to borrow a courtesy bike and get out on the road!