From Swartz Bay you follow a well marked cycling route through south-ern Vancouver Island until you arrive at Duke Point (just south of Nanaimo). The bike map (above) suggests another route I have not yet tried. I have ridden this route. Wonderfully it loops and winds its way, almost 10kms into the south end of the Parksville & the Old Island Highway, which branched off from the big Highway only about a km south. A multi-purpose paved trail perfect for walking, jogging, roller blading, cycling, skateboarding and wheelchairs, the E & N Trail is one of the most popular trails in Nanaimo. In Dick’s words, “It was one of the few true singletrack trails we just r… So, from the city map, starting at Departure Bay ferry terminal: * outside the terminal, take the right up the hill (~1km), * keep on Departure Bay Road, which angles right above coast for ~2kms, * Departure Bay becomes Hammond Bay Rd (pretty busy artery, but with shoulders most of the way), which you'll follow north then west for almost 10kms until the junction with Uplands, where you'll turn right. This is easily accessible if you are coming off the ferry in Departure Bay. I've downloaded and joined together all the TCT segments from Duncan to Nanaimo. Website: Related site: Cycle Vancouver Island promotes cycle tourism on the island. There are a couple of fine riding trails worth calling out if you are cycle touring through Nanaimo. Hike or bike the trails of and around Nanaimo to connect with other adventurers, or spend some time with yourself – enjoying the tranquillity and raw beauty, appreciating the natural harmony of the outdoors, and simply savouring the thrill of the trail. 2.  they've been building, and have now started to open up new trail segments. It’s a delicious way to combine sightseeing with Victoria’s most delicious flavors, with both morning and afternoon departures available. Check out the links for more details and maps: The Parkway Trail. The great map below comes from the City of Nanaimo, and you can also link to it by the city's Transportation & Mobility Page, which also includes a related map on transit, which could be useful as their busses have bike racks on front. Some parks (with toilets, benches & some picnic tables) on or near the trail include Colliery Dam Park, Buttertubs Marsh, Northfield Park and Brannen Lake. Here is a great road trip from Victoria to Nanaimo that gives you the highlights and must sees along the way. Beta Marine BetaSet 12 Generator. Classifieds beta ads, buy and sell used stuff in local Nanaimo, BC for free. Join a guided mountain bike tour and discover trail networks like "Doumont", "the Abyss" or "Westwood Lake". Lovin' my new wheels! The map below shows the Haslam Creek Trail, from south Nanaimo south to north of Ladysmith. Aug 3, 2016 - Are you looking to explore Vancouver Island? Here's some details from the website: ... 20+ km paved path connects south Nanaimo near Extension Road in Chase/Cedar to North Nanaimo near the ``Welcome to Nanaimo`` sign at Mary Ellen Drive... trail follows Highway #19 for much of the way. Here and there it gets into forest and parks, dips under the highway through tunnels and over via bridges. MAPLE RIDGE #7 Shoreline Trail ~ Port Moody #45 Coquitlam Town Center #46 Coquitlam River Trail #58 POCO Trail #6 Maple Ridge Dykes #6A Pitt Meadows Greenway. At the south, connections to the Nanaimo’s Waterfront Trail are possible and connection to Nanaimo’s Parkway is via Dunster Rd. The new Trail connects to the south end of the Cowichan Valley Trail via another new trail segment managed by the local Malahat First Nation, SW of Shawnigan Lake. Yes, I filed Freedom of Information requests to find this out, from both the provincial and municipal governments. For more information of the area inquire at Victoria’s many excellent bike shops. Hammond Bay is a busy arterial route, though with decent space for cyclists. Note that these alternate route pages ARE NOT intended to be backroads rides, so should be accessible to all cycle tourists, though there may be some hardpack trails and stretches that are not paved. Most people get on their bikes to ride here in the months of August and September. Doumont is (arguably) where mountain biking began in Nanaimo. Pay particular attention to brakes, chain, and derailleur. Explore the map . Check out the fellow passenger chilling out. The bike map (, This website does not encourage anyone to undertake activities in the backwoods without considering fully issues of safety, access and readiness. The diversity of Vancouver Island is packed with potential adventure on or off the trails. Sooke The growing trail network of Harbourview has catered heavily to advanced all-mountain and downhill riders but is establishing more flowing single-track for a more well rounded trail network. The trail is primarily used for walking and nature trips. A bike path is being built beside the E&N tracks from Vic West to Six Mile, while allowing rail service to continue. You can zoom in pretty clearly to the online versions, and you'll see lots of routes and connections. The city of Nanaimo refuses to apply for grant money to build the E&N trail extensions in Nanaimo, since at least 2003, and have even been lying about having done a feasibility study for E&N trail extensions in Nanaimo. The City of Nanaimo Bicycle Map (above) shows a good off-highway route to start north through Nanaimo, but it doesn't go all the way out to Lantzville. It's quite pleasant (if a bit winding) and not busy. Then just stick on Uplands for 5+kms to the junction with Dover (past the junction with Hammond Bay), where you'll turn left. In the 80’s, Dick Jung and other mountain biking pioneers in Nanaimo started using the trail to hone their skills. Any local tour operator offering the vehicle ride up to Nanaimo? Sooke The growing trail network of Harbourview has catered heavily to advanced all-mountain and downhill riders but is establishing more flowing single-track for a more well rounded trail network. The Cowichan Valley new Trail 8.8 km section is a heavily undulated well built trail as it reaches the rail trail above Shawnigan Lake. Please read  the FAQs, research further as appropriate, and use your judgement at all times, Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition webpage. It is another 4.6 km between here and the Galloping Goose Trail. How can I get to Nanaimo (from Victoria) by bus without having to dismantled my bike? 2 hour drive.Once in Victoria you can leave your car parked and use transit or walk. See also the sections below for more possibilities, as Nanaimo has lots. Please check our calendar of events for more information. Trans Canada Trail - South Vancouver Island. Mountain Bike Trails in NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA (16) Select a city below to see a list of trails in the vicinity The routes you most commonly find here are of the downhill type. You can see them in the map pic below. In April 2007 the Island Corridor Foundation agreed to lease its land in Greater Victoria to the CRD for the development of the bike trail. For more information of the area inquire at Victoria’s many excellent bike shops. The first rail tracks were laid on Island soil in 1893, with the opening of the Victoria and Sidney line. taking the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (just north of Victoria). Two short sections of the route follow the This Victoria to Nanaimo is actually a route tackled by many cycle tourists, and thus one the website had been missing. At our eBike shop in Nanaimo, we have an bicycle showroom, an eBike repair shop and offer free demo rides upon request. The trail surface is loose gravel and often washed out for the 4 km to Nanaimo River Road. The routes you most commonly find here are of the flat or downhill type. Trails and Pathways - 67 km - the Trans Canada Trail’s Cowichan Valley Trail; Mode of travel: Well maintained Mountain Bike. This is, perhaps, the most scenic part of the trail. Both, the Parkway Trail and the E&N Trail, connect various points of the community and being able to rack your bike on RDN buses makes navigating Nanaimo easier than you think. From the southern end of this section, it is a slight uphill grade to the Dunster Rd. You drive from Nanaimo to Victoria. While memorizing the ingredients, rest up for a long, sugary day ahead on a Nanaimo Bar bench, specially made for the Museum. Bike paths will be ride-worthy and youths will gain work experience thanks to a Government of Canada grant to the Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club. I expect this page to grow some over time, as readers suggest new alternatives or share more cycling route maps. Under a km on Dover, then turn right on Dickinson Road, * follow Dickinson 2+km (near seaside), then right onto Lantzville Road, * Lantzville Road 3.5kms, then right at Y junction onto big highway. I use my City Commuter everyday to go anywhere I want on the fantastic Victoria bike trails. The Parkway Trail travels north too, but not adjacent to the E&N tracks. Website: Related site: Cycle Vancouver Island promotes cycle tourism on the island There are no guarantees with any information provided in this website. The ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula is $5.25 for your bike and $11.25 for you (each way). Cycling. BUILD. Workforce Development Agreement and hired nine full-time workers for its winter trail crew, according to a press release. #49 Galloping Goose Trail #48 Lochside Trail #54 Nanaimo Rides. Tourism Nanaimo. However, the work around Haslam Creek shows they are serious and making headway. * from where you rejoin the old highway, you are about 1.5kms south of the turnoff to Rathtrevor Provincial Park (Honourable mention Fav campground -usually booked in summer). That said, it will likely follow pretty closely the road options for the TCT route. Add Alert View on Map. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Recently named the Cycling Capital of Canada, Victoria is home to several excellent routes. If you like hills you can climb the 5300 ft up Hurricane Ridge behind Port Angeles for a spectacular view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Victoria. Unfortunately, the trail ends at the Nanaimo River Road until such time a bridge is constructed over the river; travelers must turn left and make their way to Hwy 1 (8.1 km) to cross the river using the roadway bridge - the southbound line has a contained pedestrian crossing. We are a 100% volunteer run non-proft trail association based in Nanaimo, BC. A bike path is being built beside the E&N tracks from Vic West to Six Mile, while allowing rail service to continue. And you can check out the stand-alone webpage for the famous Galloping Goose Regional Trail, part of the CRD network. The map includes a pop-up zooming into Nanaimo area south from Departure Bay ferry terminal. Find the right bike route for you through Victoria, where we've got 546 cycle routes to explore. - Andrea. Here and there it gets into forest and parks, dips under the highway through tunnels and over via bridges. From Victoria, strap your rented bicycle to a bus rack and head out into the countryside, or pick up the Galloping Goose Trail and pedal through fields of golden corn and dozens of parks and forests. Bike shops: Nanaimo, Victoria, Courtney, and Campbell River each have one or more bike stores. Classifieds beta ads, buy and sell used stuff in local Nanaimo, BC for free. I hope to add a 'south from Nanaimo' route in the future. I've ditched my car! The Galloping Goose was originally a freight railway line built during the First World War. ... Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club. * under a km will get you to Dover Rd where you'll turn left. RIDE. The Galloping Goose Trail runs from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal … Hammond Bay is a busy arterial route, though with decent space for cyclists. I've not been too keen as the route has largely, to date, been simply identifying secondary roads off the highway that they are designating as part of the TCT route. “The Goose” intersects with the Lochside Regional Trail, a 29 kilometre former railway line from Saanich to Sidney. You can click on the section title above, or smaller map below to get to their actual map, which you can zoom into to check out the map details properly. We asked if they would agree to make just one map in GIS with different layers so each department could have one or more layers that addressed their needs and had their favourite features. From Victoria Public Market to the Parliament Buildings, make stops to sample craft beer, chocolate, cheese, tea, and other local treats. You'll also see some blue/green alternate routes. Caution - the degree of difficulty is significantly higher than the CVT, ​This page gives details on the Lochside Regional trail (and other trail connections like the Galloping Goose) to get cyclists from Victoria to Swartz Bay ferry terminal. On occasion, I have wanted to get off the busy highway heading out of Nanaimo. The 4 PDF maps are kind of scrunched together, but that allows them to print out together. To jump to the PDF maps from this page, just click on the Bike Map (pdf) linnk to the right of the page, or just click on the map below here. However at the Aulds Rd. There are however several areas of interest one can enjoy by driving to, parking then hiking or biking in. It's also a route through some of the busiest traffic on Vancouver Island, so getting off the big highway will be something some cyclists should appreciate. You searched for: beta. While we certainly have some challenging hills in the Harbour City, commuting by bike is worth considering. Location : South Nanaimo – Just south of the Duke Point ferry turn off – access to the parking lot is at the end of Morden Road (off Hwy 1). On paper the Vancouver Island section of the Trans Canada Trail extends from Victoria to Nanaimo. Most people get on their bikes to ride here in the months of May and August. For those lucky enough to visit Nanaimo, you can find the bar and other creative versions all year round. In Dick’s words, “It was one of the few true singletrack trails we just rode it without ever ‘developing’ or grooming it. If you follow the link then zoom in to the map, you'll see that their default route in purple is largely off-highway wherever possible. There's actually a perimeter highway route that curves inland around Nanaimo on 'the Parkway'. Please read  the FAQs, research further as appropriate, and use your judgement at all times, Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition webpage. The road down to the terminal from the highway to the north follows the seaside much of the way. You can click on the section title above, or smaller map below to get to their actual map, which you can zoom into to check out the map details properly. Associate Memberships are available to full members on the … It's also a route through some of the busiest traffic on Vancouver Island, so getting off the big highway will be something some cyclists should appreciate. Cumberland is also good but no need to go there if your interest is Nanaimo. It is part of The Great Trail, a national multi-use trail system linking trails from coast to coast to coast. The total length of the new trail from the Galloping Goose to the rail trail above Shawnigan Lake is 26.5 km. I found this fabulous map on the Bicycle Maps resource page of the well known Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition webpage. I haven't included a longer, hillier route that tries to stick as close as possible to the seaside through north Nanaimo - it's just too complicated to explain. The best & most popular mountain biking trails in Nanaimo. You can do it in a day but it's worth a couple and make sure you've got a passport. Having come back to the Island from living in Europe for many years, I was missing getting around town on two wheels. This website does not encourage anyone to undertake activities in the backwoods without considering fully issues of safety, access and readiness. Some parks (with toilets, benches & some picnic tables) on or near the trail include Colliery Dam Park, Buttertubs Marsh, Northfield Park and Brannen Lake. Lowest elevation - 0 ft – Highest - 780 ft - Quite hilly on pavement; Time allowed: about 7.5-10 hrs. The old highway north of Nanaimo is apparently nice. If you can share your itinerary we might be able to clear up the confusion. It's also a route through some of the busiest traffic on Vancouver Island, so getting off the big highway will be something some cyclists should appreciate. The trail begins at the Nanaimo Museum where the history is revealed along with the original recipe. Explore the best trails in Victoria, Minnesota on TrailLink. MAINTAIN. With more than 72 Victoria trails covering 692 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Great Northern Trail or Stone Road Trail. It's a common place for cycle tourists to visit, either travelling up or down the island, or arriving/departing via one of the 2 BC Ferry terminals: Departure Bay, right in town, with ferries to Horseshoe Bay in west Vancouver; or, Duke Point, south of Nanaimo, with ferries to Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver. Check out a couple of valuable websites. Here's the sections you'll find below, with links should you want to jump straight into a section: Rotary Route - Cycle Touring Victoria to Nanaimo, Trans Canada Trail, South Island & South Island Ferry Connections, Capital Regional District (Victoria) Cycling Network & Maps. In Nanaimo an 8 km (5.0 mi) trail was built in the 1990s. There's a fine harbourside walkway stretching for several kms along Nanaimo Harbour, as well as up the narrow straight looking over to Newcastle Island. The trails take cyclists south around the 'Malahat' to reach near Victoria. The Vancouver Island section of the Trans Canada Trail is approximately 200 km and passes through scenic forest, mountain, coastal rural areas, and provincial parks visiting several communities along the route. The map is priced at $6.50. Charter a whale watching tour in Campbell River, Tofino or Victoria for the best views of an orca pod. 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