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by Jane Lang
Mere minutes ago, I left Cycle BC Rentals on a street busy with traffic and I wondered if urban pedaling was a wise choice. However, a short uphill ride found me in Beacon Hill Park, a tranquil space with luxuriant growth, following a road that leads onto the Seaside Touring Route. Although this is one of the city's many designated cycling routes, it is not a cyclist-only path; however there is a bike lane and it is identified with bright yellow markers. Time and again, along this and other routes, the west coast scenery astounded me. The Seaside Route fringes beaches and takes you through neighbourhoods where you gape in wonder at gardens prolific in blooms; picket fences are smothered in fragrant flowers and there are boulevards of lilac and dogwood trees. Pedaling along scenic bays the Strait of Juan de Fuca comes into view where white sails and impressive yachts dot the horizon. Oak Bay Marina, frenetic with boat traffic, is the place to drool over expensive yachts, as well as people-watch as strollers enjoy the waterfront. Close by is Oak Bay Beach Hotel, a charming heritage inn located in one of the city's loveliest areas; it offers cyclists a number of packages. This coastal cruise is tailor-made for rest stops. For example, at Gonzales Bay, I discovered a historic Chinese Cemetery and a peaceful bluff that overlooks the water. This seaside pedal borders beaches where families romp, and takes you past spacious parks like Uplands with playing fields, and, much farther along Mt. Douglas with wilderness trails. I decided that this cycling route well showcases the outdoor lifestyle in this western city. On Royal Oak Drive the Seaside Route joins with the Lochside Trail, a flat, rural cycling/walking path that leads north on the Saanich Peninsula to the BC Ferries terminal at Sidney or south to the city centre. Returning to Victoria on this circular route, it is a pleasure to city pedal with few signs of urban life. Past farms, through nature reserves and over long trestle bridges, you pedal a postcard pastoral scene. From the Blenkinsop Trestle are views of the marshy lake with waterfowl inhabitants and heron fishing. This is slow pedaling at its best, as birdsong fills the air and locals cycle, jog or stroll with big satisfied grins. Just past Swan Lake Trestle, you momentarily return to signs of the city as you pedal across a 100-metre Switch Bridge that takes you over the Trans Canada Highway. Nearby the Lochside meets Victoria's most famous cycling route, The Galloping Goose Trail. The 70-kilometre meander follows an abandoned railway track from Victoria west to Sooke. Named after a 1920's railcar, The Goose is part of the Trans Canada Trail. It is easily accessed from city centre as it begins just past Johnson Street Bridge, and can be enjoyed as one long day trip, or more leisurely by staying at B&Bs along the way.
On this pleasant day trip, I covered about 40 kilometres and was introduced to three of Victoria's prime cycling paths. This was enough to convince me that Victoria - recognized by Statistics Canada in 2001 as the cycling capital of the country - is indeed a Mecca for pedaling. Lucky commuters use these scenic delights daily as do mothers with strollers, families with wee ones on bikes and the true lycra-clad enthusiasts, pedaling a fast pace. There are also joggers, strollers, wheelchair users and horseback riders -- the rule of thumb is that anything not motorized is welcome on these routes. This day on a bike convinced me to get back in the saddle so I eagerly joined a local cyclist who introduced me to one of the lesser-known pedaling paths. The Colquitz Linear Trail, entered from behind the Galloping Goose Trail on Interurban Road, leads into leafy, unpaved but smooth trails beside a rejuvenated salmon habitat, through some sleepy neighbourhoods and eventually out to Panama Flats where you pedal beside thriving vegetable gardens. Yet another close-to-the-city gem of a trail.
As
well, check in with the local cycling alliance at
Discovering
British Columbia is as easy as calling toll-free 1-800-HELLO BC
(North America) or 604-HELLO BC (604-435-5622) in Greater Vancouver.
This reservation and information service puts you in touch with
a team of professional travel experts who can provide free help
and advice in planning or booking every stage of your getaway,
from travel ideas and tips to booking your accommodations, tours,
and transportation. And be sure to check out the Tourism British
Columbia web site at
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I
pedal a path past roses and rhododendrons, beside ponds where
waterfowl float and soon it leads me along the Pacific Ocean.
I revel in fresh sea air and sunshine as I follow an ocean-side
route that is dazzling for a cyclist. It is a pleasant surprise
that this idyllic pedal is an urban one, but then, Victoria is
Canada's most cycling-friendly city.
Approaching
the city from the north, I cross some streets in a warehouse district
and then pedal into greenery, delighting in a huge bright mural
above me as I cycle beneath the Gorge Bridge. Soon I'm at Selkirk
Trestle, a picturesque 300-metre wooden span. Although this has
a wilderness park ambience, ahead of me is Victoria's busy harbour,
a quick return to city life.
If
you have a cycling wish, there's a good chance that Victoria can
grant it and convenience is the name of the game. Tourism Victoria
sells a comprehensive cycling map ($4.95 CDN) and provides loads
of information. Visit 