Suggested Rides: Lochside Trail

This ride takes us out Saanich Peninsula over another reclaimed railway bed refurbished. Coming from Selkirk Station, the trail heads out from town towards Switch Bridge Corner and the overpass over the highway. Turn right and follow the paved path past the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Any other day this is a great walk but today we are heading for Sidney by the Sea. Its about 1 hour away but it depends how you ride it. After you clear the corner of Mckenzie Ave and Borden St, Galey Bros Farm and the top of Mount Doug start to appear on your right with the beginning of the Blenskinsop Valley. Soon you are crossing Royal Oak Avenue and heading into the beautiful suburb of Broadmead.

This road section shows off the vista of the Gulf Islands and the majestic Mt. Baker. Matticks Farm marks the next important intersection with a unique shopping centre and a good place to freshen up. From here the trip becomes a very rural experience as you leave the tail end of the Cordova Bay Golf course. Huge cottonwoods with their distinct aroma soldier both sides of the trail as the farmland begins to open up. A quick encounter with a small mixed farm of sow pigs and some colourful chickens really puts you in country as you roll on. Michell's Big Red Barn comes up on your left where you can buy fresh farm produce, water, and juice. In the fall, the great fields are full of pumpkins. A ride up Island View road will take you to the beach overlooking Haro Strait, and James Island. Back on the Lochside Trail, we reach the Saanich Heritage Acres, which has numerous exhibits that record the historical farming community. Past the Waddling Dog Inn we start to see the beaches that will bring you into Sidney. There is plenty of opportunity to stop and enjoy all the beaches, but you will soon be rolling into Sidney with its many shops and café's for you to explore.