How to Experience Victoria by Bike and on Foot

Victoria is incredibly bikeable and walkable – just ask the many locals who don’t own a vehicle. With so many attractions and amenities so close together, it only makes sense to park the car, and put on your walking shoes or hop on your bike.

Cyclists ride through a field in Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, BC

Victoria on two wheels

Victoria is one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America – even deemed Canada's Cycling Capital. It’s a great, bike-lane equipped destination to grab wheels and head out! With special signals and bike-only paths, it’s fast, easy and safe to navigate your way through downtown. With the weather becoming increasingly sunnier, it’s the perfect time to start preparing for National Bike to Work Day (May 17th, 2024) and GoByBike Week (September 23rd - October 6th 2024).

A group of cyclists rides along the Selkirk Trestle in Victoria, BC

Bike tour operators

Victoria also has several incredible bike tour operators that can take the fear out of riding for beginners. Check out the Pedaler Cycling Tours and Rentals. Aside from rentals, the Pedaler offers many themed guided bike tours – we adore their Hoppy Hour Tour, which leads you to Victoria’s best craft beer spots for tastings!

The Pedaler Cycling Tours and Rentals
A mountain biker does a drop in at Mount Work Regional Park in Victoria, BC

Off the beaten path

Seeking a mountain biking experience? Look no further than Oak Bay Bikes. Their mountain bike tours include transportation, a knowledgeable local guide, and some of the best singletrack on Vancouver Island. Discover the scenic rides of Hartland, Bear Mountain, and Jordie Lunn Bike Park in a beginner-friendly, personally-catered ride. If you fall in love with the sport (and you will), Oak Bay Bikes also sells their wide fleet of mountain bikes that you’ve just demo-ed!

Oak Bay Bikes
The Rolling Barrel rolls through downtown Victoria, BC

Bikes & brews

Want to explore Victoria’s brewery scene by bike? How about one huge, mega-bike, that holds you and 14 of your closest friends?! The Rolling Barrel will take you out to different pubs around the city. It’s the best party on wheels!

A row of bicycles outside Trek in Victoria, BC

Bike rentals & sales

Check out the places below for bike shops and rentals:

CycleBC.ca Rentals (685 Humboldt St) – rentals for those interested in biking, scootering… and even motorcyling!
Sports Rent (3-1950 Government St) – not just biking rentals, but also winter sports, mountaineering, surfing, camping… you name it!
Pedego Electric Bikes (701 Belleville St) – the electric bike haven!
Trek Bicycle Store Victoria (338 Catherine St) – your one-stop-shop for all bike-related things!

A pair of bikes parked along Dallas Road in Victoria, BC

Bike-tacular accommodation

If you’re staying at the Robin Hood Inn & Suites, or the Parkside Hotel & Spa – both offer complimentary bicycles for their guests (Robin Hood Inn also offers e-bikes, and for the truly adventurous… kayaks!).

Without further adieu, our biking itinerary:

A group of cyclists enjoy the views along Dallas Road in Victoria, BC

Coastal cycling

Bike down Dallas Road for a buttery-smooth path with unbeatable views. Stop in at the Breakwater Bistro & Tasting Room to relax your legs and soak in the ocean breeze.

Breakwater Bistro & Tasting Room
Cyclists ride hand-in-hand across the stone bridge in Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, BC

Pedals & parks

Further down Dallas Road you can make a slight detour around Beacon Hill Park for breathtaking, garden-filled vistas on the way. Keep an eye out for all the unique bird-life!

Beacon Hill Park
Two people ride bikes down a street in Victoria, BC

Beach Drive biking

If you’re looking for more adventure and enjoy a hilly, breathtaking ride, the trip down Dallas Road that leads into Beach Drive is for you, with its countless viewpoints along the way such as McNeill Bay and King George Terrace. Keep making your way to Oak Bay, and cruise the gentle yet vibrant Oak Bay Avenue. With many stops to choose from, a few of our favourites are the Penny Farthing Pub and Vis-à-Vis.

A group of friends cycle across the Selkirk Trestle on the Galloping Goose Trail in Victoria, BC

Gears on the Goose

There are many more trails to bike in Victoria, like the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. This 55 km journey can take you all the way from Victoria to Sooke. It’s the perfect route to train on for the Tour de Victoria, started by Ryder Hesjedal. This is a mass-participation cycling event riding through Victoria’s world-class cycling routes and breathtaking scenery.

Galloping Goose Regional Trail

Victoria on two feet

This walking tour is extensive and can be done in one day (for the seasoned walker) or two days for a more leisurely experience.

A couple walks along the Upper Causeway in Victoria, BC

Stay just steps away

Downtown and the Inner Harbour has everything at your doorstep, or should we say footstep. Stay in Victoria’s Downtown or the Inner Harbour, and you can begin your adventure right from your hotel – the Fairmont Empress, Inn at Laurel Point, Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort or Hotel Grand Pacific are all well-located options. On your way downtown, you’ll pass the picturesque Parliament Buildings and the must-see Royal BC Museum.

An assortment of chocolates made at the National Historic Site, Rogers' Chocolates, in Victoria, BC

For the foodies

Off the Eaten Track Tours offers several themed walking tours through downtown’s many neighbourhoods, making stops at iconic Victorian restaurants, pubs, and bakeries for a bite. Stroll down Government Street and stop in at Merchant Quarters General Store to find some unique, and true-to-Victoria goodies. Then, keep heading down the cobble street and stop in for a truly delectable experience at Roger’s Chocolate.

Local Tip: Don’t forget to try one of Roger’s cream chocolates — one bite will transport you to a chocolaty dreamland!

A couple enjoys drinks at the Bard & Banker in Victoria, BC

Steps & suds

Stop for a pint at the Bard & Banker or the Irish Times Pub, then make your way through Bastion Square and onto Wharf Street where more dining options await.

Folks down at Red Fish Blue Fish in Victoria, BC

Island eats

Looking for the true Island seafood experience? Check out Nautical Nellies, or keep heading down to the water to local favourite Red Fish Blue Fish. Sit back in the Inner Harbour and watch the Harbour Air Seaplanes make an elegant landing on the water. Taking a Seaplane flight over to Victoria is also a perfect option for those looking to leave behind the car, landing in steps from boutique hotels and major attractions in Victoria’s downtown core.

A Victoria Harbour Ferry leaves Fisherman's Wharf in Victoria, BC

Ferries & footsteps

If your feet are starting to give out, Victoria Harbour Ferries has you covered. You can hop on at the dock right by Boom + Batten and tell the friendly captain where you want to head to next. We suggest floating on over to Fisherman’s Wharf to see the vibrant colours of the houseboats. Then just up and over the lawn, the most delicious freshly-caught seafood awaits you at Finest At Sea.

The next destination is a stroll down the Ogden Point Breakwater.

Locals Tip: Feeling adventurous? Take the route off the beaten path via the giant rocks along the water. Watch out for the waves!

A couple walks along the Ogden Point Breakwater in Victoria, BC

Land's end

From the Breakwater, the walk along Dallas Road is like no other. With the buzz of cyclists, dog walkers, runners, and the unmatched views of the sea and Olympic Mountains across the water in Washington State, you’ll feel energized to continue on to Cook Street.

A mother and child explore Cook Street in Victoria, BC

Last stop

The last stop is Cook Street Village. This vibrant, chestnut-lined village has wonderfully-chic boutiques and lots of eats. Grab a delicious pizza from authentic Pizzeria Prima Strada or make a quick stop at locals’ favourite Big Wheel Burgers; both are great options for a re-fuel with tasty carbs and a delicious drink to pair. Cheers to a great day!

Local Tips: Some great walking tours in the city are through Discovery Walk History Tours or through That Girl in Victoria. As in the name, Discovery Walk History Tours bring Victoria’s history, culture, architecture, and traditions to life! They offer several themed walking tours, including the year-round popular Ghostly Walks telling you about haunted Victoria, and Chinatown Walks for background knowledge on one of our city’s most dazzling neighbourhoods. That Girl in Victoria will charm the shopper, foodie, and hidden-gem seeker all at once. Michele Davis (That Girl!) leads private-group tours or self-guided tours through her app, and adds a delightful amount of personality, humour, and flair into her tours.

a couple paddleboarding at sunset
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