Biking the Saanich Peninsula

A rooster crowing, the drowsy buzz of bees, a tractor in the distance - all sounds that will give you a clue to the Saanich Peninsula and its fascinating agritourism.

The Saanich Peninsula is a day-tripper’s paradise, easily transformed into a delightful cycling route. Begin your personal  journey along the Galloping Goose Trail to discover a full-day culinary adventure that leads you from downtown Victoria  through rolling fields to house made gelato, local honey, sweet sips and more. Take your time cycling back along the  Lochside Trail. 

This unique collection of stops is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Greater Victoria

Now that we have started to ease restrictions and opened up border travel, many people will hopefully make us their vacation destination spot of choice and discover what Victoria has to offer. If you’re headed to Victoria and looking for a memorable stay, we have the inside scoop on some of the area’s best activities, look no further than YouVictoria. "Happy Peddle and Country Discoveries",  we rank it as one of the best biking destinations in Canada with a adventure theme, "Discover and Explore" the Island, central and north saanich.

Happy Peddle Moments and Country Discoveries helps visitors and locals explore at their own pace, and experience the rolling hills of Vancouver Island’s pastoral farms, fields and countryside. This curated route focuses on the farm shops, apiaries, wineries and cideries of the picture-perfect Saanich Peninsula. Just a 30 minute drive to the north of Victoria, heading to Swartz BAy.

Enjoy the farms, orchards and vineyards which run the length of the 18- mile Saanich Peninsula, known unofficially as “The Island’s Salad and Fruit Bowl.” Stops include the 500-acre Michell’s Farm Market where they grow everything from apples to zucchini; Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, which is home to a portfolio of 12 hand-pressed ciders, as well as a selection of locally-made Grazing Boxes by Truffles Catering; Roost Winery, Bistro and Farm Bakery with farm-fresh menus offered all day; Rathjen Cellars, home to some of the oldest vineyards on Vancouver Island, producing varietals such as Auxerrois and Ortega with high quality grapes; and Country Bee Honey Farm, which not only sells delicious honey and beeswax products but also allows guests to wander through a picture-perfect wildflower meadow, in bloom throughout July and August.

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The weekend might begin with a visit to Deep Cove Winery celebrating the bounty of the north Peninsula, also enjoy rural life alongside the vineyard or indulge on Pizza and Wine at the Roost Farm Centre. The Vineyard Bistro invites you to savour their farm-to-table experience; peninsula ‘famous’ pizzas right from their wood fired pizza oven and its most popular appetizer, the Salmon Taco accompanied by estate wines. Both wineries are open for tours and sampling all weekend.  Tour brochures are available at many locations on the Peninsula and in the Victoria area, including the North Saanich Municipal Hall, North Saanich Farmers’ Market, as well as most libraries and rec centres.