This little bicycle adventure is a good test for crossing borders and doing over nights in a hostel if you hope to travel the world on bike and foot etc.

Board the Washington State Ferry in Anacortes Washington early in the morning for a very relaxing 3 plus hour trip through the San Juan Islands and one stop on the way at Friday Harbor.

Show up early and purchase ticket for bike and passenger to Sidney BC. Have the proper papers etc. for crossing the Canadian border and getting back into the USA. Bikes board first. Line up at the ticket office and wait for the signal to walk the bike down onto the ferry. There are ropes provided to tie the bicycle up for the journey. Look for the little bike symbols and or directions from the crew where and how to board and secure the bike. Then go upstairs and relax in the warmth. Note the level where the bikes and cars are stored on the trip can be very cold. Also do not leave any valuables with the bike.

Enjoy the next few hours passing through some of the most beautiful scenery around on the way to Friday Harbor the one and only stop and the on to Sidney BC.

Canadian Customs are used to bicyclists. With proper ID etc. they are gracious. After passing inspection snake around to the gate and head west on Ocean Avenue.

Sidney is a pleasant city with many amenities if you need food etc. There is also a boardwalk along the water from the ferry landing north into the main part of downtown. North of Sidney is the route with views to the ferry to reach the city of Vancouver and the Gulf Islands.

Once you reach Lochside Drive just outside the ferry landing area, there is a very helpful tourist information building. The people that operate the office are extremely helpful, cheery and very welcoming. Get a map they provide of the area and all the wonderful attractions in Sidney and on your way. They are knowledgeable about the Lochside Trail.

The trail is not too far from public transport buses that can take people and bicycles to Sidney or Victoria if there is a need like mechanical problems, illness etc.

The Lochside Trail is combination of old railroad grade, paved and dirt roads. Much of the route passes through farm country and suburbs.

Along the way there are some spots that offer food and drink near the beginning and a few miles into the ride. See the map for details. Cy Hampson park and other spots along the way offer picnic facilities. For those that would like to camp on the way to Victoria there is a campground Island View not far from the bike trail. Did not make to there yet so don't know much more then what the link above provides. Supposedly worth the visit with ecotourism, sunbathing, and beautiful beach mentioned in some reports. Next door to the Capital Regional District Island View Beach Regional Park with nature walks. Terrain view of the area and the hill into and out of the beach area.

At the corner of Island View Road and Lochside Drive there is a fruit and veggie stand and some grocery items to eat and drink on your trip.

Much of the trip passes through farmland and woods. See the many pictures including the chickens, farm stand, pigs and more.

Along the route there are several old railroad tressels converted for bike and hike. Not to worry about heights like I am. The bridges are sturdy in fine repair and not very high.

Pay attention to the correct Lochside Route as you get closer to Victoria. I made the mistake of taking a Seaside sort of route into downtown adding a lot of time and some tougher riding then the straight shot to town on the Lochside. Dp follow the coastal hilly route into Victoria. Do not turn left on to Royal Oak unless you want a lot of extra work and time on your body and mind. It has some nice views etc. better left to a day Seaside bike route ride after getting settled in Victoria.

After traversing through suburbs and crossing of Royal Oak Drive, you will feel like more rural with a lake and crossing on a nice tressel at Lake Blenkinsop. Benchs await to view and relax.

On to Swan Lake Park. Skirt the park and cross the intersection ahead then shortly up and over the Transcanada Highway. Soon you will reach more greenery after the wharehouse section. In the ravine ahead you should hopefully see and gaze at the ernomous fantastic mural under the bridge. A big favorite of mine. See the pics. They do the mural little justice. But I tried.

The bike trail head to the saltwater crossing tressel. See the picture. After crossing the water pass along the shore and interesting condos and views of the fast approaching center of Victoria.

Follow the path and cross the Blue Bridge. A little confusing with the traffic and all. There is a bike and foot path on the draw bridge with tons of other bikers. Might feel as if you are in Amsterdam or some other bike friendly place.

NOTE: Traffic is very cautious with bikes in Victoria. If you go to a corner all cars will stop. This is very irritating for a newcomer from the states where they will drive over you. Figure out where you are going then approach the road and follow the other bicyclists if in doubt.

HI-Victoria 516 Yates Street Victoria, BC Canada is a short distance from the Blue Bridge and in the heart of the Victoria action. Nice hostel with kitchen to save and eat healthy. Friendly helpful staff can direct you to attractions like veggie restaurants and more. There is bike rack inside the hostel if not full you can pull it in after registering.

From the hostel walk and or bike around the central and other parts of Victoria. Great buildings, vistas and a wide variety of parks and gardens await you to feast on in this fantastic welcoming friendly knock your socks off city by the sea.

Map of Lochside and Galloping Goose trails.