Home / Self Guided Tours / Seaside Touring Route
Self guided bike tour
Seaside Touring Route
Scenic waterfront riding along Victoria's coastline. About 27 km.
Route map
Riding this route
This is a cycling route for regular bikes and e-bikes. It uses bike lanes, bikeways and multi-use trails where possible, but sections can be shared with walkers or quiet streets, so ride predictably, ring a bell when passing, and slow down in busy areas. Helmets are required by BC law, and lights are needed after dusk. Lock your bike at each stop.
Stops along the way
In riding order from the start of the route line. Numbers match the map. Distances show how far along the route each stop is.
- 1
Market Square
Neighbourhood · 0.3 km from start
Restored heritage courtyard with shops, cafés and events in Old Town.
560 Johnson Street
- 2
Red Fish Blue Fish
Seafood · 0.7 km from start
Fish and chips and seafood from a shipping container on the Inner Harbour.
1006 Wharf Street, V8W 1T4
- 3
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Landmark · 1.5 km from start
Grand heritage Parliament Buildings, beautifully lit at night.
- 4
Fisherman's Wharf
Waterfront · 2.7 km from start
Colourful floating homes, fish and chips, and harbour seals.
1 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC V8V 0B2
- 5
Ogden Point
Waterfront · 3.5 km from start
Breakwater walk with big ocean views and cruise ships coming and going.
- 6
Mile Zero Monument
Landmark · 4.9 km from start
Marks the western start of the Trans-Canada Highway.
10 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8V 2N6
- 7
Ross Bay Cemetery
Historic site · 7.2 km from start
Historic seaside cemetery, resting place of many early BC figures including Emily Carr.
1495 Fairfield Road
- 8
Gonzales Beach
Beach · 8.6 km from start
Sandy, family-friendly beach with gentle waves.
- 9
Oak Bay Marina
Waterfront · 12.8 km from start
Working marina with waterfront dining and boat rentals.
- 10
Parachute Ice Cream - Oak Bay
Ice cream · 13.1 km from start
Small-batch ice cream in Oak Bay village.
- 11
Smuggler's Cove Pub
Pub · 18.2 km from start
Neighbourhood pub in Cadboro Bay.
2581 Penrhyn Street, Saanich, BC V8N 1G4
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Seaside Touring Route?
It is about 27.4 km (17.0 mi) measured along the route line. Allow roughly 2 h of riding time, plus extra for each stop.
Can I do this tour on a regular bike or an e-bike?
Yes. It follows bike lanes, bikeways and multi-use trails, so regular bikes and e-bikes both work. An e-bike takes the effort out of hills and headwinds, especially on longer routes.
Is this route safe for visitors?
Much of Victoria's network is built to be comfortable for new and casual riders, but no ride is risk free. Wear a helmet (required by BC law), use lights after dusk, slow down on shared paths and in crowded areas such as the Inner Harbour.
Where does the route go?
It passes Market Square, Red Fish Blue Fish, Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Fisherman's Wharf, Ogden Point, Mile Zero Monument and 5 more stops.
Want a guide or a bike?
Prefer a guided experience instead? See the bookable bike and walking tours on our Book an Adventure list.
More self guided tours
- Victoria Cherry Blossom Route
A pretty ride through neighbourhoods known for spring cherry blossoms. About 12 km.
- Great Victoria Sights Tour (3–4 hours)
The full tour of Victoria's top sights, about 3 to 4 hours. About 21 km.
- Victoria 2 Hour Tour
A shorter highlights ride, about 2 hours. About 11 km.
- Sidney Lunch Run
Ride up to Sidney for lunch and a wander, then head back. About 29 km each way.
- Thetis Lake and Hatley Park Cycle
A fun long ride out to the west shore and back, about 33 km (around 2 h 20 min riding without stops). It heads west from the city centre through Saanich and View Royal toward Hatley Park, home of Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University, then loops back. Take your time at the stops and bring water.
- Inner Harbour and Old Town Walking Tour
A compact downtown walk from the Inner Harbour past the Legislature and heritage buildings, then into Bastion Square, Market Square and Fan Tan Alley. Walk it in either direction and drop in anywhere that looks interesting.
- Cruise Ship City Walk
A self-guided walk from the Ogden Point cruise terminal into downtown Victoria. Stroll past Fisherman’s Wharf and the Inner Harbour, then wander Old Town and Chinatown along Government Street, finishing at Munro’s Books.
Distances are approximate. Stops are hand-picked places along each route. Photo credits: see each place's Wikipedia page.