The Best Fall Rides (in my opinion) Victoria Has to Offer

The Best Fall Rides (in my opinion) Victoria Has to Offer

Sarah Faria, Editor

s soon as September 1st hits, I get excited for crunchy leaves, crisp mornings, and an orange and yellow palette. My favourite time of year to ride is in autumn A because of the views and temperature. Here are some of the best rides, in my opinion, that Greater Victoria has to offer:

1) Go the Distance

Cycling in Sooke on the Goose couldn’t be more beautiful in September and October. For riders based in the Victoria area who aren’t keen on cycling the full round trip, Matheson Lake has a parking lot with washrooms and is a great starting point. East Sooke Road all the way out to the potholes is a challenge but the mixture of ocean views, forested road, and open sunny areas, culminating in a picnic lunch back at Matheson can’t be beat. For an even longer trip, head into Metchosin past farmland and fields for lunch at My-Chosen Café.

2) Arbutus Trees in Autumn

Queenswood combines my love of arbutus trees and looking at houses I’ll never be able to afford. Watch for acorns on the road as you zip along the rolling hills on this delightful loop. A snack afterwards from Peppers eaten in Cadboro Bay looking at the water is a perfect mid-way point to eat.

3) The Height of Perfection

Munns Road is terrible and wonderful all at the same time. If you have the stamina or an e-assist, the route up from Burnside has beautiful views that make the leg-burning climb worth it. If I cycle this route in the summer I find myself immediately bathed in sweat, but in autumn on a crisp sunny day it’s the perfect temperature. The vistas near the top when the trees open up and you can see down into fields are perfect, and the exhilarating downhill ride on the other side doesn’t hurt either.

4) Sips of Cider

Sea Cider is a great destination ride and I’ve always found it to be very bike friendly. Head along the Lochside Trail, exiting at Mt Netwon and turning right at Central Saanich before spinning down Mt. St. Michael Rd. The Lochside Trail is beautiful at any time of year, but there’s something about cider in the fall with charcuterie that’s sublime.

5) Colquitz Kilometers

Before last year I didn’t know about the Colquitz trail, but it’s amazing. Wide gravel paths alongside the creek and through Panama Flats are only made better by the number of options to stop and snack: The Gardens at HCP, Mosi, Junction Cidery, Red Barn and Hullabaloo are all on the route (or just a short ways off). Now that the Interurban Rail Trail is complete you can bypass West Saanich completely and stop to say hello to chickens and horses along the way. Whatever your style of cycling or type of bike you ride, enjoy the best that Greater Victoria has to offer in the autumn.

Photos from left: A happy charcuterie snack, photo credit: Sarah Faria; the perfect pit stop on a fall day, photo credit: Graeme Wright, Hullaballoo; Sarah and friend stop at the Red Gate in Sooke, photo credit: Sarah Faria.