Sooke Hills / Cowichan Valley & Bay / Mill Bay

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Saanich, British Columbia, CA

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Salty Beard Bikepacking

Giving you the DIRT on bikepacking routes

168 km

1.484 m

This is a classic scenic mixed surface century, from Victoria, BC

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# A Classic Mixed Surface Century

This route connects some iconic trails in South Vancouver Island area, including a portion of [The Great Trail](https://thegreattrail.ca) *(also known as the Trans Canada Trail)*.  The first 100km or so is dirt, and the remainder on pavement. PLUS a ferry ride, to ensure you keep pace.

* **@slice[SECTION 1:](d,16546.18,29147.26)**

[SOOKE HILLS WILDERNESS TRAIL:](https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/sookehills-wilderness)  Although this is a newer trail built wide, smooth, and graveled for multi-users.  Don't let this fool you.  This trail is a grind with long, steep hills up to 16%, and requires caution on sharp corners.  But don't let this deter you. You'll be rewarded for your efforts. **Check website for trail conditions** 
* **@slice[SECTION 2:](d,28607.31,38569.15)**

[MALAHAT CONNECOTR TRIAL:](https://www.cvrd.ca/DocumentCenter/View/88860/Malahat-Connector-Trail-Route-Map-vs2---WEB?bidId=) This is the middle section of the gravel trail, and is quite plesant, but also requires care & caution on steep grades and corners. 
* **@slice[SECTION 3 (south):](d,38569.15,86272.79)**

[COWICHAN VALLEY TRAIL:](https://www.cvrd.ca/DocumentCenter/View/93914/CVT-Brochure-2019) This section travels a portion of the old E&N rail, and is a typical rail grade, wide & gentle.  The southern portion is highlighted with seven trestles to cross, including the historic @poi[Kinsolt Trestle](38640709).  Completed in 1920, it is 144ft high and 617 ft long. Making it one of the highest trestles in the world, and the largest wooden trestle in the Commonwelth Nation. 
* **@slice[SECTION 3 (north):](d,86548.46,113180.7)**

Before crossing Cowichan River, you'll pass through the township of Lake Cowichan.  During the summer this is a busy boating destination with quite a number of cafes, coffee houses, pizza joints, and ice cream shops to tickle your fancy. The slight downhill rail grade will quickly whisk you down to Duncan through what used to be some old logging camps.  The route as designed will  take you past a few key cafe/coffee shops that I quite like.  Note that some of these coffee shops are closed on Sunday, but try not to miss @poi[Ironworks Crepes](39356291) for a great mid-ride indulgance. 
* **@slice[SECTION 4:](d,117665.95,138036.8)**

This paved section will take you through the mud flats of the Cowichan River Estuary, where you may see an amazing selection of sea birds.  After a while, you will enter Cowichan Bay, which could easily pass for a small California hamlet, with a line of bakeries, cafes, and shops.  **CAUTION** Take care through this area as traffic can be congested as people jostle for roadside parking, and a short steep climb to exit town.  After this steep pull, you'll be rewarded by quiet roads through hobby farms. You may very well find a few small fruit/vegitable stands to treat yourself with something crisp.  
* **@slice[SECTION 5:](d,140019.97,152816.88)**

If you've kept pace, you could very well have time to stop at Rusticana Coffee before catching the Mill Bay ferry across to Brentwood Bay. Check out [BC Ferries](https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules/daily/BTW-MIL) for sailing times & fees. If you miss the ferry, just continue south on Highway 1, up and over the Malahat. 
* **@slice[SECTION 6:](d,152816.88,167873.49)**

The final section will take you along Wallace Rd, which you may realize by the generally flat and sweeping corners is an old rail grade. @poi[MOSI bakery](39356283) is a must stop for any cyclist passing through this section.  I hope you left enough room for a Pecan sticky bun, or buttery croissant (which I've been told, rivals France).  They also have great Gellato!  A quick ride down bike-friendly Interurban Rd will take you back to your starting point. 
* **PARKING:**  This route is designed to start/stop at Tillicum Mall.  It is not recommended to leave your vehicle overnight.  Should you want to make this ride and overnight, find alternatve parking arrangements. 
* **PRIVATE LAND:** Pretty much all of the dirt length of this route passes through private timber lands, managed by MOSAIC FORESTRY.  Be respectful, and do not attempt to wild camp on private lands. 
* **CAMPING:** Is it possible to camp along with route: **Victoria** @poi[Goldstream Provincial Park.](35806979)  **Cowichan River** @poi[Cowichan River Provincial Park.](39356284) **Cowichan Lake** @poi[Lakeview Campground.](35595454) **Near Mill Bay** @poi[Bamberton Provincial Park.](35840723)

* **OPTION: AN EASY OVERNIGHTER**   
Not quite up for a Century or the Sooke Hills trail is just a little much?  Yeah, it's hard when loaded. You can make the adventure much easier by utilizing the Mill Bay Ferry both wasy, and make the Stolz Pools Campground on Cowichan River your overnight stop, and then just double back.  This way you get a wonder ferry ride, Shawnigan Lake treats, the world famous Kinsolt Trestle, and some lazy river swimming on a hot summer day.

* **OPTION: 2 night + Pizza / Ice Cream!**
Expand on the idea of the overnight, with two nights at Stolz Pools, taking an unloaded ride to Lake Cowichan for lunch and a lakeside afternoon swim and maybe some ice cream. Then take the rail trail on the north side of the river and drop down to the campground. This route will also avoid the hill climb before the campground.  Which, I can say it no fun on a belly full of Pizza and Ice Cream.

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Sooke Hills / Cowichan Valley & Bay / Mill Bay

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