About the Galloping
Goose TrailThe Galloping Goose Trail is a favorite park among the locals
of southern Vancouver Island, where the trail weaves its way through the communities
of Victoria, Colwood, Langford, Metchosin,
and finally to Sooke. The trail
passes through all types of classic British Columbian terrain; coniferous forests
merge to streams, rivers, and lakes as you walk, cycle, or horseback ride the
trail. The trail passes close to beaches, above roaring rivers, and around prestine
lakes. Follow the Trail from Victoria to LeechtownThe first body
of water that you pass in the west is Matheson Lake. Great for swimming on a summer
day, this freshwater lake is situated in East Sooke. Go further west, towards
Sooke, and circle part of the Sooke Basin, where picture perfect views entice
you to stop and take a break to enjoy the beauty of Sooke. Benches along the way
are dedicated to those people who loved the Sooke area, and provide nice break
points in your travels of the trail. The next ten kilometers of trail take
you through the coniferous forests of Sooke, after which you emerge alongside
the salmon-bearing Sooke River. Here are the famous Sooke
Potholes where the locals go swimming in the hottest days of summer. After
a good bike ride, you'll want to cool off; here is your chance! Be warned: the
further up the river you go to swim, the farther away from other people and the
colder the water gets. The parallel track of the Galloping Goose Trail and
the Sooke River stretch the rest of the way to the abandoned mining village of
Leechtown, where you can admire the tranquility and quiet of the woods. Advisement:
As this area is very far from the public, do not go alone; it is best to visit
this section of the trail with others. History of the Galloping Goose TrailThe
Galloping Goose Trail was once a railway line from Victoria to Leechtown, where
gold had been discovered in the river during the gold rush days. The train's first
run in 1922 featured the noisy train car #15813, from which the name of the trail
comes. It twice daily carried 30 passengers and offered mail delivery. At that
time, Leechtown grew to a larger population than Victoria, but soon declined after
the goldrush ended. The train for a short 9 years afterward, but with a deserted
town as a destination it did not take long for the rail line to be closed. Now,
Leechtown is simply the site of the abandoned mining town; nothing remains, not
even structures. The forest has grown in and grown over anything that once was
the goldrush Leechtown. The rails were removed from the route around 10 years
ago, becoming part of a Rails to Trails program in the province of British Columbia.
The Galloping Goose Trail is also a part of the BC Trans Canada Trail system being
constructed as an eco-adventure. Accommodation Near this Park
Trail Information Links |
Alongside
Sooke Harbour
Trail in North Sooke
Charters Creek Tressle
|
