18 Cowichan Bay → Victoria
The final stage brings it home with some of the best roads Victoria has to offer — switchbacks on Finlayson Arm, twisties through Munn and Prospect Lake roads, and the iconic ocean drive along Dallas Road back into the capital. The loop is complete.
Overview
Stage 18 is a fitting finale — it showcases some of the best roads that Victoria has to offer. The route combines oceanside riding through Mill Bay, switchback roads on Finlayson Arm Road, twisty sections via Munn Road and Prospect Lake Road, and concludes with the iconic Beach Drive and Dallas Road running along the southern shoreline back into downtown Victoria.
The variety is what makes this stage memorable — coastal vistas, forested mountain terrain, marinas, lighthouses, and island views. Mount Douglas gives a 360-degree panorama of the city and surrounding waters. Wheelies Cafe (a motorcycle garage and sandwich shop) is the perfect celebratory final stop before officially completing the loop.
The boat launch beside the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre in Cowichan Bay — a scenic spot right at the water's edge before the final push home.
Cowichan Bay has great dining before departure. Wheelies in Victoria — a motorcycle garage and sandwich shop — is the perfect celebratory final stop. Plenty of options throughout Victoria to mark the completion of the loop.
Mount Douglas Viewpoint — 225m elevation with 360-degree views of Victoria and surrounding waters (gate opens at noon). Ogden Point — cruise ship dock, seasonal market, and the famous breakwater lighthouse walk. Harling Point Chinese Cemetery — a National Historic Site with a bench overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The Malahat on Highway 1 can be congested on Sunday afternoons — time your departure accordingly. Downtown Victoria rush hour (3–5pm) is best avoided. Congratulations on completing the Vancouver Island Grand Loop!
Stage Map
Photos
