Western Canada - Road riding Vancouver Island

After our stint in the UK is over, we're thinking of relocating to lower Vancouver Island (Vic, Saanich, Gulf Islands, Duncan area are all possibilities). What are the road riding possibilities in these areas? Do you need a bike that can handle non-paved roads to make a circuit? I rode from Comox down to Vic in 1975 on a Denver to Seattle tour but can't remember what it was like (although I do remember having a good time!) and I suspect that the roads and traffic have changed anyway. Thanks!

Hello...you will find paved railway roadbeds for bike/pedestrian traffic.There's the Lochside Trail, starting at Swartz Bay to Victoria. Then there's the Galloping Goose Trail from Vic to Sooke. The Seaside Touring route is ok but will take you through Oak Bay downtown around Cadboro Bay and all the traffic congestion, if your ok with that then this route can be quite enjoyable too. I live across on the mainland and have taken the ferry to Swartz Bay and from there have ridden thru to the Sooke Potholes Park (8hrs). I've ridden up the east side of the Isand from Duke Point to Campbell River, then to Quadra Island then water taxi to Lund on the Sunshine Coast and eventually back down to the start at Horse Shoe Bay (5days).
I have a map I picked up last year, its the Victoria/Gulf Islands Cycling and Walking Map the web site is www.davenportmaps.com (http://www.davenportmaps.com) ...... I've mostly found the drivers to be courteous and helpful. I hope this helps, and some pics of rides and tours on the Isand. And the Galiano tour only 3 days

How many miles to Vic via Lochside? About how many hours? We are going in July.

from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria is approx. 3hrs....give or take. Don't know how many miles, but the Lochside is an old railway right of way that has been converted to trail, so the inclines don't exceed (i think) 3%.....www.davenportmaps.com
Some more shots from the Lochside and Galloping Goose trails.

We took the Goose trail and it was really nice. Lochside looks good too.

Swartz Bay (Ferry Terminal) to downtown Victoria is 33 km (approximately 21 mi). Comfortable travel time of 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Trail surface varies from paved country road to well packed gravel to paved separate trail. Expect to encounter other bicyclists.

Awesome!
I am doing Victoria to Comox next year. We have our route pretty much planned out, but I will try to find some information about the trails that Trikin' had mentioned.
Are they right along the coast or more inland?

Lochside is primarily out of sight of the water, but rarely far from the ocean. The Goose isn't close to the water for most of the trip, until you hit Roche cove out near Sooke (Be careful of the steep hill. Very careful).
http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/galloping-goose/index.htm is the site about the Goose itself, also has news, and updates for the trail.