Biking British Columbia's Gulf Islands
Spend five days island hopping three of British Columbia's beautiful Southern Gulf Islands: Salt Spring, Mayne, and Pender. This adventure begins and ends in Victoria, BC, one of Canada's premier locations for cycling. We pedal along gravel trails and dirt and paved roads, riding high-quality mountain bikes. For our island hops we travel on BC Ferries and our support vehicle follows us the whole way. We overnight in very special boutique hotels and dine in some of the best locations in the Pacific Northwest. These outdoor vacations offer a scrumptious taste of BC island life.
WOW FACTORS
- Cycling the picturesque Lochside Trail
- Tasting wines on a tour of Saanich Peninsula's finest wineries
- Enjoying the stunning views of the Coastal Mountains along local trails
Trip Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Activity | Lodging | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victoria - Mayne Island | Biking | Hotel | L,D |
| 2 | Mayne Island - Pender Island | Biking | Hotel | B,L,D |
| 3 | Pender Island - Salt Spring Island | Biking | Hotel | B,L,D |
| 4 | Salt Spring Island - Cowichan Bay | Biking | Hotel | B,L,D |
| 5 | Cowichan Bay - Victoria | Biking | Hotel | B,L |
Day 1: Victoria - Mayne Island (Biking)
From downtown Victoria we will ride the regional trail system, which traverses bird sanctuaries and active farmlands along seaside trails to the Saanich Peninsula. Along the way we'll stop at a local winery and cidery for a tour and tasting. Lunch today will be at a local eatery. After lunch we will make our way north to Swartz Bay to board a BC Ferry to Mayne Island. Mayne, once a Cariboo gold-rush stopover has a colourful history dating back long before early Spanish and British explorers arrived there. When we arrive we have a short ride to our accommodations for the evening and a delicious dinner. Approx. 40 kms of biking. (L,D)
Day 2: Mayne Island - Pender Island (Biking)
After a delicious breakfast we will set out to explore Mayne Island. Our first stop of the day is at the historic lighthouse Park at Georgina Point with spectacular views of Active Pass and the Strait of Georgia. We'll then set out for the Japanese Gardens and after a short stroll through them we'll board another ferry for a quick 20-minute crossing to the Pender Islands. Pender Island was just one island but in 1902 a channel was dredged to create a safe passage for steamships, creating the now two islands. It wasn't until 1955 that a one-lane bridge rejoined the islands; a delay that may account for the noticeable differences between the two islands today. The day's end brings us to one of the most beautiful harbours in all of BC, Bedwell Harbour and the Poet's Cove Resort and Spa. We'll check in, get refreshed and ready for another great dinner and spectacular sunset. Approx. 35 kms of biking. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Pender Island - Salt Spring Island (Biking)
We start the day with a ferry transfer to Salt Spring Island, the largest and most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands. Arriving in Long Harbour we'll ride a scenic loop of the north end of the Island, around St Mary Lake to the main township of Ganges. Here we'll have lunch and check into our warm and comfortable accommodations for the night. This afternoon offers you a choice of another great ride around the southern part of the Island; or a tour of the local galleries; or shopping the quaint shops in Ganges. Dinner is at a popular local restaurant. Approx. 15-30 kms of biking. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Salt Spring Island - Cowichan Bay (Biking)
After breakfast we'll ride north to Vesuvias and take a short ferry ride to Crofton on Vancouver Island. From here we'll ride south to the seaside town of Maple Bay. Surrounded by smooth, pebbled beaches, Maple Bay is one of the finest natural harbours on the West Coast and one of Jacques Cousteau's favourite diving spots. We'll stop here for lunch and then continue on to our final destination and accommodations for the night in Cowichan Bay. Tonight's dinner will be a local seafood restaurant. Approx. 35 kms of biking. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Cowichan Bay - Victoria (Biking)
After another great breakfast we'll start our day with a ride through the Cowichan Bay area to Mill Bay. Cowichan Bay is loaded with backroads and lush and rolling landscapes and offers unparalleled seascapes. Once in Mill Bay, we'll board our last ferry of our riding adventure back to Brentwood Bay with a stop for lunch in the Saanich Peninsula. From here it's an easy ride along the Colquitz Trail back to Victoria and the end of the tour. Approx. 50 kms of biking. (B,L)
Tours may be changed without notice due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may require an altered itinerary.
Trip Includes:
Accommodations (twin shared), meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), transportation from once you arrive into Victoria, support vehicle, mountain bikes and experienced guides.
Trip Does Not Include:
International flights, gratuities, optional activities and items of a personal nature.
Meals:
4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Accommodation:
Hotel: 4 Nights
About Canada:
Canada is the second largest country on the earth, encompassing nearly 10 million square kilometers. It spans six time zones and is bounded by three oceans. The land is vast, wild, rugged, and unspoiled - an adventure traveller's paradise. From the snowy peaks of the rocky mountains, to the thousands of freshwater lakes and rushing rivers, to an almost unbroken belt of forest stretching coast to coast - there’s so much to see and do that you could set out on outdoor vacations all year round.
What to Expect
Adventure Dates
- June 26, 2013 - June 30, 2013
- July 10, 2013 - July 14, 2013
- July 24, 2013 - July 28, 2013
- August 7, 2013 - August 11, 2013
- August 21, 2013 - August 25, 2013
- September 18, 2013 - September 22, 2013
Price (Land Only)
$2,399 CAD + 12% Tax
*No single supplement fees
*Guaranteed departures on two travellers
Trip Photos
