Biking Vancouver Island
Trip Overview
(Biking and Hiking) Experience a Biking Tour across British Columbia's spectacular landscapes of Southern Vancouver Island. Cycle through old-growth forests, lakes, rainforests, and vast valleys as we experience Vancouver's rich natural beauty.
For the active traveler seeking an all-encompassing experience with a biking and hiking trip, this beautiful destination offers endless opportunities for you to discover. On Vancouver Island, you can enjoy amazing beaches and coastal views in a summer sanctuary. Victoria offers stunning scenic views of parks, and vineyards, complete with a vibrant local cuisine, craft beer, and wine culture.
Vancouver Island entices you in with its natural beauty and leaves you with an unforgettable experience.
WOW FACTORS
- Cycle along the Lochside Trail from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal to charming Victoria
- Hike at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park and refresh afterwards with a swim in the aquamarine rock pools
- A wine tasting at a family-owned distillery and winery
Itinerary & Map
Day 1
Vancouver to Sooke
Biking
This morning we'll have a set pickup location in Vancouver. From here we drive to Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal and catch a ferry to Duke Point on Vancouver Island. The ferry journey allows for a relaxed start to the morning and offers spectacular views of the Salish Sea & Gulf Islands, and there is always the possibly for a sighting of our resident orca whale pod. From Duke Point we drive to the colourful, seaside community of Chemainus for a coffee or light snack. This small town is world renowned for the many outdoor murals that tell the story of “the little town that did.” Next, we continue driving along the east coast of Vancouver Island to Lake Cowichan. Here is where we break out the bikes for our first ride along the spectacular Cowichan Valley Trail. This vehicle-free, hard packed gravel trail is a joy to ride for cyclists of all abilities. It's a peaceful route through towering old-growth forest trails and past meandering rivers. We'll ride across the renowned Kinsol Trestle, the largest wooden trestle in the Common Wealth. The restored trestle provides magnificent panoramic views over the valley and the Koksilah River. We finish today’s ride at Shawnigan Lake where we can relax by the water’s edge or take a refreshing swim to cool down. The final destination of the day is the small west-coast town of Sooke, nestled between the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island and a temperate rain forest. We overnight in Sooke in a cozy 4 star hotel and hopefully enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Biking: 44 km / 27 mi
Day 2
Sooke to Victoria
Biking and Hiking
Following a fresh and healthy breakfast, we drive to Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, a popular spot with locals because of the natural rock pools and towering old-growth Douglas Fir trees. Here we'll enjoy a scenic, leisurely hike through the park and take in the beautiful surroundings. If you’re brave enough, why not jump into the refreshing aquamarine rock pools! After our morning at the potholes, we'll get back on our bikes and cycle the Galloping Goose Trail to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia. This vehicle free trail is named after the clunky, old rail-car, which carried passengers between Sooke and Victoria in the 1920’s. The scenery along the trail is spectacular, ranging from quiet coves and lakes to lush rainforest. The final portion of the trail travels through the suburbs of Victoria leading us into the heart of the city. Here, we will enjoy our second evening’s accommodation. Victoria, also known as the “Garden City,” is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. The city is famous for its Victorian architecture and has retained a large number of it’s historic buildings. Late afternoon there will be time to explore the vibrant city before meeting up for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Biking: 46 km / 28 mi
Day 3
Victoria to Vancouver
Biking
After breakfast we are back on our bikes cycling along the winding coastal road that surrounds the city of Victoria. Breathe in the fresh coastal air as we pedal along this beautiful coastline. We'll make our way to the Saanich Peninsula for lunch at a local café that serves fresh ingredients from the surrounding farms. After lunch we will explore Elk & Beaver Lake Regional Parks where we can take in the pristine nature and tranquil setting. We'll bike along a trail that winds around the lake. We end with a final push up a hill to our final destination, De Vine Vineyard for a well deserved wine tasting of the crisp and opulent wines this region offers. Sit back, relax and take in the magnificent views of the Saanich Peninsula, San Juan Islands and Mt. Baker while reminiscing about your past few days. Following the vineyard it's a short drive to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for the 1 hour and 40 minute journey through the Georgia Straight to Tsawwassen. From here we drive 45 minutes back to Central Vancouver, arriving around 730pm. End of Services.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Biking: 38 km / 24 mi
What's Included
TRIP INCLUSIONS:
All accommodation (twin shared), meals as indicated, bikes, wine tasting, internal transportation and guide and driver.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
International or domestic airfare, gratuities, meals not included, and items of a personal nature, trip insurance.
MEALS:
2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel: 2 Nights (3 and 4 star hotels)
Trip Facts
Weather in British Columbia, Canada
The climate of British Columbia varies from marine to continental, and is influenced by its location immediately east of the warm Pacific ocean, the north-south orientation of its towering mountain chains, the mountainous topography, the prevailing westerly winds, and the province’s northerly latitude. In winter the climate is affected by cold dry air from the arctic. Summers tend to be dry. The beautiful coast of British Columbia is well known for its temperate climate with temperatures averaging 26°C (90°F) in the summer and 2°C (36°F) in the winter. Most rainfall occurs between October and March.
Pacific Region (Includes Vancouver and Victoria)
Mid-May to Mid-September: Summer season. Warm weather. July is the most pleasant month to bike and hike across Vancouver with little rain, long periods of sunshine, and moderate temperatures, 23°C (74°F).
Travel Documents
US citizens require a passport to enter Canada. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival. Citizens of other nations should contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for entry requirements.
Food
Vancouver cuisine is made up of traditional cuisines from around the globe. Uniquely Canadian foods include fresh and seasonal ingredients found throughout the country like seafood and berries. Wild game, such as Bison, Moose, and Buffalo are also popular. Some traditional meals include a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, poutine, roasted root vegetables, and Wild Sockeye Salmon. The west coast also offers plenty of Asian-style restaurants including Chinese Smorgasbord, Sushi, and Korean BBQ. Street food can also be found in the larger cities and is generally safe to eat.
FAQ
Our adventures are built for small groups, with a maximum of 12 travellers on each guided tour. Each group is diverse, comprised of men and women of many different nationalities and ages. By travelling in small groups we leave minimal ecological impact, cause less disruption and are able to gain a better appreciation for our surroundings. Small numbers also allow greater flexibility and spontaneity: a dinner in a local home, an impromptu wedding invite and any such experiences that can become among the most memorable experiences of your BikeHike adventure.
We understand that people come in many fitness levels, so we've graded our trips accordingly. There are four difficulty levels on our trips: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Strenuous.
This is a “moderate” trip. These trips include 4-5 hours of physical activity throughout the day, with many breaks along the way. Most of the days are biking, and the biking portions require cardiovascular fitness to sustain the riding distances, but there are always support vehicles available on this trip. Our travellers don’t have to carry anything on their backs as any packs can be carried in the support vehicle. During the leisurely hiking portion of this trip, the most you would have to carry on your back is a daypack.
BikeHike Adventures has been operating since 1994. We are also Canadian based, and our office is in Vancouver, the city where this trip begins.
Also note that the logistics of organizing tours can be very complex. Our trip development department spends long hours researching destinations, routes, ground operations and equipment. All itineraries are screened without clients before they are added to our growing repertoire of adventures. Nothing is untested.
Our travellers share a common love for outdoor adventure. Most are looking for a physical adventure and are in good physical condition, exercise regularly and are invigorated by a personal challenge. The age range on this trip is typically from 35-55, although we occasionally get younger and older travellers as well.
We only offer this trip during summer months, as this is the prime time to cycle in Canada.
This trip starts in Vancouver, where there is an international airport (YVR). On day 1 of the trip, the pick-up time at your downtown Vancouver hotel is around 8:00-9:00am. On day 3 of the trip, you will arrive back into Vancouver around dinner time.
We have prepared a packing list that you can download by clicking the link to the right on this page.
Can I take this trip if...
This is a popular trip with singles. Many of our travellers (both men and women) join as singles. Unlike many adventure travel companies, we don't charge single supplement fees to solo travellers. Instead, we pair you with another traveller of the same gender. If we can't find you a roommate, you get your own room at no additional charge. A single private room supplement fee is only required if you specifically request a confirmed private room for the duration of the trip. Learn more about solo travel with BikeHike.
We will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests (e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, etc.), but ask that you please discuss your request with us when signing up for a trip.
While most of our trips are created with adults in mind, many of our itineraries are suitable for strong and active teenagers. This trip is generally not a family focused trip unless the children are teenagers. This trip is generally suitable for families that include strong and active older teenagers. However, we do offer many other Family Focused trips, some of which are able to accommodate children as young as six.
Accommodation
Most of our trips include comfortable mid-range accommodations. This includes accommodation that provides a clean and comfortable experience in characterful surroundings that reflect the destination. To build stronger connections with the communities and support the local economies, we avoid using large international chain brands on BikeHike trips.
This trip includes the following types of accommodation:
HOTELS
In an effort to keep money in the communities we visit around the world, BikeHike prefers to stay in small hotels, bungalows, and haciendas that showcase the character and local flair of each destination.
Click HERE for more information about accommodation styles.
Trip At A Glance
| Day | Destination | Activity | Distance | Lodging | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Vancouver to Sooke
|
Biking
|
44 km
27 mi
|
Hotel
|
l,
d
|
| 2 |
Sooke to Victoria
|
Biking and Hiking
|
Biking Distance: 46 km / 28 mi
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 3 |
Victoria to Vancouver
|
Biking
|
38 km
24 mi
|
— |
b,
l
|
