Gulf Islands, Biking (trip)

Gulf Islands, Biking

  • Victoria
  • Active & Adventure
Canada, North America

from $1,950* per person7 DaysJuly, August
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Great Explorations 16 people max
Tucked between the mainland of southwestern British Columbia and Vancouver Island is an archipelago of islands known as the Canadian Gulf Islands. Each has its own charm, with natural history and coastal scenery unique in North America.

Starting from Victoria on Vancouver Island, we visit the smaller islands of Salt Spring, Galiano and Mayne as we explore the pastoral island life. Whether by bike, on foot, or by kayak, you will be seduced by this unique island charm. We’ll stay in inns and hotels that are welcoming and dine on inspired Pacific Northwest cuisine.

Only Great Explorations:

    * Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
    * Dinner at the atmospheric Treehouse Restaurant on Salt Spring where you will be entertained by musicians under the stars.
    * A picnic at Lighthouse Park on Mayne Island, where whales may be spotted offshore.
    * Order off the menu at restaurants you won't find in guidebooks.
    * Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
    * We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

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Locations visited/nearby

Canada, North America

0 testimonials about this trip.

3 testimonials about the provider, Great Explorations:

  • Reviewer: Larry Sams located in Raleigh NC
    “The trip was one of the more awesome vacations I have ever taken. It met my expectations in every way. The hotels were  very nice and charming, the cycling routes gorgeous, the meals incredible. The guides did an outstanding job. We chose you over some other companies largely on the recommen-dations of friends who had done a trip with Great Explorations. I certainly was not disappointed. On a scale of 1-10, this trip get a 12 in my book! I hope I have a chance to do another trip with you in the future. Many thanks for an incredible week of bicycling in France."
  • Reviewer: Kathryn C., Sault Ste Marie, located in ON- Dordogne, France
    “Even better than I expected. Thank you for all the fabulous memories! The region was absolutely gorgeous – everywhere I looked was a picture postcard. The hotels were the very best in each area we stayed. Loved our place in Rocamadour, Les Eyzies was great too. Every meal was better than the one before. You chose the very best places for us. Thank heavens we were cycling to wear off all the fabulous food!”
  • Reviewer: Sabina S., Sechelt, BC located in Morocco
    "...fantastic food and culture. The experience of riding camels and overnighting in the Bedoin camp was a highlight. The hotels were fantastic and the rides very scenic."

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Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
  • Self-guided (includes hotels, maps, luggage transfer, etc but no guide).

Itinerary

DAYS 1+2:
Salt Spring Island - Meet in Victoria. We cycle north along a cycle path to Swartz Bay before crossing by ferry to Salt Spring Island. Lots to see and do in Ganges, full of artisan shops and galleries. The second day we’ll ride a route that gives us outstanding views of Trincomali Channel with the snow-capped Coast Range mountains as a back-drop. We'll dine in the village of Ganges at the best restaurants on the island.

DAYS 3+4:
Galiano Island - After a ride out to Long Harbor, we’ll ferry over to Sturdies Bay, Galiano where the options for riding are many. For hikers, we’ll lead a walk up to the top of Mt. Galiano, where views are outstanding. We’ll dine out one evening at the Hummingbird Inn, with local entertainment and the other in our comfortable lodge.

DAYS 5+6:
Mayne Island - We’ll ferry across Active Pass to reach Village Bay, and cycle the quiet roads through temperate rainforest on this enchanting island. You’ll want to have lunch on the deck of the Springwater Lodge where fresh fish never tasted better. You will also want to visit Georgina Point Marine Park where you might glimpse whales off of Lighthouse Point. For those wanting to kayak, we'll have the opportunity on our second day here with a 1/2 day paddle along quiet inlets. There are also hiking options up Mt. Parke with outstanding views from the top. For those eager for more cycling, crossing to Pender Island may be an option for additional mileage. We'll finish the trip as we always do, with a celebratory dinner with festivities.

DAY 7: For those departing, we decided the best way to end a trip like this was to offer a scenic flight by sea-plane back to Vancouver.

More information from Great Explorations: