Gulf Islands, Walking (trip)
Gulf Islands, Walking
- Salt Spring Island
- Active & Adventure
| from $2,680* per person | 7 Days | June, August, September |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Great Explorations | 12 people max | |
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Locations visited/nearby
Canada, North America
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Great Explorations:
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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."
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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!”
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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."
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
DAY 1:Our tour starts at Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island, the largest of the Gulf Islands, and famous for its scenery, sunshine, and warm hospitality. It's also a haven for artists and everywhere you go you'll find galleries and studios. There's time for a short hike into the verdant Fern Valley, which has the lush feel of tropical a rainforest. 3km.
DAY 2:
Today's walk begins with a transfer to Beaver Point Hall, from where you begin your exploration of the southeast corner of Salt Spring Island. You'll follow well-marked trails to Ruckle Provincial Park, named after the family whose homestead this was in the 19th century. Walk along the shore to King's Point, with an option to continue to Yeo Point, where you'll enjoy views of the Channel Islands, home to frolicking marine mammals and a colony of cormorants. Continue along the water's edge through the Tsawout Band Reserve. Then return to your accommodation. 17 km.
DAY 3:
Begin with a transfer by taxi to Ganges, don't miss the market every saturday! Then take the ferry to Sturdies Bay on the southeast tip of Galiano Island. Named for the Spanish sea captain who explored the surrounding waters in 1792, Galiano Island is home to more than 130 species of birds and a haven for naturalists. Enjoy quiet roads and Douglas fir forests. Walk to Bellhouse Provincial Park, where the wind and the sea have carved and pocked the sandstone rocks of the beach. Watch for the many eagles that glide overhead. 4km.
DAY 4:
Today's walk takes you to three great viewpoints. Climb up Mount Galiano where there's a wonderful view of Active Pass and the southern Gulf Islands. Head into Bluffs Park, where you hike amongst cedars and ferns to the top of the bluff, where there are stunning views of Prevost Island and the south face of Mount Galiano. From Galiano Cemetery you'll see seals sunning themselves on their private island. 12 km.
DAY 5:
Hop onto a private water taxi, which will take you to South Pender Island this morning. Start at the canal that separates the two Pender Islands and climb an old logging road to the edge of Mount Norman Provincial Park. Walk into Beaumont Provincial Marine Park, then up to the summit of Mount Norman, from where you can see part of the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Range in Washington. As you descend, you might be able to see the Vancouver skyline in the distance. Return to the canal, from where you'll be transferred back to Saturna for the night. 15km
DAY 6:
This morning, you'll be taken to the end of Narvaez Road, where the walk begins. Follow old logging roads and goat trails to the top of Mount Warburton Pike, then descend to the Saturna Winery, in a spectacular setting near the water, and the pebbly beach at Thomson Park. Then head back to your accommodation. 10 km.
DAY 7:
Return to Swartz Bay near Victoria or Vancouver and depart for home or on to your next adventure.
More information from Great Explorations:
- View trip on provider's website
www.great-explorations.com/trips/canada/gulfislands/gulfislan… - Company profile, experience, and history
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