Get away from it all! Journey to a place where lush forests meet the deep blue sea. Sail away to the beauty and tranquility of western Canada’s Gulf Islands. Explore four unique islands as you hop from one to the other. Follow peaceful trails and old logging roads to unspoiled coves, where seals and orcas gambol and seabirds wheel overhead. Slow down and relax as you experience the natural wonders that these coastal enclaves have to offer. Your days will be filled with experiences you’ll treasure forever.

Location

Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada

Day 1+2

Galiano Island

Galiano Island, Southern Gulf Islands, BC, Canada

Day 3+4

South Pender, Saturna

South Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, BC, Canada

Day 5

Saturna Island

Saturna Island, Southern Gulf Islands, BC, Canada

Day 5+6

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

6 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers (we enlist your help getting the luggage onto and off the ferry)
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits

Not Included

Ferry fare

Specifics

TRIP DATES

Start any date between April 1 and October 31
We recommend that you start your trip on a Thursday so that you can enjoy the Ganges Market held every Saturday.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.

TOTAL DAYS

7 days / 6 nights, with 5½ days of hiking

ARRIVE / DEPART

Salt Spring Island / Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal

ACTIVITY LEVEL

3 to 7 hours hiking each day

TERRAIN

Hilly (climbs every day)

COST

Casual/B&B Accommodation: CAD$1850
Single Supplement: CAD$470

Classic Accommodation: CAD$2,250
Single Supplement: CAD$570

Luxe Accommodation: CAD$2,650
Single Supplement: CAD$665

Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% must be charged on trips in Canada. Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. Any discrepancy between website itinerary and detailed itinerary - assume website itinerary price is correct. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.
Getting There Our tour begins on Salt Spring Island - Long Harbour Ferry Terminal. Day 1 of the tour is the day of arrival and your hotel is included on this day. To reach Salt Spring Island, you can take a ferry from Vancouver Island at Swartz Bay (near Victoria) or from Vancouver Tsawwassen Terminal (via Swartz Bay) or by float plane from downtown Vancouver. We'll meet you on arrival to Salt Spring Island. Please visit www.bcferries.com for Schedules and Fares. International Airport and is a short taxi ride from the airport. Major airlines fly from Vancouver and Seattle to Victoria International Airport, located north of Victoria - beautiful British Columbia's capital city. Swartz Bay is located on Vancouver Island, north of the Victoria. For Americans, you may choose to fly into Seattle and take the high speed catamaran from the harbour in downtown Seattle to Victoria harbour.

1

Day 1

Salt Spring Island
Your tour starts at Long Harbour ferry terminal on Salt Spring Island (this is one of three ferry terminals on the island). If you have arrived in time for a hike, there is a hike option up Mt. Erskine.
Hiking Distance: 3.8 km, elevation gain 201 m.*

2

Day 2

Salt Spring Island
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.
Hiking Distance: 18 km, elevation gain 280 m or 10 km, elevation gain 100 m.*

3

Day 3

Galiano Island
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.
Hiking Distance: 4.3 km, elevation gain 38 m.*

4

Day 4

Galiano Island
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.
Hiking Distance: 16.5 km, elevation gain 480 m or 14.7 km, elevation gain 390 m.*

5

Day 5

South Pender Island & Saturna Island
Hop onto a private water taxi, which will take you to South Pender Island in the 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 U.S. 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 to Saturna Island for the night.
Hiking Distance: 10 km, elevation gain 472 m.*

6

Day 6

Saturna Island
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 on Saturna Island.
Hiking Distance: 15.7 km, elevation gain 464 m.*

7

Day 7

Return to Swartz Bay near Victoria (Vancouver Island), or Vancouver and depart for home or on to your next adventure.

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

Casual/B&B

Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Gulf Islands
Salt Spring Inn, Salt Spring Island

This tasteful Inn is situated in the heart of Ganges. With seaviews and fireplaces this 7- room accommodation offers a comfortable stay on Salt Spring Island.


Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Gulf Islands
Galiano Inn, Galiano Island

This luxurious oceanfront resort and spa features large guest rooms, each with a breath-taking view, wood burning fireplaces, and a casually elegant décor. The restaurant has been receiving rave reviews for its inspired West Coast cuisine.


Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Gulf Islands
Saturna Lodge, Saturna Island

This casual island inn boasts views over Boot Cove. The 7-room property includes extensive gardens and there is an outdoor hot tub to relax in after your day of hiking or biking. The restaurant here serves inspired cuisine in a lovely setting.


Classic

Harbour House, Salt Spring Island

This (now) upmarket hotel has recently undergone a major renovation inside and out and has a great location close to town and overlooking Ganges harbour.


Galiano Inn, Galiano Island

This luxurious oceanfront resort and spa features large guest rooms, each with a breath-taking view, wood burning fireplaces, and a casually elegant décor. The restaurant has been receiving rave reviews for its inspired West Coast cuisine.


Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Gulf Islands
Saturna Lodge, Saturna Island

This casual island inn boasts views over Boot Cove. The 7-room property includes extensive gardens and there is an outdoor hot tub to relax in after your day of hiking or biking. The restaurant here serves inspired cuisine in a lovely setting


Luxe

Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Gulf Islands
Hastings House, Saltspring Island

A boutique luxury waterfront lodge, spa and restaurant on 22 acres close to the village of Ganges. It is a magnificent 11th century Sussex-style Manor House overlooking peaceful Ganges harbour. 18 unique guest rooms and suites, each with its own décor and history are situated in seven lovingly maintained buildings around the estate. Relais & Chateaux.


Galiano Inn, Galiano Island

This luxurious oceanfront resort and spa features large guest rooms, each with a breath-taking view, wood burning fireplaces, and a casually elegant décor. The restaurant has been receiving rave reviews for its inspired West Coast cuisine.


Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Gulf Islands
Saturna Lodge, Saturna Island

This casual island inn boasts views over Boot Cove. The 7-room property includes extensive gardens and there is an outdoor hot tub to relax in after your day of hiking or biking. The restaurant here serves inspired cuisine in a lovely setting.


Trip starting at
CAD $1,850

Trip Reviews

April 12, 2019

“I wanted you to know that we had the absolutely best time on our trip to the Gulf Islands. Your planning was perfect, the hikes were varied and inspiring, the B&B were all great – the one in Victoria so beautiful and elegant. The islands are beyond gorgeous, and we cannot wait to come back and explore more. Each day got better and by the time we got to Saturna we never wanted to leave! We loved all the accommodations; especially Lyall Harbour. The service provided by Randonnée was excellent. We felt very well taken care of and very efficiently organized. And we knew we had someone available if we needed help at any point. Your Travel Advisor was wonderful. Thank you so much for all your help and support. It was an amazing introduction to a wonderful part of the world, and we will definitely visit again.”

April 12, 2019

“All of our accommodations were great – especially the Lyall Harbour B&B. The food was delicious and the family made us feels very much at home. Everything was great!”

April 12, 2019

“The B&Bs you have chosen are wonderful in terms of really getting to know the islands and areas.”

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