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 the Gulf Islands. Pedal along quiet roads, past orchards and farms, and paddle on sparkling waters. Explore lush rain forests, staggering vistas and gently lapping shorelines as you walk the quiet trails. Be sure to save some time to explore the wonderful artists studios and galleries in search of that perfect souvenir. Fill your days with experiences you’ll treasure forever.
Location
Galiano
Galiano Island, BC, Canada
Day 1+2
Mayne Island
Mayne Island, BC, Canada
Day 3
Saturna Island
Saturna Island, Southern Gulf Islands, BC, Canada
Day 4
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
4 nights hotels
All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers
Use of a high quality performance hybrid or road bike and accessories (e-bikes available for additional cost, on request)
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
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
Kayak rental and guide
Ferry fare
Particulars
EVENT DATES
2019 & 2020
Start any day between April 15 and October 31.
Start any day between April 15 and October 31.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
5 days / 4 nights, with 3½ days of activities
ARRIVE / DEPART
Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Cycling: 40 km (25 miles) daily average.
Walking: 4 to 7 hours.
Kayaking: 4 hours.
TERRAIN
Hilly (moderate and more challenging hills every day)
COST
Classic Accommodation: CAD$1645
Single Supplement: CAD$425
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. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us at info@randonneetours.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.
Getting There
Our multi-sport tour includes both Salt Spring and Galiano Islands. You can access these from either Victoria (Swartz Bay ferry terminal) or from Vancouver (Tswwassen ferry terminal). Depending on hotel availability and ferry schedules, we sometimes run this trip in reverse, but it works either way (you take the same ferry). Please visit www.bcferries.com for schedules and fares.
1
Day 1
Salt Spring Island
We will meet you at the ferry terminal of your departure (whether Swartz Bay or Tswwassen) and provide you bikes and orientation, one hour before ferry sailing. One you arrive to the island, we will have you met on arrival so you can cycle to Ganges. If time permits, cycle the northern end of Salt Spring, which will give you a wonderful introduction to the charm of this idyllic place. Enjoy dinner in Ganges at the iconic Treehouse Cafe, where there is often live music.
2
Day 2
Salt Spring Island
This tour is all about options. If you want to ride and hike, cycle down to the southern end of the island and hike in Ruckle Park. If you’d rather take a local’s shuttle there and back, this is an option. You can kayak in the afternoon right in Ganges on a 1/2 day or sunset tour (additional fee). Dinner options are plentiful in Ganges.
3
Day 3
Galiano
You have many options today. You could walk or ride on Galiano Island or go to Mayne Island, the smallest of the inhabited southern Gulf Today, you will travel to Galiano Island and you will again have the option to cycle or hike or do some of each. Our recommendation is to cycle over to the base of Mt. Galiano and then hike up with a picnic on top. If you’d rather hike there, we have a beautiful easy-going trail to suggest should you wish to save cycling for the next day. Dinner is included in the lodge tonight.
4
Day 4
Galiano Island
We have pre-booked you a paddling tour (included) on this day from Montague Harbour and will arrange transportation to and from. After your half-day paddle we recommend lunch at Crane and Robin, a delightful ocean-side cafe. For your final night dinner, you may wish to try Pilgrimme, rated one of the top restaurants in Canada, and in a remarkable forest setting. Does it get any better?
5
Day 5
Leave the bikes for us to retrieve and catch a ferry back to Victoria or Vancouver, where you depart for home or set off on a new adventure.
Casual/B&B
Bellhouse Inn, Galiano Island
Watch eagles, killer whales, seals and otters from the balcony, or stroll the sandy beach. All guest rooms have ocean views, with early morning tea or coffee brought to your room before breakfast.
Lyall Harbour B&B, Saturna Island
Enjoy spectacular ocean views in a park-like setting. The property features post and beam construction, hardwood floors, a main floor lounge with soapstone fireplace and comfortable guest rooms, each with a private ocean-view deck or balcony.
Classic
Galiano Inn, Galiano Island *Luxe Inn
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.
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.
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Tour Reviews
“We were in Gulf Islands Heaven! … [the area managers] were wonderful – very accommodating and helpful – and our kayaking experience was superior.”
“There was not a single glitch. [Your area managers] were wonderful. We enjoyed both bed & breakfasts – – they were very different but each nice in its own way. You did a great job with the weather too!” and “We had a great time. We are giving your name to our friends.”
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