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
Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
Day 1+2
Galiano Island
Galiano Island, BC, Canada
Day 3+4+5
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
4 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Kayak rental and guide
Luggage transfers
Detailed route instructions and maps
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Ferry fare
Specifics
TRIP DATES
Start any day between April 15 and October 31
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
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 $1,850
Single Supplement: CAD $475
Luxe Accommodation: CAD $2,250
Single Supplement: CAD $575
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: CAD$185
E-Bikes: CAD$320
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
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 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
Your bikes will be waiting for you at your first hotel and the Area Manager will either meet you at the hotel or provide a virtual orientation. You can 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 Café, 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 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 Island
You have many options today on Galiano. 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 hotel tonight.
4
Day 4
Galiano Island
Cycle over to Montague Harbour, for a pre-booked guided sea-kayak tour (included) to learn about the marine life in this magical place. After your tour, we suggest lunch at idyllic Crane and Robin. In the afternoon, explore more of Galiano on bike, or ride back to Sturdies Bay and relax at the inn. 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
Departure Day
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.
Classic
Harbour House, Salt Spring Island
This 3-star hotel is modest, yet comfortable and has a great location close to town; they have a new organic garden and restaurant, but the Luxe choice (Hastings House) is definitely worthwhile if you want to splurge.
Galiano Inn (Luxe), 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.
Luxe
Hastings House, Salt Spring Island
A 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. Member of Small Luxury Hotels; 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.
Trip Reviews
“Well planned, great accommodations, excellent value. Wonderful hiking and lots to see and do, especially on Salt Spring. Gorgeous bikes! You made it easy to enjoy the spectacular beauty of these islands.”
“Everything was well coordinated with pickups for transfers of us and luggage. The taxi driver (in Salt Spring) is a hoot and very knowledgeable for our needs and questions. Our Area Manager and the staff at Woodstone Manor were able to do a marvelous job of working around our final nights’ changed dinner plan to get a delicious meal delivered to enjoy outdoors with heaters, blankets, and wine. The ebike performed well and made this trip great for me. Our Travel Advisor/Area Manager was extraordinary in her communication from the first inquiry about the trip. Her response to a bike issue we had was exceptional.”
“We had a great time. 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! We are giving your name to our friends.”
“We were in Gulf Islands Heaven! The Area Managers were wonderful – very accommodating and helpful – and our kayaking experience was superior.”
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