Our multi-sport itinerary starts from Victoria and offers you the opportunity to cycle, hike and sea-kayak in around Victoria and on to the Gulf Islands. Each day, choose the activity that matches your mood; hike in verdant forest, cycle quiet roads and sea-kayak along beautiful coves. Our local connections allow you to discover all of the hidden treasures these idyllic islands offer. At the end of each day, stay in comfortable and distinctive lodges and fine on inspired west coast cuisine. You will be wowed by the warm welcome and island charm.
Location
Victoria
Victoria, B.C., Canada
Day 1+2
Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
Day 3+4
Galiano Island
Galiano Island, BC, Canada
Day 5+6+7
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)
Kayak rental and guide
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
Ferry fare
Particulars
EVENT DATES
Start any day between April 1 and October 31
Starting on a Wednesday will allow you to enjoy the splendid market in Ganges held every Saturday in Salt Spring Island.
Starting on a Wednesday will allow you to enjoy the splendid market in Ganges held every Saturday in Salt Spring Island.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
7 days / 6 nights with 5½ days of activities
ARRIVE / DEPART
Victoria (Swartz Bay) / Galiano Island
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Biking: 40 km (25 miles) daily average.
Hiking: 4 to 7 hours.
Sea kayaking: 4 hours.
TERRAIN
Given the volcanic origins of the islands you can expect the terrain to be moderately hilly with hills on most of the rides. That being said the highest point you’ll reach on the bike is 300 meters above sea level so none of the hills are particularly gruelling.
COST
Casual/B&B Accommodation: CAD $2,250
Single Supplement: CAD $575
Classic Accommodation: CAD $2,450
Single Supplement: CAD $625
Luxe Accommodation: CAD $2,850
Single Supplement: CAD $725
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: CAD$280
E-Bikes: CAD$480
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.
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
The tour starts in Victoria (on the southern tip of Vancouver Island). *note it is possible to start from Vancouver with an alternate itinerary. Victoria, the beautiful capital city of British Columbia, is easily accessible by ferry from Vancouver; and Seattle, Washington. Please visit www.bcferries.com for Schedules and Fares. Major airlines fly from Vancouver and Seattle to Victoria International Airport, located north of Victoria. Airport shuttle buses are available. The ride downtown takes 30 minutes. For Americans, you may choose to fly into Seattle and take the high speed catamaran from the harbour in downtown Seattle to Victoria harbour, in the centre of the city.
1
Day 1
Victoria
Arrive in Victoria, capital of British Columbia. Once a Hudson’s Bay Company fort, Victoria is now a pretty city that revels in its Englishness. Stroll along the quaint streets, enjoy afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, and visit the Royal British Columbia Museum to learn about the history of British Columbia. There is a short optional ride you can do out to the site of Fort Victoria and back along the Galloping Goose trail. Staying in Victoria provides the opportunity to dine at amazing restaurants – we will provide a list of our favourites.
Ride Distance (optional): 22km; 130m
2
Day 2
Victoria
Admire the view from Fisherman’s Wharf as you cycle out along the coast, stopping to visit the birthplace of Emily Carr, one of Canada’s most famous artists. Continue to Ten Mile Point for outstanding views over the Oak Bay Islands Ecological Reserve. We recommend lunch at a casual, quaint cafe on your return route. Visit Craigdarroch Castle, built in 1889 by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. If you want a longer ride and more challenge, we provide two other options (60km & 100km) that take in some of the popular cycling roads for local road and club cyclists including Ryder Hesjedal, who hails from Victoria.
Ride Distance: 40 km, gain 300 m; 60 km; 585 m or 100km; 1120m.*
3
Day 3
Salt Spring Island
Today you cycle out of Victoria to Swartz Bay. There you’ll hop on the ferry that will take you to 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. This could be where you find that perfect souvenir. Stroll through Ganges, the island’s main town.
Ride Distance: 50 km, elevation gain 380 m.*
4
Day 4
Salt Spring Island
We recommend riding the north end of Salt Spring this morning. There are some short steeper climbs, but the views make them worthwhile as you cycle along Trincomali Channel to Fernwood and back via Vesuvius, where a delightful café awaits. The Treehouse Café in Ganges is a great spot for lunch. In the afternoon, should you wish to hike on Mount Erskine, we’ll provide you the route and suggestions or you can visit the many galleries and shops in the village of Ganges. If you prefer want more cycling, we provide options. There are many superb dinner options in Ganges – we’ll share our favourites.
Ride Distance: 26 km, elevation gain 300 m and/or 44km; 610m. *
5
Day 5
Galiano Island
Depending on when you depart Salt Spring, there may be time for a morning paddle from Ganges (this is optional). After the short ride out to Long Harbour, cruise to Galiano Island and the luxurious Galiano Inn & Spa. 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. We recommend a gorgeous walk today along stunning trails to Mount Galiano, where a picnic with a stunning view of Active Pass is your reward. On the return walk, hike amongst cedars and ferns to the top of a bluff, where view of Prevost Island beckon. Back at the inn, indulge in some spa time or relax looking out over Sturdies Bay. For dinner, we recommend the fabulous restaurant Pilgrimme.
Ride Distance: 5 km, elevation gain 75 m*
Hike Distance: 16 km, elevation gain 475 m*
or Ride & Hike Distance: 12 km, elevation gain 145 m*; and 6 km, elevation gain 255 m*
6
Day 6
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. Your dinner on this night is included in the dining room at Galiano Inn.
Ride Distance: 40 km, elevation gain 870 m*
Sea-kayaking is typically 3-4 hours. The ride to Montague harbour is approx 8 km each way.
7
Day 7
Departure Day
Catch a ferry back to the mainland, where you depart for home or set off on a new adventure.
Casual/B&B
Abbeymoore Manor, Victoria
Located directly across the street from the Lieutenant Governor's mansion in historic Rockland neighbourhood, this property was built in 1912 amongst the castles, gardens and tree-lined streets of "Old Victoria". A five minute trip to all downtown Victoria’s attractions.
Salt Spring Inn, Salt Spring Island
Across the road from the harbour, this small charming inn built in the 1930s has the best location on Saltspring. A 2-minute walk from the famed Salt Spring Saturday Market and 7 km from the ferry terminal. This inn also features a lovely dining room, where breakfast is served.
Galiano Inn, Galiano Island (Luxe)
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.
Classic
Abigail's Hotel, Victoria
Abigail’s Hotel is a classic 1930s Tudor-style boutique hotel with tastefully decorated rooms. It is just 3 blocks from the Inner Harbour which makes it easy to explore downtown Victoria.
Harbour House, Salt Spring Island
This 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 (Luxe)
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
Inn at Laurel Point Hotel, Victoria
This luxurious oceanfront resort and spa is a waterfront hotel located in downtown Victoria, featuring large guest rooms with an elegant décor. There’s a heated indoor pool, a Japanese garden, plus a restaurant with a patio and harbor views.
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
“The region exceeded our expectations: beautiful bike routes and locations. Excellent meals at Galiano Inn and Hastings House Hotel. Bike routes were very good and the RideWithGPS app was great. The daily difficulty level and distance was perfect, we liked the options for different distances. The welcome and support we received from our Area Manager exceeded our expectations – he was very nice and helpful.”
“The kayaking was really great! Everything on the trip met our expectations. Hastings House was by far the most exceptional accommodation. Especially the meal and the restaurant. Our interactions with the Travel Advisor and the welcome and support we received from our Area Manager exceeded our expectations.”
“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 had a great time. We are giving your name to our friends.”
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