Biking, Hiking & Sea Kayaking in an Archipelago of Natural Wonders
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.
Victoria, B.C., Canada
Day 1+2
Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
Day 3+4
Galiano Island, BC, Canada
Day 5+6+7
| Start any date between Apr 1 and Oct 31. |
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| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
Biking: 40 km (25 mi) daily
Hiking: 4 to 7 hours
Sea kayaking: 4 hours
TerrainGiven 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 m above sea level so none of the hills are particularly gruelling.
CostCasual Accommodation: CAD $2,450
Single Supplement: CAD $620
Classic Accommodation: CAD $2,650
Single Supplement: CAD $680
Luxe Accommodation: CAD $3,150
Single Supplement: CAD $800
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: CAD $320
Racing Bikes: CAD $420
E-Bikes*: CAD $480
Prices are per person before tax. British Columbia applies a 5% GST.
*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.
Getting There
The tour begins in Victoria, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
Note: It is also possible to start from Vancouver with an alternate itinerary.
Victoria, the beautiful capital city of British Columbia, is easily reached by ferry from both Vancouver and Seattle. For schedules and fares, please visit the BC Ferries website.
Major airlines offer flights from Vancouver and Seattle to Victoria International Airport, situated just north of the city. Shuttle buses are available from the airport, with a travel time of approximately 30 minutes to downtown.
For travellers from the United States, you may also choose to fly into Seattle and take the high-speed catamaran from downtown Seattle directly to Victoria Harbour — right in the heart of the city.
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.
Distance (optional): 22km; elevation gain: 130 m
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.
Distance: 40 km; elevation gain: 300 m or 60 km; elevation gain: 585 m or 100 km; elevation gain: 1,120 m
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.
Distance: 50 km; elevation gain: 380 m
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.
Distance: 26 km; elevation gain: 300 m or 44 km; elevation gain: 610 m
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
Ride & Hike Distance: 12 km; elevation gain: 145 m and 6 km; elevation gain: 255 m
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*
*Please, note the ride to Montague Harbour is approximately 8 km each way.
Depart
After breakfast, depart at your leisure.
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.
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.
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 Accommodation
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.
This upmarket hotel has recently undergone a major renovation inside and out and has a great location close to town and overlooking Ganges harbour.
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 Accommodation
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.
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.
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.
Tour Reviews
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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