San Juan Islands - Victoria Bike Tour

DAY 1: Meet in Seattle. Ride from historic La Conner to Anacortes. Ferry to Lopez, the 'Bicyclis

Our adventure starts in Seattle on a Sunday morning with a complimentary ride in our van to La Conner, a historic town tucked between the San Juan Islands and the Cascade Mountains. You'll bicycle to Anacortes for lunch, then board a Washington State ferry bound for Lopez Island and our lodging for the next two nights at the Edenwild Inn. Dine tonight at the fabulous Bay Cafe, one of the best restaurants in the San Juan Islands, enjoying the ocean sunset as we feast on fresh island cuisine.

DAY 2: Ride to Spencer Spit, Agate Beach and Shark Reef.

On Monday, cycle the length of Lopez Island's rolling pastures, picturesque shorelines and pebble-strewn beaches. Lopez is considered the cyclist's island because of its extensive network of low traffic roads and lack of any major hills. Take a break from riding to walk into Shark Reef Park, where you can watch seals bark on the rocks below and gaze out at San Juan Island just a mile away.

DAY 3: Ferry to bustling Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.

DAY 4: Kayak from Roche Harbor. Hike Mt. Young. Option ride.

On Wednesday we've hired a local sea kayaking company to provide equipment, instruction, and guides for a half day of fun on the water. The serene waters around the islands in the San Juan chain are one of the most beautiful and safe places in the country to sea kayak. Paddle next to the rocky coast, exploring inlets, watching bald eagles, seals, and sea birds. IN the afternoon, shop at local art galleries, get a massage, cycle, hike or just relax at the resort. Or hike to British Camp to explore the gardens and historical exhibits, and Mount Young with its panoramic views of the islands.

DAY 5: Ferry to Orcas, hilliest of the San Juans. Ride to Cascade Lake.

Thursday morning board a ferry to Orcas Island; ride to Cascade Lake and Doe Bay, stopping to visit an unusual pottery studio along the way. In the afternoon, hike to Obstruction Point.

DAY 6: Challenge the steep switchbacks leading to the top of Mt. Constitution.

Friday, tackle a ride up Mt. Constitution, highest point in the islands. A short walk from the parking lot takes you to a stone observation tower for a magnificent 360-degree view: Vancouver to the north, the Cascade Range and Bellingham to the east, the rest of the San Juans and the Gulf Islands, Anacortes and the Olympic Range to the south. In the afternoon you'll take the international ferry to Vancouver Island in Canada, then shuttle to the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria. Spacious and well-appointed rooms overlook Victoria's Inner Harbor, adjacent to downtown Victoria's many attractions and excellent restaurants.

DAY 7: Enjoy a whale watching cruise. Wander world famous Butchart Gardens.

Saturday morning, we offer a whale watching tour, where we’ll likely encounter the region’s majestic resident orca whales – and perhaps catch a glimpse of minke, humpback or gray whales as well. In the afternoon, tour world-famous Butchart Gardens; afterward you may wish to spend time in Victoria visiting the famous Parliament Buildings, the Provincial Museum, and the superb shopping areas near the Inner Harbor before we head back to Seattle on the evening ferry.