Canadian Gulf Islands Biking Tour

DAY 1: Meet in Seattle.

We meet in Seattle and shuttle to a park in Anacortes, Washington. After a bicycle ride around Fidalgo Island, we'll catch an early afternoon ferry for Vancouver Island and the city of Victoria. We spend the night at the Laurel Point Inn on Victoria’s Inner Harbor. Victoria has a beautifully festive downtown core centered around its Inner Harbor: overflowing flower baskets deck old-fashioned lampposts; upscale shops and fine restaurants beckon from the wide sidewalks, and reminders of a British heritage invite passersby to delve a bit deeper. It’s the perfect place for walking. We see Victoria Harbor from a fun perspective as we take a water taxi to dinner.

DAY 2: Savor magnificent Butchart Gardens.

Today we ride to Butchart Gardens, a world-famous, lavishly landscaped private park. After a tour of the gardens (entrance fee included) and a picnic lunch, we cycle through farmland and attractive residential neighborhoods overlooking the water to the ferry that takes us to Galiano Island. For the next two nights we stay at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn, an intimate hideaway on its own private beach. Our beautiful accommodations are enhanced by views of the boat harbor and lighthouse, an award-winning dining room, gourmet wine shop and a luxurious onsite spa.

DAY 3: Ride Galiano Island.

Narrow Galiano's ride from north to south winds through woods and pastures and along the rocky shoreline. Picturesque views of the tranquil sound and nearby islands are punctuated with short hills, elegant vistas and secluded coves.

DAY 4: Ride to Sturdies Bay.

This morning, enjoy an optional pre-breakfast hike up Mt. Galiano. The 1,100-foot summit rewards you with commanding views of the islands below and the nimble ferries navigating the narrow passage between. Vancouver Island, the San Juan Islands and the snow covered Olympic Mountains are in the distance. Eagles are often seen circling below, searching for salmon. This is an exciting way to start the day!

DAY 5: Kayak from Otter Bay, ride to Mortimer Spit.

This morning, you’ll have the chance to go sea kayaking. Bicycle Adventures pays for a local outfitter to provide kayaks and guides for a half-day excursion. The Canadian Gulf Islands offer safe and fascinating places to explore hidden coves and spy on marine life and seabirds. No experience is necessary. In the afternoon you can relax at our inn’s pub, get a massage, play golf, swim in the pool, explore more of the island by bicycle, or walk to a beach-side bluff with sweeping views of Mt. Baker, the San Juan Islands, and Vancouver Island. In the afternoon we'll ferry to Mayne Island.

DAY 6: Ferry to the city of Vancouver, on the mainland.

On Friday we cycle around Mayne, a tiny rural island with only 900 residents. We have lunch at a scenic park, where you can sit on the shore watching ferries, seals, birds, and, if we are lucky, orca (killer) whales. An afternoon ferry takes us east back to the mainland and the Vancouver airport where the trip ends. Some guests may prefer to take a ferry from Mayne Island west back to Victoria for a few extra days on their own on Vancouver Island.