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Great Explorations

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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2010
July 12-18
July 26-August 1

August 2-8

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day.Call or email for details.

2011
July 11-17
July 25-31

August 1-7

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

7 days/ 6 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Victoria/Vancouver

Accommodations:

The Old Farmhouse, Salt Spring Island

Galiano Inn & Spa or Woodstone Lodge, Galiano Island

Oceanwood Inn, Mayne Island

Activity Level:

Moderate
30-50+ km

(20-30+ miles) daily
van supported

Terrain:

Gently rolling with some short steep hills.

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
CAD $1950/US $1950
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
CAD $400/US $400

Bike Rental:
CAD $140/US $140

Gulf Islands, Biking

Biking in an Archipelago of Natural Wonders

Tucked between the mainland of southwestern British Columbia and Vancouver Island is an archipelago of islands known as the Canadian Gulf Islands. Each has its own charm, with natural history and coastal scenery unique in North America.

Starting from Victoria on Vancouver Island, we visit the smaller islands of Salt Spring, Galiano and Mayne as we explore the pastoral island life. Whether by bike, on foot, or by kayak, you will be seduced by this unique island charm. We’ll stay in inns and hotels that are welcoming and dine on inspired Pacific Northwest cuisine.

Only Great Explorations:

• Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
• Dinner at the atmospheric Treehouse Restaurant on Salt Spring where you will be entertained by musicians under the stars.
• A picnic at Lighthouse Park on Mayne Island, where whales may be spotted offshore.
• Order off the menu at restaurants you won't find in guidebooks.
• Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
• We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

 

Itinerary

Getting there :
Victoria, the beautiful capital city of British Columbia, is easily accessible by ferry from Vancouver, and Seattle, Washington.

DAYS 1+2:
Salt Spring Island - Meet in Victoria. We cycle north along a cycle path to Swartz Bay before crossing by ferry to Salt Spring Island. Lots to see and do in Ganges, full of artisan shops and galleries. The second day we’ll ride a route that gives us outstanding views of Trincomali Channel with the snow-capped Coast Range mountains as a back-drop. We'll dine in the village of Ganges at the best restaurants on the island.

DAYS 3+4:
Galiano Island - After a ride out to Long Harbor, we’ll ferry over to Sturdies Bay, Galiano where the options for riding are many. For hikers, we’ll lead a walk up to the top of Mt. Galiano, where views are outstanding. We’ll dine out one evening at the Hummingbird Inn, with local entertainment and the other in our comfortable lodge.

DAYS 5+6:
Mayne Island - We’ll ferry across Active Pass to reach Village Bay, and cycle the quiet roads through temperate rainforest on this enchanting island. You’ll want to have lunch on the deck of the Springwater Lodge where fresh fish never tasted better. You will also want to visit Georgina Point Marine Park where you might glimpse whales off of Lighthouse Point. For those wanting to kayak, we'll have the opportunity on our second day here with a 1/2 day paddle along quiet inlets. There are also hiking options up Mt. Parke with outstanding views from the top. For those eager for more cycling, crossing to Pender Island may be an option for additional mileage. We'll finish the trip as we always do, with a celebratory dinner with festivities.

DAY 7: For those departing, we decided the best way to end a trip like this was to offer a scenic flight by sea-plane back to Vancouver.

Note: Kayaking enthusiasts will have the opportunity to kayak on each of the islands (1/2 day each). Kayak rentals are additional cost.