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:
Victoria, BC, Canada
Day 1+2
Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
Day 3+4
Galiano Island, Southern Gulf Islands, BC, Canada
Day 5+6+7
Mayne Island, BC, Canada
Option on Day 6
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Jun 5-11 | Jun 4-10 |
| Jun 12-18 | Jun 11-17 |
| Jul 17-23 | Jul 16-22 |
| Jul 24-30 | Jul 23-29 |
| Aug 7-13 | Aug 6-12 |
| Aug 14-20 | Aug 13-19 |
| Sep 18-24 | Sep 17-23 |
| Sep 25-Oct 1 | Sep 24-Sep 30 |
Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
30-50+ km / 20-30+ mi daily
Van supported
TerrainGently rolling with some short steep hills
CostLand Cost
CAD $3,950
Includes 6B/2L/5D
Single Supplement
CAD $975
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: CAD $320
Racing Bikes: CAD $420
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. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Prices subject to GST (5%) for trips in British Columbia.
Getting There
Our tour begins in Victoria. You can take a ferry from Vancouver Tsawwassen Terminal to Swartz Bay (Vancouver Island) or arrive by float plane from downtown Vancouver.
Victoria
Your hotel is included on arrival day and we will meet at 2:00 pm for bike fit and a short warm-up ride. Victoria and Vancouver Island are a cyclist’s paradise with lots of options for moderate and more challenging rides. After a welcome wine reception, we’ll dine out at a favourite restaurant.
Distance: 23 km; 145 m gain
Victoria
The second day we’ll ride loop out to Ten Mile Point and back through Rockland, passing Craigdarroch Castle, Government House & Gardens and stately homes. There is an add-on option that crosses Vancouver Island to the gardens at HCM, a hidden gem that also boasts a great restaurant, Charlotte & the Quail.
Distance: 38 km; 300 m gain or 60 km; 395 m gain
Salt Spring Island
Today we cycle north along a flat cycle path to Swartz Bay before crossing by ferry to Salt Spring Island. We will stop to visit a local cheesemaker and enjoy lunch in a sublime setting. There is lots to see and do in Ganges, full of artisan shops and galleries. Tonight we’ll dine at an eclectic restaurant with live music.
Distance: 49 km; 325 m gain
Salt Spring Island
The second day on Salt Spring we’ll ride a route that gives us outstanding views of Trincomali Channel with the snow-capped Coast Range mountains as a back-drop with an additional option to the south end of the island, followed by a wine tasting at an island winery. There is also an option to sea-kayak while on Salt Spring. Ganges is filled with excellent restaurants including several with live folk singers and we’ll provide recommendations for dinner out.
Distance: 26 km; 300 m gain or 43 km; 600 m gain
Galiano Island
After riding out to Long Harbour, we cruise to Galiano Island, which has a unique culture of its own (on some trips we take a water taxi direct to Montague Harbour from Ganges). We highly recommend kayaking on Galiano Island at Montague Harbour followed by lunch at Crane & Robin with outstanding views. Afterwards, ride out towards North Galiano, passing Lover’s Leap and other viewpoints.
On the return trip, stop at Hummingbird Pub, a local institution on Galiano. Relax back at Galiano Inn, or explore Sturdies Bay’s shops and cafes before another fabulous dinner.
Sea-kayaking at Montague Harbour (optional)
Riding distance: 37km; 700m
Galiano Island
We’ll ride over to Mt Galiano and hike up to the top (45 minutes) for a glorious view and then cycle back to Sturdies Bay to explore Bellhouse Provincial Park. Depending on ferry schedules, there may be an opportunity to reach Mayne Island for additional cycling. After a final night wine reception on Galiano, we will enjoy a wine reception and then memorable dinner. Bon appetite.
Distance: 25km; 288m or 40km; 525m
Hiking distance (optional): 5 km; 250 m gain
Depart
Depart for Victoria or Vancouver by ferry or by sea-plane flight (additional cost).
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
“Perfect way to visit these lovely islands (Gulf) in a very friendly and beautiful scenery setting. We enjoyed very much the places where we stayed.”
“We really enjoyed the trip. Lots of fun-met my needs-close by, same time zone, not too hot, not too crowded, peaceful. Accommodations were all magnificent, Hastings House was stunning! We enjoyed good food all around. The Sat Market in Salt Spring was fun. Ferries were fun.”
“Not only were the accommodations and food outstanding, but the guide’s local knowledge and joy in sharing it with us was wonderful.”
“The geography was amazing and the guiding was superb.”
“As on every one of the trips we’ve taken with you, the guides, accommodations and going the extra mile keeps us looking at Great Explorations first before looking at other companies for bike travel. Loved the relaxed feel of the islands. The Victoria historical tour, goat cheese and cider tasting our guide arranged were all great.”
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