Backroads Vancouver & Gulf Islands Bike Tour
Vancouver & Gulf Islands Bike Tour
Orca Breach, BC Gulf Islands, Canada
Backroads Vancouver & Gulf Islands Bike Tour
Wild berries in the hands of a Backroads guest - Backroads Vancouver & Salt Spring Islands Bike Tour
Backroads Picnic - Vancouver & Gulf Islands Bike Tour
Biking
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Vancouver & Gulf Islands Bike Tour

Canada's Undiscovered Isles & Victoria

Couples, Friends & Solos

6 days 5 nights

Activity Level: 2-4

Premiere Hotels

From: $4,299 - $4,649 pp dbl occ

($700 for sgl occ)

Out here at the edge of the continent, the pleasures are simple. And while boutique wineries, local artisans and farm-to-table eateries are part of the daily scene, you won’t have to pedal far to imagine you’ve landed in a secret place. Where it’s just you and the soaring eagles, with space to spare.

Canada, Vancouver & Gulf Islands Bike Tour
Canada, Vancouver & Gulf Islands Bike Tour

British Columbia

Start Victoria / End Victoria or Galiano Island

Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Highlights

  • Bike quiet rolling hills along pristine coastline, lush cedar forests and bucolic inland pastures
  • Explore one of western Canada’s most appealing regions with its endless views of the inland archipelago and Olympic Peninsula 
  • Discover harbor seals and incredible birdlife, including bald eagles, around the Gray Peninsula and relax on white shell beaches
  • Savor exquisite farm-to-table cuisine and award-winning wines locally sourced from the land and sea
Videos
The Backroads Experience
The Backroads Experience
Biking Tours
Biking Tours
Backroads Trip Leader
Meet Our Leaders

Itinerary

Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description

Soak up inspiring views of the Salish Sea en route to Brentwood Bay | Explore the Butchart Gardens' amazing floral display | Cruise what's known as Vancouver Island's Most Beautiful Shortcut aboard the Mill Bay ferry | Bike rolling country roads in bucolic Cowichan Valley | The mild microclimate here yields more sunny days than anywhere else in Canada! | Set a leisurely pace, stopping along the way at small boutique wineries, artisan studios and roadside produce stands.

Accommodations
Brentwood Bay Resort
Brentwood Bay Resort
Vancouver Island
| Premiere Hotel

Perched on a forested hillside with spectacular bay vistas, this chic boutique resort features a blend of West Coast and Asian styles. (pool, spa) 

Days 3-4
Description

Journey by ferry to Salt Spring Island, "the coolest island in Canada" according to the Washington Post | Enjoy an undulating and scenic ride past island cottages, pristine beaches and lush farmland | Stroll through Garry oak meadows to a stunning viewpoint at Ruckle Park | Visit local farm stands and stop to taste craft beer or artisan cider | Explore unique art galleries and whimsical shops in the town of Ganges | Our Relais & Châteaux home, Hastings House, welcomes you to 22 acres of beautiful land and colorful gardens.

Accommodations
Hastings House
Hastings House
Salt Spring Island
| Premiere Hotel

This Sussex-style manor hotel is located on 22 acres with beautiful gardens overlooking the ocean and features tastefully furnished rooms. A Relais & Châteaux member. (spa)

Days 5-6
Description

Watch for porpoises, bald eagles and—if we're lucky—whales during a water-taxi cruise to Galiano Island | Bike quiet rolling roads past rugged shoreline and stretches of old-growth forest dotted with eclectic galleries and art studios | Enjoy peaceful beaches and quiet lanes as you discover an island long inhabited by the Coast Salish Nations | Hike or bike through temperate rain forest for endless vistas of the surrounding islands and Olympic Peninsula.

Accommodations
Galiano Inn & Spa
Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa
Galiano Island
| *Casual Plus Hotel

One of the island's original accommodations, this Pacific Northwest retreat is virtually a destination in itself thanks to its superb vistas of the harbor, Active Passage and the lighthouse on nearby Mayne Island. (spa)

Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group

Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Activity Level: 2-4

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.

Route notes

The Gulf Islands' landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys. The continuously rolling terrain can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest. Roads have chip seal pavement and are rough at times. Walking trails are on maintained paths with rocks and roots, sometimes muddy and some with steep pitches.

Daily Route Options

* Includes shuttle.
Day 1
Biking
Level 1 | 11 miles* | 400 ft. gain
Level 2 | 29 miles | 1500 ft. gain
Day 2
Biking
Level 2 | 23 miles* | 1700 ft. gain
Level 3 | 37 miles | 2500 ft. gain
Level 4 | 47 miles | 3000 ft. gain
Level 5 | 61 miles | 3800 ft. gain
Day 3
Biking
Level 2 | 13 miles* | 700 ft. gain
Level 2 | 20 miles* | 1500 ft. gain
Level 3 | 31 miles | 2700 ft. gain
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 2 miles | 100 ft. gain
Day 4
Biking
Level 1 | 16 miles | 1700 ft. gain
Level 3 | 32 miles | 3500 ft. gain
Day 5
Biking
Level 2 | 13 miles* | 1200 ft. gain
Level 2 | 17 miles* | 1700 ft. gain
Level 3 | 23 miles | 2400 ft. gain
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 1 miles | 100 ft. gain
Day 6
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 2 miles | 400 ft. gain
Biking
Level 1 | 9 miles | 1100 ft. gain

What's Included

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Click the arrow to see all bike options.

Backroads Performance Road Bike
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike

Included in your trip price

This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. 

Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike

Included in your trip price

A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.

Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike

Included in your trip price

Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike

Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike

This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee

Also Included

  • All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
  • Snacks and beverages between meals
  • Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
  • Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
  • Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
  • On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
  • Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
  • Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
  • Park and other entry fees
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
  • Select coach transfers
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Ask a trip expert

Have a question and need expert advice? Our team of Trip Consultants is here to help! You can also visit our FAQ's.

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