San Juan Islands Bike Tour
Island to Island in the Pacific Northwest
The ocean permeates every scene. Harbors dappled with sunlight, sailboats flitting across the deep blue water of the Salish Sea. Off the ferry and onto a new island. Biking the country roads, each day is an adventure. But you're never far from the water. What's around the next corner? Time to find out.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels*
Washington
Start La Conner / End Anacortes or La Conner
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
- Soak up postcard-perfect Northwest scenery as you ferry from island to island with the locals
- Bike through majestic fir and cedar forests, explore driftwood beaches and savor the day's fresh catch
- Keep your eyes peeled on our wildlife cruise—the chance to spot whales from the open water is a thrill!
- Admire views of emerald islands, Mount Baker and Canada's coastal peaks from atop Mount Constitution
6 Days Premiere Hotels*
Kick off your journey in La Conner, a charming little town on the Swinomish Channel with beautiful boutiques and a relaxed country feel | Bike through the fertile Skagit Valley, noted for its tulip and daffodil cultivation, with Mount Baker crowning the route.
A comfortable hotel with private balconies and beautiful vistas of the boats and birdlife residing in Swinomish Channel.
Island-hop by ferry and cycle through stunningly diverse scenery, from conifer forests to farmland to seaports | Set sail for hilly Orcas Island, a tapestry of rural landscapes | Stop by artisan shops, where one-of-a-kind pieces are displayed among Douglas fir and western red cedar | On foot or two wheels in Moran State Park, make your way up Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juans—it's worth the climb! | Once at the top, enjoy the breathtaking panorama of islands, snow-covered Mount Baker, the Cascades and the Olympic Peninsula.
It's a short walk to the private beach and the shops and galleries of downtown from this retreat at the water's edge.
Join a wildlife cruise with a naturalist—you may spot an orca! | Bike past secluded bays and driftwood beaches | Swap pedals for paddles on an optional sea-kayaking excursion near Roche Harbor and watch for otters and soaring eagles | Bicycle along the quiet roads on San Juan Island, the largest island in the archipelago | An easygoing route leads along the waterfront and through a forest—a great finale to the week.
Described by Andrew Harper as an "appealing contemporary island lodge affording exceptional views of the San Juan Channel."
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS | An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | Call us to book your Rendezvous.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Activity Level: 2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
Note: The San Juan Islands' landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys. The continuously rolling terrain can make the routes, which include sections of chip-sealed pavement, feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.
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! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
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.
A proven classic, our most popular 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.
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
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—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
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, 4 dinners, 6 lunches
- 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
