Gulf Islands Multi-Adventure Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
Gulf Islands Multi-Adventure Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
2025: Jul-Sep2026: May-Sep
Salt Spring Island to Victoria in Beautiful British Columbia
Embrace the slow island life kept by artisans and farmers here in Vancouver and the Gulf Islands, where the pristine shores of Canada’s west coast invite you to take a beat from the everyday. Come hike and cycle coastal routes, verdant fields and lush cedar forests. Take in panoramic sea views and keep your eyes peeled for the incredible birdlife. Our upscale waterside hotels will be ready to welcome you to unwind in style.
Highlights
- Hike and cycle the stunning natural landscape of Canada's west coast, journeying through lovely coastland and bucolic island pastures
- Savor farm- and sea-to-table dishes paired with exquisite wines from the fertile Cowichan Valley, Canada’s so-called “Napa North”
- Explore the thriving artist community of Salt Spring Island, jewel of the southern Gulf Islands, and step through the world-renowned Butchart Gardens
- Watch for porpoises, bald eagles and orcas as you observe the diverse wildlife on a private Zodiac cruise

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

Days 1-2
Begin in British Columbia’s historic Garden City and ferry to Salt Spring Island, "the coolest island in Canada" according to the Washington Post • Lunch at a local cheese company and taste their fantastic chèvre cheeses • Hike through lovely Ruckle Park and admire the tranquil views • Enjoy an undulating and scenic ride past island cottages, pristine beaches and lush farmland • Set a leisurely pace, stopping along the way at small boutique cideries, artisan studios and roadside produce stands • Explore unique art galleries and whimsical shops in the town of Ganges • Our Relais & Châteaux home welcomes you to 22 acres of beautiful land and colorful gardens.




Nights 1-2
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 3-6
Ferry to Vancouver Island for a fantastic ride through Cowichan Valley • Soak up inspiring views of the Salish Sea on the way • A hike to the top of Jocelyn Hill yields lovely views of Brentwood Bay and the forests of Gowlland Tod Park Provincial Park • Unwind in an outdoor mineral pool with breathtaking oceanfront views at our seaside resort • 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 • Visit the famous Butchart Gardens and explore its amazing floral wonderland, which has more than 900 varieties of plants • Enjoy the rich architectural heritage of Victoria • Look for whales during a private Zodiac cruise.




Nights 3-5
Overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca with views of Mount Baker, this elegant English Tudor-style hotel offers new-world charm, luxury and modern conveniences in the peaceful community of Oak Bay. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
While our properties on this trip offer outstanding service and amenities, please note they may not be equipped with air-conditioning, and guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
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)
Nights 3-5
Premiere Hotel
Overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca with views of Mount Baker, this elegant English Tudor-style hotel offers new-world charm, luxury and modern conveniences in the peaceful community of Oak Bay. (pool, spa)
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Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Redesigned for 2024
- Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only

Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 10 customers
A Life Changer
My first experience on BackRoads was a perspective shift that changed my view of travel. I will never go back to planning vacations on my own. Our Leaders were incredible, the meals and insider experiences excellent!
Exceeded expectation!!
First trip with Backroads and first trip solo since the passing of my husband. I was welcomed into the group and had an absolutely fantastic time. Our leaders were wonderful, the equipment great, the routes challenging but manageable and the food exceptional. Will definitely be booking another trip.
This is an INCREDIBLE TRIP!!! JUST GO !!!
We had no idea what hidden gems are Vancouver Island, Victoria, Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands. Biking, hiking and kayaking with spectacular views and lovely activities, like a visit and dinner in beautiful Butchart Gardens. Visits to local artisans, a pottery, glassworks, cheese making, wineries—and the most delicious food and luxury hotels. Just DO IT‼️
Excilirating trip with everything you need provided.
We had such a blast on our first backroad trip and plan on doing many more. Everything was taken care of for you, all the fun with none of the stress.

Wonderful, even better than I expected
The leaders were knowledgeable, fun, and just as excited about our trip as I was.
Enjoyed This Fantastic Trip
My daughter and I enjoyed this fantastic trip with Backroads in August 2017. The trip leaders worked so well together and coordinated all the details beautifully. The picnic lunches they made were gorgeously laid out and filled with delicious local delicacies – yum! The leaders also made sure we had the opportunity to stop at a couple local wineries and a brewery. The scenery in the Gulf Islands was spectacular. There were plenty of biking and hiking options to meet everyone's needs. I especially liked biking to various artists' shops on Salt Spring Island. It was fun visiting with the artists and seeing their creations. This trip exceeded my expectations. I appreciated all the effort the leaders put into meeting everyone's needs. Backroads clearly has organizing trips like these down to a fine art!
A Secret Escape
Verified Buyer
Why, oh why are the Gulf Islands such a well-kept secret? Well, lucky for you that they are!! While the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound are top of many travelers' lists, the Gulf Islands keep flying under the radar. Since they're north of Seattle, the Gulf Islands may conjure images of rain and more rain, but in fact they are in a rain shadow! While I was there it was nothing but clear skies, quiet roads / bike paths and adorable little towns. Down to earth charm at every turn plus very elegant hotels and restaurants. My favorite: Hastings House -- I'll never forget the breakfast hamper delivered to my room (before the "real" breakfast). I recommend giving yourself a night or two in Victoria before or after the trip. It's a super walkable city with a lively vibe, cute boutiques and galleries.
A Wonderful Experience for our Family of Adult Couples
Verified Buyer
My family has officially hit double digits on our count of Backroads trips, and this one was just as amazing as all of the rest. The rides and hikes were challenging but modified to fit our skill levels. The views were amazing, the food was spectacular. And, as always, the guides were the best we ever could have hoped for.



Fantastic Trip
Verified Buyer
Victoria, Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands Multisport Adventure Tour was nature packed with activities; a great mix of challenging physical and fun things. All the guides went the extra mile to make the vacation safe and enjoyable.

A romantic and adventureous Vacation to beautiful Victoria
Verified Buyer
In the summer of 2016 we went with Backroads on a bicycle trip. It surpassed all our expectations. All the bike rides led through beautiful locations to arrive at luxurious yet serene hotels. Our tour leaders were friendly and helpful to a fault. They were also very knowledgeable about the local and native cultures and were excellent hosts. This is what a typical day looked like: After an early breakfast we would set about on the bicycles provided for us by Backroads. After some hours of pedaling through bucolic landscapes our skillful leaders catered delicious lunches procured from local farmers. There were always colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables rounding out the cheeses and cold meats. After lunch and some rest we did more pedaling to our hotel destination, where we could mingle with the other guests, who were all very interesting people. Several of them were returning guests! Optional activities included sight seeing at local artist studios and beach combing. They even let us to borrow the bikes for a side trip to the Bu It was one of the most memorable trips I have ever taken.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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