Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour San Juan Islands
Dolce Tempo Journey on San Juan, Orcas & Vancouver Islands
To explore these gorgeous corners of the Pacific Northwest and Canada's British Columbia is to get up close and personal with a misty island-dotted landscape—a splash of Alaska mixed with a laid-back island vibe. Picture forested isles, quaint harbors and marine wildlife. Glimpse otters and bald eagles from the seat of an e-bike. Mix in rocky coasts, cozy hotels and the horns of ferry boats and you have a trip as rich in experiences as it is in crisp salty air.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
Washington
Start Anacortes / End Anacortes or Seattle
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Refreshingly Active Adventures
E-bike along secluded coastal roads, paddle to hidden bays and walk through cool dense forests with scenic views.
Immersive Travel
Meet local naturalists to learn the fascinating stories of the San Juan Islands' famous underwater residents. Explore lesser-visited corners and quaint communities throughout our island-hopping adventure.
Unique Hotels & Delectable Dining
Hear the sounds of the sea from our harborside hotels and savor a classic locally sourced Backroads picnic on a rugged and scenic driftwood beach.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Board a ferry to Orcas Island, the most rugged of the islands in the San Juan archipelago, known for its rocky shores and dense forests | Visit the summit of Mount Constitution for unparalleled views of the surrounding islands, plus the snowcapped summits of Mount Baker and the Olympic Range | Kick back on the porch to catch the view at our bayfront resort in Eastsound.
It's a short walk to the private beach and the shops and galleries of downtown from this retreat at the water's edge.
Embark on a wildlife-watching cruise and keep your eye out for minke whales and the famed local orcas | Visit the only state park in the US dedicated to whale watching | E-bike on San Juan Island past secluded bays and driftwood beaches | Search the tide pools of False Bay for unique sea creatures | Paddle a sea kayak through tranquil harbors and inlets | Watch for harbor seals or sea otters napping in the kelp canopies | Relax and rejuvenate at our sophisticated hotel overlooking the water.
Described by Andrew Harper as an "appealing contemporary island lodge affording exceptional views of the San Juan Channel."
Oh, Canada! This is island-hopping at its best | British Columbia brings a whole new dimension to your northwest adventure | A peaceful hike on Mount Work offers striking views of Vancouver Island, the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding Gulf Islands | Immerse yourself in Victoria’s old-world charm during a walk along the waterfront | Feast your eyes on world-renowned Butchart Gardens, featuring 55 acres of exquisite flowers and plants | Paddle your kayak across a deep glacial fjord.
Perched on a forested hillside with spectacular bay vistas, this chic boutique resort features a blend of West Coast and Asian styles. (pool, spa)
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
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Dolce Tempo: What to Expect
Our easygoing Multi-Adventure tours make adventuring a breeze—perfect for beginners or occasional bikers/hikers, or anyone who is interested in exploring the world actively. With dedicated Trip Leaders, support vans and GPS-supported routes, the day is yours to decide. Find an unbeatable blend of walking and biking routes (2-4 hours of activity, 10-30 miles of biking, 2-7 miles of walking) with other fun-filled activities such as kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, camel riding and more. On trips with biking, custom electric-assist bikes allow you to pedal effortlessly!
Route notes
The San Juan Islands' landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys. Some sections of chip-sealed pavement may feel a bit rougher than riding on traditional asphalt roads.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
On this Dolce Tempo trip, most travelers choose to ride one of our custom titanium e-bikes. If you prefer to enjoy the daily rides without electric assistance, you can select another bike. See all options below.
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.
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.
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.
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 5 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
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
To bring you to our favorite parts of the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Peninsula, we make liberal use of ferry transfers on this trip. You'll be on board a ferry for many of the days on this trip as we island-hop like the locals do. Consider this an opportunity to view some spectacular marine scenery (and occasional wildlife!) while resting your legs in preparation for your next activity.
While biking and hiking and kayaking trips are at the core of popular adventure travel offerings, they are not for everyone. So Backroads, a company that has long been the leader in active travel trips, has come up with an array of softer adventures for 2021.
