Vancouver & Gulf Islands Walking & Hiking Tour
Charming Victoria to British Columbia's Enchanted Islands
Couples, Friends & Solos
5 days 4 nights
Activity Level: 1-3
Premiere Hotels
From: $3,899 - $3,949 pp dbl occ
($1,050 for sgl occ)
Spend your days exploring the lush cedar woods and pristine shores of Canada’s west coast and your evenings unwinding in luxurious waterside abodes. There’s no rush to do the next thing—let the calm island life invite you to savor the moment. Raise a glass before peaceful views of Ganges Harbor. Explore the world-renowned Butchart Gardens. Walk the rocky coastlines of Salt Spring Island and watch the horizon unfold.
British Columbia
Start/End Victoria
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Hike coastal, field and forested trails on Salt Spring Island, jewel of the southern Gulf Islands
- Taste exquisite British Columbian wines from the fertile Cowichan Valley, known as the Napa North, and dine on farm-fresh island cuisine
- Watch for porpoises, bald eagles, orcas and humpback whales on a private zodiac cruise
- Embrace the slow island life kept by artisans and farmers here and rejuvenate at our Relais & Châteaux resort
Itinerary
5 Days Premiere Hotels
Begin in British Columbia’s historic Garden City and ferry to Salt Spring Island | Drink Canadian-style cider brewed from among the island’s 350 varieties of apples | Hike through the quiet rural scenery of provincial parkland, historically a gathering place for the Cowichan indigenous groups, and behold views of Vesuvius Bay | Dine on fresh seasonal cuisine with lovely views of Ganges Harbor | Walk through forested trails and coastal meadowland in Ruckle Provincial Park, the oldest continuously operating farm in British Columbia | Taste a variety of handmade and surface-ripened cheeses | Explore the galleries, artisan shops and cafés of charming Ganges | Our oceanfront Relais & Châteaux home welcomes you to acres of manicured gardens.
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)
Ferry across Vesuvius Bay to the verdant Cowichan Valley | Stroll through a coastal landscape with pebbled beaches and calm waters | Dry summers and mild winters make for fertile wine country in Cowichan Valley, where a delicious tasting awaits | Look for whales during a zodiac cruise | Unwind in an outdoor mineral pool with breathtaking oceanfront views at our seaside resort | A hike to the top of Jocelyn Hill yields lovely views of Brentwood Bay and the forests of Gowlland Tod Park Provincial Park | Explore Butchart Gardens' renowned floral display, which features more than 900 varieties of plants! | Get to know the history and rich architectural heritage of Victoria on a guided walking tour.
Overlooking the Straight 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)
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 in USD.
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Activity Level:
1-3
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
Walking trails are on maintained paths with rocks and roots. The trails are sometimes muddy, and some have steep pitches.
Daily Route Options
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
Walking trails are on maintained paths with rocks and roots. The trails are sometimes muddy, and some have steep pitches.
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 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
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 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.
Air-Conditioning
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.
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.
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.
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