Vancouver & Gulf Islands Bike Tour
Canada's Idyllic Isles & Victoria
Here at the edge of the continent, you won’t have to pedal far from boutique wineries and shops to imagine you’ve landed in a vast place where it’s just you and the soaring eagles.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Bike rolling hills and admire the pristine coastline, lush cedar forests and bucolic inland pastures
- Explore one of Western Canada’s most unique regions with its expansive views of the inland archipelago and Olympic Peninsula
- Spin through historic Victoria and along the waterfront for spectacular views of the Olympic Peninsula and San Juan Islands
- Savor exquisite farm-to-table cuisine and award-winning wines locally sourced from the land and sea
- Marvel at the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, with its amazing floral displays and over 900 plant varieties
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Victoria Airport & Travel Details
- Pedal on the Saanich Peninsula along Vancouver Island’s famous Lochside trail, a converted rail line from the 1920s gas-powered train that carried passengers between Victoria and Sooke
- Explore the botanical haven of Butchart Gardens, with its amazing floral display
- Unwind in an outdoor mineral pool with breathtaking oceanfront views at our seaside resort
- Look for whales and other sea life cruising through the water via Zodiac boat.
Nights 1-2
Luxury 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)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- 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
- Bike rolling roads past rugged shoreline and stretches of old-growth forest dotted with eclectic galleries, art studios and roadside produce stands
- Visit local farm stands to taste craft beer or artisan cider
- Explore unique art galleries and whimsical shops in the town of Ganges
- Relax at our welcoming Relais & Châteaux home.
Nights 3-4
Luxury 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)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Ferry back to Vancouver Island through the Stuart Channel, home to local sea lion populations and migrating Orca pods
- Ride through the acclaimed Cowichan Valley, known regionally as the “Napa of the North”
- Visit Cherry Point Estate, one of the most storied wineries on Vancouver Island
- The mild microclimate here yields more sunny days than anywhere else in Canada!
- Enjoy peaceful beaches and quiet lanes as you discover an island long inhabited by the Coast Salish Nations
- Kayak in Sooke Harbour, the gateway to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with its dramatic cliffs, sea caves and exposed marine environments.
Night 5
Luxury Hotel
Set on Vancouver Island’s rugged southwest coast, this intimate oceanfront retreat is where sweeping views, coastal charm, and warm hospitality come together. Thoughtfully designed rooms, fresh West Coast cuisine, and easy access to scenic shoreline trails create a relaxed and memorable stay at the edge of the Pacific.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Victoria Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Fully equipped Backroads titanium bike, Wahoo GPS device, helmet and accessories
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
