Compare Gulf Islands, Biking by Great Explorations vs Active West Coast Canada Discovery by G Adventures
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,530 | $ 1,799 |
| Price Per Day | $ 219 | $ 225 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Camping |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners |
| Description |
Tucked between the mainland of southwestern British Columbia and Vancouver Island is an archipelago of islands known as the Canadian Gulf Islands. Each has its own charm, with natural history and coastal scenery unique in North America. Starting from Victoria on Vancouver Island, we visit the smaller islands of Salt Spring, Galiano and Mayne as we explore the pastoral island life. Whether by bike, on foot, or by kayak, you will be seduced by this unique island charm. We’ll stay in inns and hotels that are welcoming and dine on inspired Pacific Northwest cuisine. |
Get your heart pumping and your bodies moving with this eight-day adventure through some of British Columbia’s most sought-after landscapes. Venture by ferry to Vancouver Island and embark on hikes in East Sooke Provincial Park and the famed Juan de Fuca trail. Camp under the stars, hike up mountains in Squamish and Whistler featuring views of alpine lakes and glacier capped peaks, and see for yourself why the west coast is the best coast. |
Day 1& 2: Victoria
Your hotel is included on arrival day and we will meet at 2:00 pm for bike fit and a short warm-up ride. Victoria and Vancouver Island are a cyclist's paradise with lots of options for moderate and more challenging rides. The second day we’ll ride loop out to Ten Mile Point, visiting historical sites along the way. We will dine in one of Victoria's best restaurants, a short walk from the harbour.
Days 3 & 4: Salt Spring Island
Today we cycle north along a cycle path to Swartz Bay before crossing by ferry to Salt Spring Island. There is lots to see and do in Ganges, full of artisan shops and galleries. The second day we’ll ride a route that gives us outstanding views of Trincomali Channel with the snow-capped Coast Range mountains as a back-drop. There may be an option to cross to Mayne Island to explore it's treasures. Ganges is filled with excellent restaurants including several with live folk singers. It's that kind of island!
Days 5 & 6: Galiano Island
We begin the day with a water taxi to Galiano Island, and a visit to Montague Park. For hikers, we’ll lead a walk up to the top of Mt. Galiano, where views are outstanding (see photo in slideshow above). On the second day, start your day with a yoga session or swim followed by a ride out to the west end of the island where a pristine beach awaits. Finish the day with spa and massage. Dinners at the Galiano Inn will be memorable and we'll finish the trip as we always do, with a celebratory dinner with festivities.
Day 7:
For those departing, we decided the best way to end a trip like this was to offer a scenic flight by sea-plane back to Vancouver.
Day 1 Vancouver/Sooke
Enjoy a morning welcome meeting with your CEO in Vancouver before catching the ferry to Sooke on Vancouver Island. Eat a picnic lunch upon arrival before setting off into East Sooke Regional Park for some hiking. There’s a wide range of trails that have different levels of difficulty, but all of them will offer great views of the dramatic, rocky coastline, and lush Pacific rainforest filled with moss and green ferns. In the evening set up camp, get settled, and have dinner around a fire with the group.
Day 2 Sooke
After fuelling up with a camp breakfast the group will travel to the Juan de Fuca Strait from Sooke to embark on a hike along a section of the impressive trail. You’ll traverse miles of dense coastal forest and walk over beautiful pebble beaches, past gurgling waterfalls, slippery suspension bridges (watch your step) and the occasional pit of mud, but the dramatic views along this hike are well worth the effort. Transfer back to Sooke in the evening to rest up at camp and have dinner as a group.
Day 3 Sooke
Today after breakfast at camp the day is yours to do as you wish. If you need a break from hiking consider one of the many optional activities available like, sea kayaking, whale watching, bicycle rentals, or a visit to the quaint town of Victoria for some people watching and cafe hopping.
Day 4 Sooke/Parksville
In the morning after breakfast the group will transfer to Cowichan Valley where you'll go out on canoes and kayaks in Cowichan Bay. In the afternoon the group will travel to Parksville and walk in Rathtrevor Park along the beach. Feel the sand beneath your feet, hear the waves crashing, see old growth forests along the shoreline, and look for wildlife in the tide pools. In the evening set up camp and relax in the outdoors.
Day 5 Parksville/Squamish
Leave Parksville behind and head to the ferry port in Nanaimo to hop on a ferry to Horseshoe Bay. Once across the water, the group will drive to Squamish and hike The Stawamus Chief trail. This trail is one of the region’s best hikes and will take you up a steep incline to one of its three peaks. The views of the area surrounding Squamish, with the Howe Sound and the Garibaldi Park to the north are incredible. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike and in the evening relax at camp and have dinner as a group, refuelling after the day’s adventure.
Day 6 Squamish
Another great day of hiking to discover captivating views and new heights (literally). Set out to trek the Elfin Lake trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Offering amazing views you’ll hike 11km to get to the lakes, but it’s certainly worth it. Go for a dip in the icy water, fill up your bottles in another pond reserved only for drinking water and have lunch as you admire those insane views. After hiking the 11km downhill you’ll be able to have dinner wherever you choose in Squamish before heading back to camp for the night.
Day 7 Squamish/Whistler
In the morning the group will travel from Squamish to Whistler to take the Whistler Gondola up to the peak and hike the High Note trail. This trail offers hikers with the most scenic views of Cheakamus Lake with its vibrant aquamarine waters. The hike begins at the top of Whistler Mountain and takes you around the backside with views of the surrounding mountains and a descent through an alpine area. After the hike you’ll have free time to enjoy Whistler. Consider checking out the Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the Cloudraker Skybridge, or find a cozy coffee shop in town. In the evening at camp you’ll have your final dinner as a group around the campfire.
Day 8 Whistler/Vancouver
Travel from Whistler to Vancouver. Tours ends on arrival in Vancouver.
Please book any departing flights no earlier than 4:00pm.
