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Great Explorations

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(604) 730-1247

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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2012
July 9-15
July 23-29

July 30 - Aug 5

2013
July 8-14
July 22-28

July 29 - Aug 4

 

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day.Call or email for details.

 

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

7 days/ 6 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Victoria/Vancouver

Accommodations:

The Old Farmhouse, Salt Spring Island

Galiano Inn & Spa, Galiano Island

Oceanwood Inn, Mayne Island

Activity Level:

Moderate
30-50+ km

(20-30+ miles) daily
van supported

Terrain:

Gently rolling with some short steep hills.

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
CAD $1950/US $1950
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
CAD $400/US $400

Bike Rental:
CAD $140/US $140

Extension Saturna:

CAD$395 includes 2 extra nights on Saturna Island

Extension Pender Island: CAD$395 includes 2 extra nights on Pender Island.

Gulf Islands, Biking

Biking in an Archipelago of Natural Wonders

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.

Only Great Explorations:

• Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
• Dinner at the atmospheric Treehouse Restaurant on Salt Spring where you will be entertained by musicians under the stars.
• A picnic at Lighthouse Park on Mayne Island, where whales may be spotted offshore.
• Order off the menu at restaurants you won't find in guidebooks.
• Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
• We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

 

Itinerary

Getting there :
Victoria, the beautiful capital city of British Columbia, is easily accessible by ferry from Vancouver, BC and Seattle, Washington or by international flight.

DAYS 1+2:
Salt Spring Island - After meeting at 9h30 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. We'll dine in the village of Ganges at the best restaurants on the island.

DAYS 3+4:
Galiano Island - We begin the day with a water taxi to Galiano Island, and a visit 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.

DAYS 5+6:
Mayne Island - We’ll ferry across Active Pass to reach Village Bay, and cycle the quiet roads through temperate rainforest on this enchanting island. Accompanied by a naturalist, we will visit Georgina Point Marine Park where whales are often viewed off of Lighthouse Point. After a sumptuous picnic, we continue cycling, and visit traditional cob or 'hobbit' houses. Dinner options include the Springwater Lodge, where fresh fish is the specialty. Next day, for those wanting to kayak, we'll have the opportunity here with a 1/2 day paddle along quiet inlets. There are also hiking options up Mt. Parke with outstanding views from the top. For those eager for more cycling, crossing to Pender Island may be an option for additional mileage. 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.

Note: Kayaking enthusiasts will have the opportunity to kayak on each of the islands (1/2 day each). Kayak rentals are additional cost.

Extensions: if you would like to add days to your trip, we offer extensions to either Saturna Island or Pender Island (or both). On Saturna, stay at the initimate Saturna Lodge and on Pender Island, the luxurious Poet's Cove. Extensions include hotel with breakfast and dinner both days, bike rentals, on-island transfers, etc. Kayaking is optional- rentals with guide additional.