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Great Explorations

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(604) 730-1247

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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2008
July 14-20
July 28-August 3
August 4-10

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

2009
July 13-19
July 27-August 2

August 3-9

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

7 days/ 6 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Victoria/Vancouver

Accommodations:

The Old Farmhouse, Salt Spring Island

Woodstone Lodge, 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 add US $40

Extension (optional):
CAD $395/US $395

Gulf Islands, Biking

Biking in an Archipelago of Natural Wonders

Tucked protectively between the mainland of southwestern B.C. 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, we visit the islands of Saltspring, 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 northwestern cuisine.

Only Great Explorations:

• Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
• Dinner at the atmospheric Treehouse Restaurant, on Saltspring 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, and Seattle, Washington.

DAYS 1+2:
Saltspring Island - Meet in Victoria. We cycle north along a cycle path to Swartz Bay before crossing by ferry to Saltspring Island. Lots to see and do in Ganges, full of artisan shops and galleries. The 2nd 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 Ganges at the best restaurants on the island.

DAYS 3+4:
Galiano Island - After a ride out to Long Harbor, we’ll ferry over to Sturdies Bay, Galiano where the options for riding are many. For hikers, we’ll lead a walk up to the top of Mt. Galiano, where views are outstanding. We’ll dine out one evening at the Hummingbird Inn, with local entertainment and the other in our comfortable lodge.

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. You’ll want to have lunch on the deck of the Springwater Lodge where fresh fish never tasted better. You will also want to visit Georgina Point Marine Park where you might glimpse whales off of Lighthouse Point. The highlight of our stay here will no doubt be the Ocean Wood Country Inn, where innkeeper Jonathan Chilvers demonstrates island hospitality at its best.

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 (unless we can talk you into a couple of additional days).

DAYS 7+8: (extension)

Saturna Island - For those who might like to extend their vacation we’ll transfer to Saturna Island where you can choose between biking quiet coastal roads through forest, hiking up to Mt. Warburton Pike or kayaking with our naturalist guide, exploring secluded coves (there’s time to try all of these). You ’ll stay at Saturna Island Lodge located in the peaceful setting of Boot Cove.