THE GULF ISLANDS— Canada

2006 Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Arrive in Victoria by 3 p.m. and transfer on your own to our guesthouse by 4 p.m. We'll have an informal welcome and orientation, followed by a bike fitting and safety talk. Then we’re off on a short practice ride along the seawall that takes us through some quiet neighborhoods that feature stone and timber houses of Victorian and Queen Anne vintage. Victoria, named for the British Queen, started as a Hudson Bay Company trading post in 1843 and has evolved into a small city with a charming ambience and energy that draws visitors from all over the world. Tonight we’ll dine at one of Canada’s oldest brewpubs, which overlooks Victoria’s beautiful scenic inner harbor.  After touring the brewery, we’ll retire to our intimate ocean-side guesthouse. Cycling: 5 miles. Dinner included.

• Day 2

   Fueled by a tasty breakfast, we’ll mount our bikes and head out of Victoria on the Galloping Goose bike pathway/Lochside Trail. The Trail’s Seaside Touring Route offers astounding views of Mt. Baker, the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Peninsula. As we continue to roll north along paved paths, dirt trails and country lanes, we’ll swap the bustle of Victoria’s scenery for serene farmlands, beaches and wildlife-rich estuaries. Stops will include Mattick’s Farm – Adrienne’s Tea Garden, Island View Beach and the seaside community of Sidney, which has outstanding shops, galleries and an interactive marine museum. Next we’ll board our first ferry for the crossing to Mayne Island, which was the commercial and social center of the Gulf Islands during the late 1800s. We’ll ride the short distance to the historic Mayne Inn, where we’ll settle in for two nights and enjoy dinner at this waterfront setting as the sun dips into Bennett Bay. Cycling: 20-30 miles.  All meals included.

• Day 3 

  Today we soak in the natural beauty of Mayne Island’s seascapes, farmlands, forests and apple orchards. We begin the day with a circumnavigation of the island with stops at the famous Georgina Point Lighthouse, the historic village at Miners Bay, shell and pebble beaches and even a glass blowing demonstration at Mayne Island Glass Foundry. The ride is hilly and challenging for 19 miles but the unique ecology and the fascinating rest stops boost you up the hills. In the late afternoon, we have an optional hike to Edith Point, which offers lovely 360-degree views. Or you can watch for sea lions and bald eagles on an optional guided sea kayak tour through the Bell Islands (cost not included). Save some energy: We return to the Mayne Inn for a bocce tournament on the lawn as we enjoy another evening with soothing views at our waterfront inn. Cycling: 20-40 miles. Optional afternoon cycle, hike or sea kayak. All meals included.

• Day 4

  After an early breakfast and a short warm-up ride, we’ll board the ferry to Galiano Island. Often referred to as the “gem of the gulf,” Galiano is rich in natural history as well as beauty. Three thousand years ago, the aboriginal Coast Salish people explored its forests and fished the rich seas. Today we follow in their ancient footsteps on trails and roads through mature, old-growth forests and along white-shell beaches, stopping at scenic overlooks and tidal lagoons. After another hilly ride, we soak in the luxury of tonight’s destination – the lovely Woodstone Country Inn, which has wide porches and windows to take advantage of the forest and grassland landscape. The wonderful contemporary Canadian cuisine of fresh meats, seafood and vegetables flavored with herbs grown by the Inn is a just reward for today’s hard work. Cycling: 25-40 miles. All meals included.

• Day 5

  Following a leisurely breakfast at the Woodstone, we’ll ride to the quaint little town of Sturdies Bay before boarding the ferry for Salt Spring Island. This afternoon, we’re off to ride the rugged mid and southern portions of the island that is dominated by a craggy spine of mountains and bisected by the tranquil Fulford Valley. Named for its 14 cold, mineral-laden springs, Salt Spring Island has an eclectic mix of artists, musicians and entrepreneurs (they even have their own currency!). Our home for the next two nights on Salt Spring will be the Vesuvius Villas Suites. Cycling: 25-40 miles. All meals included.

• Day 6

  We’ll spend some time visiting the Salt Spring Woodwork Shop near Ganges Harbor before we ride the rolling hills of northern Salt Spring Island. Farming is paramount on this part of the island, which bills itself as the Organic Gardening Capital of Canada. Farms include sheep and lamb products, poultry, llamas, cheese, fruit orchards and certified organic growers. One of the day’s highlights is a side trip to the beach at Southey Point. We wind our way through old-growth forests to a magical beach where hot sandbars warm the rising tide, often allowing for balmy swimming. Nearby is an interesting rock wall and calm estuary, just the kind of place that makes you want to linger and skip the rest of the day’s ride. Tonight we celebrate our week of accomplishments and fun with a festive dinner back in Ganges. Cycling: 30-40 miles. All meals included.

• Day 7

  After breakfast we’ll have some time to explore the famous Salt Spring Saturday Market. This is a great opportunity to pick up a souvenir or two before hopping aboard the ferry to Swartz Bay, where we reconnect with the Lochside Trail. You’ll fully appreciate how strong you feel and perhaps how the island serenity has lightened your spirit as we ride back down the Saanich Peninsula towards Sidney on this now familiar trail. All too soon, it’s time to bid goodbye to our fellow trip members and guides over a final harbor side lunch. Trip members may depart the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for Vancouver, book a flight from the Sidney airport (transfer included) or travel back to Victoria independently and extend their trip in the great Pacific Northwest.  ** Please do not schedule a ferry departure prior to 2:30 p.m. or a flight before 3:30 p.m. Cycling: 5 miles.  Breakfast and lunch included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Trip leaders make the final decision if a route needs to be changed or canceled due to weather, road conditions or other events.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

All accommodations as noted; 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners; all ferry crossings as noted; transfer to Sidney airport at trip’s end; full van support; high performance hybrid bikes and experienced cycle guides.

Transfer to hotel in Victoria, BC on Day 1; 1/2 day of sea kayaking ($45 + GST); alcoholic beverages; laundry or other items of a personal nature; guide gratuities.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should be experienced cyclists capable of riding 3-5 hours daily over undulating terrain. We recommend training rides of 25-40 miles beginning at least 2-3 months prior to departure in order to prepare for the trip. It’s important to condition your body so you are accustomed to spending time on the bike and know how to shift gears while climbing hills. A support vehicle will accompany our group during each day allowing those trip members wishing to take a break from riding to do so.

Canadian West Coast summers are beautiful. A typical day in the summer has highs in the 70s, with nights cooling off into the 50s. Rain showers can occur, but are generally short. You need to be prepared for all types of conditions, including hot and sunny days or rainy weather, as well as coastal fog.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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