3-Day Cycle Tour of Vancouver Island
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British Columbia, Canada
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2 nights
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Highlights
Endless stretches of lush rainforest, a sea of towering cedar, fir, oak and maple trees, a mountainous coastline that stretches as far as your eyes can see, and you’re riding through the heart of it at a leisurely pace. This is a glimpse into your epic, 82-mile, 3-day biking adventure across Vancouver Island with Into the Wild Cycling Tours. Steer your way across the Trans Canadian Trail. Hike to refreshing, transparent waters and jump right in. Pedal past iconic Victorian architecture in British Columbia’s capital city. With scenery fit for a postcard at every turn of the trail, you’ll get the grand tour of Vancouver Island.
Experience
Itinerary
Cycling Distance: 27 miles / 44 kilometers
From downtown Vancouver, you'll be taken on a short drive to Horseshoe Bay where you'll jump aboard the scenic ferry and travel across the Strait of Georgia to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The ferry trip allows for a relaxed start to the morning with spectacular views of the Salish Sea & Gulf Islands, as well as an opportunity for wildlife sightings.
Upon arriving on Vancouver Island, you'll make your way down the East Coast and inland to Lake Cowichan, a popular little community tucked away between the lake and mountains. Here, they have a great surprise in store for those guests who wish to partake. Float down the tranquil Cowichan River for an hour on a floatie tube before your day's cycle begins. It’s a wonderful way to start the day as you glide along the shallow waters in your trusty tube. If you are not the water type, not to worry! There will be an alternative activity for you to enjoy. Following this, you'll stop for a fresh and healthy picnic by the water’s edge and enjoy some of the region's local produce from a local café.
After your bellies are full and you've had time to digest, you'll begin the first cycle of the trip along the spectacular Cowichan Valley Trail. The vehicle-free, hard-packed gravel trail is a joy to ride for cyclists of all abilities. This route offers a peaceful bike ride through the Cowichan Valley’s towering old-growth forest and meandering rivers. Along the way, you'll pass over the famous Kinsol Trestle, the largest wooden trestle in the Commonwealth. The restored trestle provides magnificent panoramic views over the valley and the Koksilah River below. You'll finish your day’s adventure at Shawnigan Lake where you can relax by the water’s edge or take a refreshing swim to cool down.
Your final destination of the day is the small west-coast town of Sooke, nestled between the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island and a temperate rainforest. You will stay the night in Sooke and hopefully enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Dinner will be served that evening at the delicious West Coast Grill conveniently located in your oceanfront hotel.
Cycling Distance: 29 miles / 46 kilometers
The next morning, following a hearty breakfast in the hotel, the group will take a short, 10-minute drive out to Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, a spot popular with locals for the natural rock pools and towering old-growth Douglas Fir trees. Here you'll enjoy a scenic, leisurely hike through the park and take in the beautiful surroundings. If you’re brave enough, why not jump into the refreshing aquamarine rock pools! This is one of their favorite swimming holes in all their worldly adventures and it will not disappoint!
After your morning at the potholes, you'll cycle the Galloping Goose Trail to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia. This vehicle-free bike trail is named after the clunky, old rail car, which carried passengers between Sooke and Victoria in the 1920s. The scenery along the trail is spectacular, ranging from quiet coves and lakes, to lush rainforest. The final portion of the trail travels through the suburbs of Victoria leading you into the bustling heart of the city. You'll cycle through the Inner Harbor and pass by the world-famous Empress Hotel and BC Legislature Building for a sneak peek of the glorious Victorian architecture. You'll ride your bike all the way to the hotel’s front door and check into your second evening’s accommodation on the water's edge.
Victoria, also known as the “Garden City,” is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. The city is famous for its Victorian architecture and has retained a large number of its historic buildings. Experiencing all of this in a city in North America is a great treat! Guests will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city before meeting up for dinner.
Cycling Distance: 24-28 miles / 38-45 kilometers
The next morning, the group will take another short, 15-minute drive to the beginning of your third day's cycle tour. Here, you'll pedal along the winding coastal road that surrounds the city of Victoria. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy the stunning sights this coastline has to offer. You will then make your way into Beacon Hill Park and visit the world’s largest totem pole and spectacular grounds. If the weather agrees you will enjoy an alfresco-style breakfast from a great local café.
Following breakfast, you will ride back through the city of Victoria along their incredible bike lanes and make your way onto the Galloping Goose Trail towards the Saanich Peninsula. From here, you will join the Lochside Trail—another amazing bicycle trail that is vehicle-free with plenty of incredible scenery along the way. You will explore the pristine nature and tranquility of Elk & Beaver Lake Regional Park and follow the enchanting trail around the lake for a rest on the shore. Take a moment to enjoy a light snack and refreshing drink on the shoreline.
Your final destination for the day will be on the grounds of the magnificent De Vine Vineyard. The final push up the hill into the winery is deservedly rewarded with a refreshing taste of the crisp and opulent wines this region offers. Sit back, relax and take in the magnificent views over the Saanich Peninsula, San Juan Islands and Mt. Baker while reminiscing about your past few days. Following the vineyard, the group will take the short bus ride to Swartz Bay, where you will board a BC Ferry through Gulf Islands and head back to your starting point in Vancouver.
