Canada, British Columbia: Vancouver Island Bike Tour
Six nights; seven days of biking on British Columbia’s “Spirit Loop”, following the finest coastal roads and an optional portion of the Cowichan Valley Trail.
“Truly unbelievable care and thought…you gave us a superb holiday with many cherished memories” – Joan H. & Richard van S.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Beautiful mountain terrain meets attractive, rugged coastline, with lots of natural history. The views over the Juan de Fuca Strait and the open Pacific are awesome!
- Mild climate.
- Thriving arts community.
- Parks, lakes, and beaches. Hidden swimming holes.
- Small, charming inns.
- Some of the freshest halibut and salmon North America has to offer.
- BC Forest Discovery Center – a large, open air museum.
- Lake Cowichan – the Island’s secret.
- Avatar Grove, and hike in the Botanical Gardens.
- Interesting towns: Duncan. Port Renfrew. Victoria.
- The island has been the homeland of indigenous peoples for thousands of years; abundant artistic, cultural, and historical monuments testify to the presence and influence of these cultures, and you will notice that many place names retain their indigenous origin.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: 40 km
- DAY 2: 43 km
- DAY 3: 43 km + options
- DAY 4: 60 km
- DAY 5: Up to 26 km + options
- DAY 6: 80 km
- DAY 7: 36 km
British Columbia: Vancouver Island Bike Tour – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
British Columbia: Vancouver Island Bike Tour
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Downtown Victoria, Inn at Laurel Point, or Abigails Hotel 11:00, day one. Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary. Optional pickups from Swartz Bay ferry terminal or Victoria (YYJ) airport available upon request; note: YYJ is located in Sidney, ~32km from downtown Victoria!
Finish: Downtown Victoria for 15:30; Victoria Airport for 16:00 or the Swartz Bay ferry terminal for 16:30 to catch the 17:00 departure to Vancouver. Day seven.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions & 40 km Loop Ride
Spend your day becoming familiar with your bikes while you explore the stunning capital of British Columbia. This loop begins in the downtown area, taking you through several parks, and alongside the Juan de Fuca Strait. Cyclists looking for a challenge will relish the opportunity to climb Mount Douglas, and will be rewarded with panoramic views of Victoria and the surrounding area. Beacon Hill Park also warrants extra time to explore its 200 acres of native flora and abundant wildlife. Ride past the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and the lush greens of the Victoria Golf Club to find the sandy beaches, with magnificent views of the straits and Trial Islands before arriving back at your luxurious lodging. LD (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips only. Self-guided trips include breakfasts only)
Abigail’s Hotel, or Inn at Laurel Point, or ; optional upgrade to Fairmont Empress, Victoria
Victoria to Cowichan Bay 43km
Follow bike pathways out of Victoria to Brentwood Bay. If time permits, stop at the magnificent Butchart Gardens, leaving in time to catch your scenic ferry to Mill Bay. Cycle north along the coast, into wine country, with optional stops for tastings as you ride to your lodging in the artistic seaside village of Cowichan Bay. B
OceanFront Suites at Cowichan Bay, or ; Dream Weaver Bed & Breakfast , Cowichan Bay
Cowichan Valley Loop; ~40kms
From your inn, ride south back in the direction you came from yesterday to begin your loop ride through Cowichan Valley. You’ll ride past several farms and vineyards as you explore the valley and loop back to return to your hotel. This area has been called “Napa of the North” as it’s home to fourteen pretty spectacular wineries. Nine of which are easily accessible on today’s loop ride. This afternoon you will pass Blue Grouse Winery, which is one of the most recognized vineyards on the loop. BD
Same lodging
Lake Cowichan to Port Renfrew 60km
Start your day with a short 30 min van transfer to Lake Cowichan, deemed “Vancouver Island’s best kept secret”, before riding one of the most beautiful stretches of the week. This quiet winding road offers incredible mountain views, and you will see first-hand why Port Renfrew has a rich history in forestry and fishing. Enjoy an independent dinner in the community that is considered one of the best locations for salmon and halibut fishing in North America. BL
Wild Renfrew, or Handsome Dan’s, Port Renfrew
Port Renfrew 6km + hiking, and/or 20km, optional activities
Today presents several options; depending on your energy level and preference, you may include one or all of the suggested activities. Take a short ride south to the Botanical Beach for a gorgeous hiking experience, or cycle to Avatar Grove, a 50 hectare area of old growth forest famous for its mammoth cedar tree. Port Renfrew is known as the trailhead for both the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and the historic West Coast Trail. Upon returning to Port Renfrew, consider strolling the beach and enjoying the crashing waves or visiting the local pub to connect with locals. BL
Same Lodging
Port Renfrew to Sooke 80 km
Leave Port Renfrew as you cycle through Jordan River, a small settlement originally established as a logging camp that is now popular among surfers. Not surprisingly, today’s destination, Sooke, is home to a vibrant arts community, well-known for its painters, potters, and writers. If time allows, consider a visit to the nearby Sooke Potholes Provincial Park. BLD
Arbutus Cove Guesthouse, Sooke
Sooke to Victoria & Farewells 36 km
Cycle along a portion of the Galloping Goose Trail today, a rail trail that is part of the Trans-Canada Trail, as you make your way back to Victoria. A quiet alternate road will be an option for those preferring fully paved surfaces. If you have not spent a day or two enjoying the city before your tour, we recommend lingering in the province’s capital. Known as “The Garden City,” Victoria is home to many rare and native plant species, as well as an impressive number of historic buildings worth visiting. BL
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- Jun 19 – 25
- July 16 – 22
- Sep 10 – 16
2024 Guided:
- Jun 16 – 22
- Sep 8 – 14
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 4895 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners, luggage handling, full-time guide and vehicle support, maps and route instructions, 5% sales tax
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 4295 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes, 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, essential transfers, maps, route instructions, 5% sales tax
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 1295
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid: Included
Flat bars. Giant Escape or similar.
Upgrade to Gravel: 150
Drop bars. Norco Search XR A2, or similar.
Upgrade to Electric: 300
Flat bars. Giant Roam E+ or similar.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
| Difficulty | This route is rated moderate (blue square). |
| Daily Distances | 40-80km/day |
| Optional Extras | Fishing, Swimming, Golfing |
| Best Months | June (early flowers), July & late-August (warm weather, whales, more people), September (cooler and quiet). |
Before & After The Tour:
Rent a car in Victoria and explore other parts of Vancouver Island, its bigger than you think!
Drive to Nanaimo and take a ferry to the Sunshine Coast.
Visit the coastal community of Tofino for a surf or a lesson in stunt kites.
If you are into mountain biking, Vancouver Island is a top notch destination providing many options to suit any rider.
More Reading:
Known for its mild climate and thriving arts community, the coast of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island displays an eclectic mix of nature and rich history. The island has been the homeland of indigenous peoples for thousands of years; abundant artistic, cultural, and historical monuments testify to the presence and influence of these cultures, and you will notice that many place names retain their indigenous origin. Immerse yourself in seven days of beauty, from the majesty of the rugged coast, to the vast wildlife of the myriad parks, lakes, and beaches you will encounter as you travel along bike pathways and quiet roads. Hiking enthusiasts will relish the chance to explore sections of Salt Spring Island by foot, and Lake Cowichan provides an opportunity to paddle board, surf, or kayak. You will foray to hidden swimming holes, dine on some of the freshest halibut and salmon North American has to offer, and rest in charming inns at the end of each day.
“The service is very personable, from the office to the guides. One has the feeling you really care!” – Andree B.
“Truly unbelievable care and thought…you gave us a superb holiday with many cherished memories” – Joan H. & Richard van S.
“Freewheeling is awesome and that is one of the reasons why this is our third trip with you and we are already looking at options for next year. I also tell everyone about your excellent service and the amazing trips that you provide.” – Karen & Keith M.
“Honestly, I cannot say enough about how well we were tended to.” – Eric G.
