Canadian Gulf Islands Tour by Vermont Bike Tours (VBT)
After a stunning arrival via seaplane into Victoria's Inner Harbor I joined my cycling buddies who had arrived earlier for dinner and a little window shopping (I found an Irish wool hat I had to have) andan obligatory stop at Rogers Chocolates. Then it was off for a great nights sleep.
Victoria's Inner Harbor From The Empress Hotel
Cycling Day One:
After a morning walk and a little sightseeing in and around British Columbia's beautiful Provincial Capital, we met our guides Sam and Zuzana for intro's, a bike fitting, and a quick 7 mile warm-up ride through Victoria.
Similar to Vancouver, Victoria features some very nice separated bike lanes. Along the way we passed the world's tallest Totem Pole (127'-7") and a digital display calculating the number of cyclists using each trail each day, month and year.
The ride ended early enough we could gather for a welcome reception and dinner. The night was off to a great start for me as one menu choice was (my absolute favorite Alaskan sea treasure) sablefish / black cod. The buttery smooth fish was cooked perfectly.
Cycling Day Two:
In
the morning we were shuttled to a rendevous spot near Victoia's airport where
we collected our bicycles and took a seaside ride past some very
expensive seaside residences on our way the BC Ferry Terminal at Swartz Bay. Here, we boarded the ferry for a
sailing to Otter Bay on Pender Island.
BC Ferry to Pender Island
The sailing was beautiful with smooth waters and blue sunny skies. Upon disembarking on Pender Island we cycled to lunch. From there we were off to Brooks Point where we watched the horizon looking for pods of orca's. Then it was on to check into the lovely Poets Cove Resort and Spa.
The resort is clearly designed for weddings and my room had an amazing view of the cove and a spot clearly designed for wedding photos.
Views Along The Ride to Point Browning
The View From My Room at Poets Cove Resort
Cycling Day Three:
In the morning we shuttled to the Port Browning Marina where we were outfitted to spend a few hours sea kayaking. Once we were outfitted and a given safety briefing, we began our paddling along the coast and in Port Browning Harbor.
Sea Kayaking in View of Harbor Seals Sunning on a Nearby Island
Along the way we were joined by some inquisitive seals who followed us along and popped their shimmering silver heads up now and then between our kayaks to check us out. Above us eagles and ospreys soared.
After
the kayaking Sam our guide grilled a wonderful picnic lunch.
Our Picnic
After lunch Sam provided a bike clinic illustrating basic bike maintenance. I really appreciated the methods he illustrated for reattaching dropped chains (even while moving!), minor derailleur adjustments and changing tubes.
We retraced the route to our hotel in time to swim and soothe muscles in the resorts hot tub.
Afternoon Cycling Back to Poets Cove
View to Mortimer Spit
Cycling Day Four:
On day four we were shuttled to Otter Bay to collect our bikes and take the ferry back to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. The day included a ride to the Sea Island Cider Mill for a light lunch and a tasting flight of three of their wonderful organic ciders.
Lavender Blooming at the Sea Island Cidery
Our cycling ended at Oak Bay we checked into the wonderful Oak Bay Beach
Hotel and Spa. This hotel is truly special (and was recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as Canada's No. 1 hotel in their 2021 Reader's Choice Awards. The rooms were quiet and included fireplaces. The hotel's cozy Snug Pub and its mineral pools and spa all overlook
the bay.
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Cycling Day Five:
Our
last day included our longest rides including 20 miles on the Galloping Goose Bike trail
to Victoria's renowned Butchart Gardens (with a gelato stop along the way) and 21 miles back to the Oak Bay. This was probably my third or fourth visit to the stunning Butchart Gardens and everything seemed to be in full
dazzling bloom.
The Sunken Garden (Butchart Gardens)
We returned for a soak in the mineral pools and then dressed for our farewell dinner.
Oak Beach Bay's Mineral Pools
(Views of the Chatham and Discovery Island Indian Preserves Beyond)
The tour calls it day six, but in reality the trip is five days which run by fast. So the next morning we gathered in the morning to make our way to whatever means of travel we were respectively using to depart the Island.
As I have old friends living just across the Straits of Juan de Fuca in Sequim Washington, I left aboard the Black Ball Ferry's Coho in a morning sailing to Port Angeles.
75° temperatures, Canadian hospitality, amazing food and lots of sunshine and blue skies framed a beautiful cycling vacation.
Roadboys Travels © 2023
