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 snow-capped Olympic Mountains 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.
• Cowichan Valley wine region.
• Lake Cowichan – the Island’s secret.
• Hike to the Botanical Beach.
• Interesting towns: Sooke, 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.
• Butchart Gardens (top 10% of attractions in the world).

ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:

Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.

You’ll be riding on a mix of paved roads and unpaved bike trails through rural towns. Some sections follow, optionally, the Galloping Goose Trail. There are some hills, and e-bikes are available.

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Daily Distance:

• 1: Introductions & ~40km Loop Ride.
• 2: Victoria to Cowichan Bay ~43km.
• 3: Cowichan Valley Loop; ~40km.
• 4: Lake Cowichan to Port Renfrew ~60km.
• 5: Port Renfrew ~6km + hiking, and/or ~20km, optional activities.
• 6: Port Renfrew to Sooke ~75km.
• 7: Sooke to Victoria & Farewells ~45km.

(Click image to enlarge)

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Activity Levels

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To help you choose an appropriate level of daily challenge, we use elevation profiles to represent the route, and a challenge-rating system using symbols from the skiing world. Many of you will already be familiar with it; If not, here is a brief explanation. Note that these classifications may vary with weather and/or road conditions, and you should always arrive with a sense of fun and adventure. If you are unsure, choose a guided trip. The vehicle support can help you get over any hill, and can turn even the most difficult trip into an easy one.

 

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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.

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