A full-day tour of Victoria via the Seaside Route

On the Victoria City Bicycle Tour - Full Day - Seaside Touring Route, you'll spend the day winding though some of Victoria's best cycling routes.

From James Bay, you'll cycle through Beacon Hill Park, along the waterfront and on to Mount Douglas Park. After a short hike to the top, you'll take the Galloping Goose Trail through some of the area's most interesting countryside before returning to downtown Victoria.

Minimum: 2 persons. Ride: moderate. Distance: 45+ kms

Your tour begins in historic James Bay. This quaint seaside village includes the childhood home of Emily Carr, one of Canada?s most famous artists. After cycling through Beacon Hill Park and along the stunningly beautiful waterfront we stop for lunch at Oak Bay Marina. After lunch we continue on to Mount Douglas Park, an oasis of old growth trees within the city. Here we?ll take a short hike to the top of Mount Douglas for a breathtaking view of Victoria. After getting back on the bikes we quickly meet up with the Galloping Goose Trail, the local cycling trail network, which will takes us through local farms, past bird sanctuaries and over trestle bridges back to our starting point in downtown Victoria.

Cycling in Victoria

Idyllic, naturally spectacular, and officially proclaimed "The Cycling Capital of Canada", Victoria is now known as more than just the "City of Gardens". Conde Nast Traveler rates Vancouver Island as the "#1 most beautiful Temperate Zone Island in the world", and you can explore it on two wheels with programs designed by knowledgeable local experts.

General Information

Upon your arrival you will be outfitted with a state of the art hybrid or mountain bike tailored to your adventure. We believe there is no better way to see Victoria and the Gulf Islands than to do it on our custom mountain bikes made here in Canada by Rocky Mountain.
We will supply the most up-to-date equipment available for our cycling adventure, and will try to accommodate minor customization requirements. Helmets are mandatory equipment and are the law in most areas. Bring your own saddle/seat if you have a particular preference. Arrangements can be made at the time of booking for adaptation, pick-up and storage prior to your arrival. Additional service charges may apply.
If you wish to bring your own bicycle you may, however road bikes are not recommended for our back roads and we will not be responsible for the shipping or handling of your personal equipment. It is best to check with us before you decide to bring your own bike.
We love our Rocky Mountains, and for our tour packages we draw upon three exceptional bikes by our favorite Canadian cycle company.

Weather and Temperatures:

Victoria is a coastal city located on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, approximately 154 km northwest of Seattle, Washington, and approximately 65 km southeast of Vancouver BC. Boasting the mildest climate in Canada due to the warmer Pacific Ocean currents, we are mild at any time of the year. Light to heavy rain will occur in the fall and spring (but rain is usually our friend here and is brief in peak season), however we are normally dry and warm in the summer. Mediterranean style climates are often found in the Gulf Islands in the summer, where hot and dry is the rule, not the exception.
Thus, Victoria, being closer to the open ocean entrances, is more so subject to sudden changing conditions. This is the norm for a coastal environment; however, with the US Olympic Mountain Range to our south, we experience a rain shadow that sees more rain fall north or east of us than on us. This is the main reason for the difference in weather patterns as opposed to Seattle or Vancouver, and even as close to us as central Vancouver Island.
Winds during the summer months are predominantly from the southwest during the summer months; easterly in the winter. Afternoon thermals on the Victoria waterfront during the summer are very predictable.
Terrain:

Our converted rail-trails are mainly flat with no more than a 3% grade anywhere on the trail. However this is not the norm for Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands! Be prepared for some vigorous but enjoyable, and mostly moderate, hills. We cannot stress enough the importance of some pre-tour conditioning before your rides.
Although short and sweet, we are a mountainous area, and light workout hill climbs are inevitable.

What to bring:

Extra clothing like socks, shirts and riding shorts. A light rain-resistant jacket and pull over pants for the summer and heavy rain gear for the winter. If you are caught in a short burst of rain, breathable quick dry clothing is ideal.

What NOT to bring:

Unless you plan to stick specifically to the main highway or some of the main thoroughfares, leave your road bikes at home! Roads are rough in some areas, especially in the Gulf Island's, where roads are narrow, old and in disrepair. Often off-road trails are attractive and lead to many exciting destinations. Road bikes are not recommended; however good hybrids are perfect. MTB trail bikes are good, but may be too much in some instances unless cross-terrain tires are used. Winter jackets and heavy clothing is not necessary, but bring something to keep warm at night when the sun goes down and the sea cools the air...refreshing! Fleece vests are ideal!

Medical:

It is imperative to have a medical and physical assessment before any long distance ride or tour. Guides will have specific medical information (which should be supplied by each client at the time of initial registration), and it should be verified that this information is included with the guides' trip notes prior to departure. All medications are to be kept on your person. Please, feel free to let your guide know if there is anything he or she should be aware of prior to departure. Guides are not responsible for the administration of your medication. Although trained in first aid, your guide may be the only person you will have to care for you until professional assistance arrives. They are not licensed or authorized to administer drugs under any circumstances.

Basic Equipment (High quality bikes, helmets and locks) are included in price.

Tour does not include hotel pick up; central meeting location in Victoria will be specified on your E-Ticket. Rates are in US dollars and include taxes. This tour requires a minimum of 2 people. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-848-0742.