Things To Do: Cycling

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 on your own or on these fun guided tours.

Seaside Touring Route Tour

This full day tour winds though some of Victoria’s best cycling routes. We begin 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.

Dates: May through October
Meeting Time: 9:30 a.m.
Departs From: 811 Wharf Street, Victoria BC
All riders will meet and register at 9:30 a.m. at 811 Wharf Street (downtown, across the street from the Tourism Info Centre).
Duration: Approximately 7 hours
Distances: 45 + km
Cost: $99.00 Cdn/PP (includes lunch)
Ride Difficulty: Moderate

The Cowichan Valley Winery Bicycle Tour

This tour of the Greater Victoria and the Cowichan Valley offers cyclists the serenity of an ocean vista against an unparalleled and picturesque backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Winding gradually along the gorgeous eastern shoreline of Southern Vancouver Island, riders will enjoy the people, unique villages, seascapes, and aboriginal cultures of Mill Bay, Cobble Hill, and ultimately, our destination for the day at Cowichan Bay.

Cowichan Valley, or "Quw'utsun", meaning "the warm land" in the language of the Cowichan's aboriginal people, offers spectacular views of Saltspring Island, Mt Tzouhalem and parts of the Finlayson Arm-Goldstream Park fjord. Cruise on your bikes through seaside to the village of Mill Bay or along the idyllic Shawnigan Lake.

A favourite on our tour is at BC's only estate cider maker, Merridale Estate Cidery. Roll on through postcard-like scenic agricultural lands, grape growing country, and local farms where fruit growers and dairy farmers produce their fresh goods daily. Enjoy a wine tasting tour at one of Vancouver Island's finest vineyards, Cherry Point. Now fully owned and operated by the Khowutzun Development Corporation (KDC), the Cowichan tribes have a fantastic tasting room and multi-use ceremony facility among one of the largest and most established vineyards in the region.

Finally, Relish the completion of your day with a homemade ice cream cone from a very special roadside vendor and visit the many unique craft shops of Cowichan Bay.

This full day of touring includes a hybrid-style bicycle, helmet, map, water bottle, all fares and transfers, lunch, and, of course, your friendly guides. This is a very sought after tour and sells out quickly!

Knowledgeable guides and a fully equipped luxury van escort are all part of the group adventure!

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED, PLEASE!

Dates: May through October
Meeting Time: 9:00 a.m.
Departs From: 811 Wharf Street, Victoria BC
All riders will meet and register at 9:00 a.m. at 811 Wharf Street (downtown, across the street from the Tourism Info Centre).
Highlights: Vineyard tours, cider and wine making, First Nations culture, agriculture
Duration: 7-8 hours*
Distances: 55 km
Cost: $139.00 Cdn/PP
Ride Difficulty: Moderate

Victoria City Tour

Leaving directly from the Inner Harbour offices of Great Pacific Adventures, guides will lead you on an excellent ride around Greater Victoria, through the vibrant and historic Inner Harbour core, along the spectacular Victoria waterfront, into gorgeous and idyllic Oak Bay neighbourhoods. Enjoy sights such as Beacon Hill Park, Emily Carr House, Abkhazi Gardens, "The Castle" and many serene island seascapes.

Dates: May through October
Meeting Time: 10:00 a.m.
Departs From: 811 Wharf Street, Victoria BC
All riders will meet and register at 10:00 a.m. at 811 Wharf Street (downtown, across the street from the Tourism Info Centre).
Highlights: Sir Francis Rattenbury's "birdcages", Royal Victoria Golf Club, The Victoria Waterfront, Oak Bay Marina, Craigdarroch Castle, Abkhazi Gardens…
Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours
Distances: 35 + km
Cost: $59.00 Cdn/PP including admission into gardens

To book any of these tours call Abbeymoore at 888-801-1811

Abbeymoore has plenty of secure bike storage for our guests

For more cycling info visit Capital Bike and Walk