ITINERARY: (duration: approx. 4 hours)

Riders will meet their guide and be fitted with a bicycle, helmet, lock, safety vest, water bottle and a map. Cyclists will follow their guide along the Inner Harbour causeway to James Bay. Beyond the Empress Hotel is the former home of one of Canada's most celebrated artists, Emily Carr, where cyclists will get a brief glimpse of artistic history in what is now a coveted historic site.

Virtually across the street looms the fabulous architectural masterpiece, the Legislative Buildings of the Provincial Government of British Columbia. Surrounded by the ambience of the Inner Harbour, these two neighbourhood structures are prominent in the cityscape of old Victoria.

Continuing through James Bay, we will travel along the seaside Dallas Road to capture the magnificence of the Victoria waterfront, the Ogden Point breakwater, Clover Point, and Ross Bay. Following Dallas Road cyclists will wind their way through famous Oak Bay, along the Royal Victoria Gold Course, stopping at the Oak Bay Marina for a quick refreshment break.

From here, we will pass by the stunning Abkhazi Gardens, where they say "love" built these famous gardens for their royal landlords. Then it is on to one of the most famous homes in Canada, Craigdarroch Castle. Built in the late 1800's, its owner never had the chance to live in this grand palace that still stirs wonder in visitors from around the world!

Finally, we will tour past another fabulous garden and home, the Governor General's mansion. Set amongst some of the most spectacular homes in Victoria, the Governor General's gardens are freely accessed and enjoyed by the public year round.

Finally, a pass through Cook Street Village will bring us back to the heart of downtown Victoria. An excellent ride, an incredible and informative sightseeing tour, all for just:

(Plus applicable taxes. Basic equipment supplied.
Trip is approx 4 hours in length and may vary slightly.)

ITINERARY: (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Spend the day with us on the most scenic and beautiful ride in the South Island. This is the Galloping Goose at its best, leaving the heart of the Inner Harbour of Victoria and winding its way gradually through the rolling landscapes of wide-open farmlands. Being a former railway line, the Galloping Goose is no more than a 3% grade the entire way.

Trestles and bridges for hiking, biking, and horses help to access some of the Island. Historic Metchosin farmlands, Pedder Bay's idyllic fjord and hidden Roche Cove in Sooke Harbour are just a few of the spectacular sights you will see as we guide you through to the wilds of the Sooke Hills.

We will have a hearty West Coast lunch along the way, stopping to hike around Matheson Lake Provincial Park. And for those who are prepared, a quick dip in the lake or the Sooke River at the natural Sooke Potholes swimming area.

Soft adventures, such as renting a boat to see famous Race Rocks lighthouse, or going for a paddle in a kayak can be arranged at your request*. Race Rocks is home to some of the most prolific marine ecosystems in the world. It is only accessible by water. Race Rocks is a marine protected area, supporting the second oldest lighthouse on the West Coast. This is one of the best-kept secrets of British Columbia.

(Plus applicable taxes. Includes your choice of Mountain or Hybrid style bicycle, helmet, safety vest, water bottle, guide, map and lunch. Fully van supported for your convenience)

Packaged rates apply when accommodation at the Dominion Grand Hotel is booked with any of the above tours or activities.

ITINERARY: (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

Rails, trails, and backroads cycling highlight this day of adventure. One of the highlights of the season is the return every summer of the Pacific Wilderness Railway, which we will use to pass over the Malahat Summit. This classic train will take us to our shuttle at Shawnigan Lake where we will cruise on our bikes downhill towards the lakeside village. This is a great way to see the Sooke Hills and experience the heart of the island away from the seashore.

From the lake, embark on a leisurely 10km loop through Vancouver Island's Wine Country and stop at a local vineyard for a tour and tasting. Cycle the rolling backroads and farmlands towards idyllic Cowichan Bay. The villages of Maple Bay, Crofton, and ultimately, scenic Chemainus will beckon us to stop, visit, and enjoy the ambience of coastal living by the sea.

Chemainus is the home of famous building murals, which helped save the town from demise. The Chemainus Dinner Theatre attracts 60,000 people a year and has become a main attraction for this very thriving town. We will be happy to add this to your itinerary at your request.

This day trip includes your cycle, helmet and safety vest; train fare, transfers, lunch and a guide.