After a trip to pender a few years ago, i wont cycle there again due to the constant rushhour traffic. Gulf islands, a boaters guide by shawn breeding and. The gulf islands national park reserve has come up with the important top experiences in the gulf islands. Vancouver island and the gulf islands of british columbia are popular. Galiano island looked so flat on the map and seemed like such an easy ride only 21km from end to end. A guide to scenic routes on the san juan and gulf islands john. This tour allowed us to experience both the natural wonders of the islands, as well as the towns on the islands, the city of victoria and its suburbs. This guide covers british columbias coastal waters, from southeast vancouver island victoria to naniamo and all of the gulf islands. South pender island there is a challenging 1 hour hike at mount norman. Mayne island campground is a nicely established property right on the beach, about 3kms away from the ferry terminal. Today we cycle north along a cycle path to swartz bay before crossing by ferry to salt spring island. Gulf islands, bc biking a fun way to explore the islands. Spend 7 blissful days cycling british columbias gulf islands on a guided trip with rei.
Sailing and cruising the gulf islands, british columbia ahoy bc. Mar 31, 2016 cycling the islands is the ultimate guidebook for those travellers looking to explore the beauty and splendour of british columbias gulf islands and the american san juan islands by bicycle. Live oaks bicycling route maps are available at the william m. On saltspring the main road mostly has shoulders, and the side roads are quiet enough. A guide to cycling the gulf islands in british columbia. Yacht charter where to go and what to do in the gulf islands. Island hop along canadas west coast, admiring land and sea views by bicycle and ferry. Numerous and frequentlyupdated resource results are available from this search. The 8 best places to ride your bike on the alabama gulf coast. They just dont make them anymore, i could not find it to buy in usa since they are out of print, so i checked out of library. Some of the gulf islands have developed heavy traffic over the years. Recently named the cycling capital of canada, victoria is home to several excellent routes. The winding seaside roads provide endless interesting and beautiful views, while towering cedar and arbutus trees offer welcome shade from the warm sun.
From the cape haze pioneer trail to pretty much all of punta gorda, youll find pedal power is the way to go. The ionian islands flourish in abundant nature and the dodecanese revel in the legecy of the countries mighty past. The list of possabilities doesnt fall short for anyone aiming to spend an active holiday exploring greece. Gulf islands popular for cycling gulf islands tourism. Vibrant architecture, delicious cuisine and stunning waters make this a prime cycling destination. There are many accessible hiking trails and idyllic beaches, especially in the gulf islands national park reserve, which occupies part of many islands. These options mix and mingle at island spas and wellness facilities specializing in holistic therapies hydrotherapy, seasalt scrubs, reiki, aromatherapy, reflexology, mineral baths and more. We call these the gulf islands, or southern gulf islands. There is no better way to explore the land side of the outdoors in the area than by bicycle. Many of the resort marinas cater to families, including affordable accommodation on land and family oriented activities. If youre visiting victoria and have an extra day or two, its well worth hopping over to one or more of the southern gulf islands. Pender island is one of the larger of the gulf island and great for biking.
Go sea kayaking along the gulf islands on an included excursion. Our guide suggested options and took note of our responses. A guide to scenic routes on the san juan and gulf islands, provides. In the same year, spanish and british cartographic expeditions also explored the area, intent on finding a passage to the northwest atlantic.
By ferry unless you have a private boat, youll need to take a ferry, which is how most people get to the gulf islands. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed. Via the historic city of vannes, you will cycle around the gulf, from ocean to rivers, with all the beautiful islands as a. All are located off the east coast of vancouver island and the west coast of the bc mainland. Cycling the islands is the ultimate guidebook for those travellers looking to explore the beauty and splendour of british columbias gulf islands and the american san juan islands by bicycle. This coffee table styled book is in full colour with many illustrations of coastal features, aerials pictures and people of the area. One of the more exhilarating fitness sports, mountain biking on vancouver island caters to. Cycling the gulf islands and the victoria area via dedicated bike paths on vancouver island and generally quiet side roads in the gulf islands provide the visitor. Your bike stages will guide you through its amazing landscapes. A guide to scenic routes on the san juan and gulf islands paperback may 24, 2016 by john crouch author see all 2 formats and editions hide other formats and editions. Featuring over 30 adventures on 11 different islands, each route includes a map and detailed information on local history, topography, aesthetics, places of interest, type. Go search best sellers gift ideas new releases deals store coupons. Compare similar trips and tour companies to find your perfect vacation at the perfect price. Mar 14, 2017 the 8 best places to ride your bike on the alabama gulf coast march 14, 2017 gulf shores and orange beach feature a wide variety of bike trails and paths to get around town and explore.
Information on cycling tours, events, cyclefriendly accommodations and restaurants, bike rentals, cycling organizations, transportation and maps to guide you through cycle tours of vancouver island and the san juan and gulf islands. Salt spring island is indeed a very popular cycling destination, however the bulk of riders on this trendy island are touring its scenic, rolling hills on much thinner tires. Featuring over 30 adventures on 11 different islands, each route includes a map and detailed information on local history, topography, aesthetics, places of interest, type continued. This bike and boat tour combines the greek mainland with the impressive islands of the ionian sea. Our hunt, however, was for singletrack and a more manageable distance for our furry trail guide. A guide to scenic routes on the san juan and gulf islands. Mountain biking on vancouver island and gulf islands. A guide to scenic routes on the san juan and gulf islands are for riders who want to explore and take it all in. Cruising the gulf islands by peter vassilopoulos this is a reference guide to the gulf islands boating area from sooke to comox and all the adjacent islands. Join an expert guide and a handful of fellow travelers for this ramble through three gorgeous gulf islands.
There youll hop on the ferry that will take you to salt spring island, the largest of the gulf islands, and famous for its scenery, sunshine, and warm hospitality. It was 9 days of great riding with short but steep climbs through out. Free shipping and pickup in store on eligible orders. From sidewalks to pavement to crossing portions of the florida trail, riding parallel to the emeraldgreen waters of the gulf of mexico is an experience of a lifetime. We chose you over some other companies largely on the recommendations of friends who had done a trip with great explorations.
Reliable information about the coronavirus covid19 is available from the world health organization current situation, international travel. Cycle tour around the morbihan gulf islands bike ride in. Gulf islands british columbia travel guide gulf islands. Greece bicycle tours tour highlights, photos, details. Visit at least one of greeces 6,000 islands, which are destination central for many biking and boat tours. Maps cycling opportunities on vancouver island, the gulf islands. Sea life from sand dollars to whales may spring into view as your gaze sweeps over coastal waters, and get a closer view on a guided sea kayaking excursion. The gulf in question is the gulf of georgia, but this name is no longer used. The southern gulf islands include hundreds of islands and islets, and form part of a larger archipelago that also includes the nearby san juan islands of the state of washington, in the united states the southern gulf islands are perhaps best known for their artists, wineries, mediterraneanclimatic conditions, fromageries, and farms, as well as for their natural beauty. While the gulf islands are clearly not in a gulf, the name stuck. This is fantastic little pocket carryall book for cycling san juan, gulf and vancouver islands. A guide to scenic routes on the san juan and gulf islands by john crouch at indigo.
For lots more information and great routes on all the gulf islands, pick up a copy of cycling the islands by john crouch farmers market theres lots to see and do on the island at all times of the year. You have a number of islands to choose from, all with their own personalities. All of the islands are hilly just remember every climb leads to an exhilarating downhill. Here in the sunny gulf islands, visitors can swim and fish in protected waters or scuba dive to open up a world of treasures.
There are basically two ways to get to the gulf islandsby plane or by boat. In canada, there are five islands near the southern tip of vancouver island. Via the historic city of vannes, you will cycle around the gulf, from ocean to rivers, with all the beautiful islands as a perfect backdrop. Out here at the edge of the continent, the pleasures are simple. Cycling opportunities on vancouver island, the gulf.
Safe and scenic are two good adjectives to describe trails youll find on the gulf islands, from easy headland strolls in places like campbell bay on mayne island, beaver point on salt spring and thompson community park on saturna, to stunning mountain ridge views from the top of the gulf islands world on islands like galiano bodega ridge. Mar 31, 2016 buy the paperback book cycling the islands. Nestled in the southwest corner of british columbia, just outside of vancouver, this exquisite archipelago is the unsung vacation hero of canada and maybe even north america. When visiting gulf islands national park reserve, you are in an area where rescue services and medical assistance may take time to reach you in case of an emergency.
Reviews, prices, videos, photos, and itinerary for gulf islands, biking. Ensure that you have the level of training and experience necessary to take responsibility for your safety. Cycling opportunities on vancouver island, the gulf islands. From victoria, strap your rented bicycle to a bus rack. For one week, traveling by bicycle and twomasted motor sailer, we experience firsthand the cultural and scenic diversity of greece. Cycling the sunshine coast, vancouver island, and gulf. With a bicycle, a mapbook, a small tent, and just the basic camping equipment, outdoor adventurers can enjoy the solitude of the bc wilderness without incurring. Cycling in the gulf islands is popular with cyclists looking for adventure, with spectacular scenery and some challenging hills. Free wheeling is one of the most popular tourist activities on the gulf islands. Featuring over 30 adventures on 11 different islands, each route includes a map and detailed information on local history, topography, aesthetics, places of interest, type of road, general route condition, level. Cycling the islands is the ultimate guidebook for those travellers looking to explore the beauty and splendour of british columbias gulf islands and the american san juan islands by bicycle featuring over 30 adventures on 11 different islands, each route includes a map and detailed information on local history, topography, aesthetics, places of interest, type of road.
Ferry travel on bicycle is convenient, easy on the pocket book and good for. Its also a haven for artists and everywhere you go youll find galleries and studios. Victoria and the gulf islands are known for their mild temperatures, sunny days and low rainfall, especially in the summer. Our gulf islands cycling tour will take us to three of the most spectacular islands in the gulf islands archipelago. Since this was our first trip to north america, we had little idea what to expect. The gulf islands archipelago consists of 14 main tourism destination islands. With 200 diagrams, over 200 photographs of promising features, 2000 gps waypoints, and extensive quotes from canadian sailing directions, nautical adventurers can get underway to hundreds of pristine coves and inlets from the balmy gulf islands to the unspoiled fishing grounds off the north end of vancouver island.
There are hardly any beaches, and the waters too cold for. Nature has been exceedingly kind to british columbia, resulting in thousands of scenic narrow trails and crazy single tracks through rugged mountainous terrain. Enjoy the natural splendors of north america right in your own back yard. Oclcs webjunction has pulled together information and resources to assist library staff as they consider how to handle coronavirus. Vancouver island and the gulf islands island hop along canadas west coast by bicycle and ferry on this newfor2020 tour. Frommers vancouver island, the gulf islands and san juan islands frommers complete guides.
Although roads are frequently undulating, with a little more up than down according to weary cyclists, they are quiet and varied. Cycling in the gulf islands, british columbia free wheeling is one of the most popular tourist activities on the gulf islands. We love heading out on the ferry to the islands for a weekend whenever we get the chance. The following excerpt from johns most recent book, cycling the islands. You need a week if you want to properly cycle all of them, even more if you want some side trips. Discover the fantastic lights and colours of brittany.
Saturna cycle is located on saturna island in the southern gulf islands, bc. Pop in on artists at work in studios around the town of ganges. The mountains and hills of greece are prime topographies for mountain biking and moderate road cycling. Starting from victoria on vancouver island, we visit the smaller islands of salt spring, galiano and mayne as we explore the pastoral island life. The gulf islands these five idyllic islands think whiteshell beaches, artist studios and organic farms on the sheltered eastern side of vancouver island are just a short ferry ride away.
The gulf islands of british columbia may be the undiscovered version of the san juans, but theyre not everyones idea of paradise. Rock sculptures at sturdies bay montague harbour marina restaurant, kayak and canoe rentals. A guide to scenic routes on the san juan and gulf islands, provides some the history behind both sets of islands. Most of the gulf islands are pretty small and it didnt feel like much of a trek when riding to and from the ferry terminals. Few places in the world offer more than 20 miles of pristine coastline to cycle alongside to, but the gulf islands national seashore in northwest florida does just that. Information on cycling tours, events, cycle friendly accommodations and restaurants, bike rentals, cycling organizations, transportation and maps to guide you through cycle tours of vancouver island and the san juan and gulf islands. Captain vancouver claimed the islands for the british crown, and referred to them as being located in a gulf. Cycling the gulf islands and the victoria area via dedicated bike paths on vancouver island and generally quiet side roads in the gulf islands provide the visitor with a pleasurable way of actively seeing the quiet countryside. Follow the green and white bikeroute signs on the right side of the city streets. A guide to scenic routes on the san juan and gulf islands crouch, john on. These are salt spring island the biggest and most populated, galiano, mayne, saturna, and pender. Bikingcycling in punta gordaenglewood beach charlotte county. Download a full guide to cycling the gulf islands here. The area is home to gulf islands national park reservean ecological paradise of land pockets on 15 islands, plus numerous small islets and reef areas.
Pick from popular salt spring or one of the lesstravelled islands like pender island, mayne island, galiano island or saturna island, each with their own. The hotels were very nice and charming, the cycling routes gorgeous, the meals incredible. Featuring over 30 adventures on 11 different islands, each route includes a map and detailed information on local history, topography, aesthetics, places of interest, type of road. In the archipelago of the ionian islands, you see greece at its greenest. British columbias gulf islands, with diverse ecosystems, local art galleries and fresh seafood, are the perfect place to explore, bike, kayak and relax. The gulf islands grampies fall for the islands cycleblaze. Learn more about cycling in gulf islands national park reserve. The gulf islands are the perfect destination for a family boating adventure. Gulf islands every year, thousands of cyclists trek to the gulf islands in search of secluded country roads and scenic offroad trails taking you on a tour of natural beauty, leading you to hilltops for fabulous views and down to the beach for an afternoon swim. Apr 21, 2017 ask somebody if they know of the gulf islands, and chances are they dont. We wanted to experience the gulf islands by bicycle. And while boutique wineries, local artisans and farmtotable eateries are part of the daily scene, you wont have to pedal, paddle or hike far to imagine youve landed in a secret place. From backcountry hiking trips to scenic cycle tours to coastal kayaking, theres an adventure for everyone. The gulf islands are also a paradise for sailors and anyone who enjoys boating, kayaking, and generally communing with nature, or, indeed, anyone who just wants to get away from it all.
Mar 19, 2017 the following excerpt from johns most recent book, cycling the islands. Over seven days and 550 miles of running around canadas gulf islands, the only unspoken undercurrent we got from our fellow boaters was the look in the eyes of captains of vastly bigger boats wondering if perhaps we were having more fun than they were. A boaters guidebook, was created for the adventurer, the mariner or charterer who wants to get the ultimate experience out of their canadian cruise and to do it confidently. We bike camped 4 of the gulf islands in august of 2018. Whether youre on a boat, camping or just visiting for the day have some fun cycling, kayaking, hiking, geocaching and of course spotting the wildlife.