5 day vancouver island explorer

5 Day All-Inclusive Cycling Holiday on Vancouver Island

Duration: 5 Days

Cost: $3699 CAD (Based on double occupancy)

Our 5 Day Vancouver Island Explorer tour is a fun filled, action packed journey across Southern Vancouver Island. Our small group cycling tours are ideally suited for those who prefer active travel as a way to experience the beauty of Vancouver Island. Join us for an incredible biking adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes this region has to offer.

Itinerary 

Day One - Victoria to Mill Bay (44km cycling)

Following introductions and bike setup, we'll embark on our biking adventure along the spectacular, winding coastal road that surrounds the city of Victoria. As you pedal, breathe in the crisp sea air and take in the breathtaking coastal vistas that make this route so unforgettable.

Next, we’ll head into the lush greenery of Beacon Hill Park, home to the world’s tallest totem pole. We'll cycle through the park’s beautiful grounds before entering the heart of Victoria, where we’ll join the scenic Galloping Goose Trail and begin our journey toward the Saanich Peninsula.

From here, we’ll connect to the Lochside Trail, a vehicle-free cycling route offering stunning landscapes and peaceful riding. We will bike through the farmlands of the Saanich Peninsula and stop at a local’s favourite “farm to table” café and enjoy our lunch al fresco. Following lunch, we’ll explore the serene beauty of Elk & Beaver Lake Regional Park, circling the tranquil waters and pausing for a well-earned rest on the shoreline. Here, you can enjoy a light snack and a refreshing drink, surrounded by nature.

Refreshed, we’ll continue cycling along winding country roads through the colorful farms and wineries of the Saanich Peninsula. At Brentwood Bay, we’ll visit the world-renowned Butchart Gardens and take time to revel in their beauty. After our visit to the gardens we’ll bike into the quaint seaside town of Brentwood Bay and take the short but scenic ferry ride across Todd Inlet to our accommodation in a beautiful 4 star hotel on top of the Malahat Mountain named Ville Eyrie Resort.

Day Two - Shawnigan Lake to Cowichan Lake (48km)

Our day begins at beautiful Shawnigan Lake, a peaceful lakeside community tucked into the forests of southern Vancouver Island. After the short van ride (15 minutes), we hop on our bikes and roll straight onto the renowned Cowichan Valley Trail—a hard-packed, vehicle-free gravel path that winds through towering forests, moss-draped maples, and alongside gentle rivers.

As we ride westward, we reach one of the day’s highlights: the Kinsol Trestle. This impressive wooden structure is the largest of its kind in the Commonwealth, offering breathtaking views of the Koksilah River valley far below. Take your time here—snap some photos, soak in the views, and breathe in the scent of cedar and fir all around.

The ride continues through the heart of the Cowichan Valley, with its gentle rolling terrain and quiet, forested trail. This route is perfect for riders of all levels, providing a smooth, scenic cruise through one of the island’s most beautiful regions. We stop for a sit-down lunch at the quaint Glenora Store and Café, a local gem known for its homemade comfort food and charming countryside setting. It’s the perfect spot to refuel with fresh, seasonal dishes before continuing our adventure through the Cowichan Valley.

As we reach Lake Cowichan, our final destination for the day, a special surprise awaits those who are up for a little fun: a tranquil float down the Cowichan River on comfy inner tubes (If the weather is warm and guests want to partake). Drift along the crystal-clear water and let the current carry you while you unwind under the sky. Prefer to stay dry? No problem—we’ll have a peaceful alternative activity ready for you. Our accommodation that evening will be in Lake Cowichan.

Day Three - Cowichan Lake to Sooke (50 - 65km depending on chosen starting point)

From the peaceful lakeside town of Lake Cowichan, we set off on a stunning ride through the heart of Vancouver Island’s wilderness. The road to Port Renfrew is paved and quiet, weaving through towering forests, alongside rushing rivers, and over remote mountain passes. It’s a route few travel, making it a hidden gem for cyclists craving solitude and natural beauty. This is one of our favourite road cycling routes in BC, featuring undulating hills, smooth pavement, and breathtaking mountain and forest vistas.

We'll take breaks along the way to soak in the scenery, enjoy a fresh picnic lunch by a giant Spruce over 1000 years old, and share stories about the area's deep forestry history and wild landscapes. We’ll enjoy an alfresco picnic lunch in a thousand-year-old grove, surrounded by the quiet beauty and timeless presence of the forest. As we descend into the tiny coastal town of Port Renfrew, the smell of sea air and crashing waves signals we’ve reached the edge of the island.

If time and tides allow, we cap off the day with a visit to Botanical Beach, a short walk from town. This rugged, wave-battered shoreline is home to some of the most spectacular tidal pools in British Columbia — a must-see for nature lovers. Following the visit to Botanical Gardens, we will take the scenic hour- long drive to the coastal town of Sooke, located on a sheltered inlet and cove that opens into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Our accommodation that evening will be in the beautiful Prestige Oceanfront Resort overlooking the water and marina.

Day Four - Sooke to Victoria (46km)

On our final morning, following a hearty breakfast in the hotel, we will take the short 10-minute drive out to Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, a spot popular with locals for the natural rock pools and towering old-growth Douglas Fir trees. Here we will enjoy a short stroll through the park and take in the beautiful surroundings – If you’re brave enough, why not jump into the refreshing aquamarine rock pools! This is one of our favorite swimming holes in all our world adventures and will not disappoint!

After our morning at the potholes, we will cycle the Galloping Goose Trail to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia. This vehicle free bike trail is named after the clunky, old rail-car, which carried passengers between Sooke and Victoria in the 1920’s. The scenery along the trail is spectacular, ranging from quiet coves and lakes, to lush rainforest. The final portion of the trail travels through the suburbs of Victoria leading us into the bustling heart of the city. We will cycle through the Inner Harbor and pass by the world-famous Empress Hotel and BC Legislature Building for a sneak peak of the glorious Victorian architecture. Victoria, also known as the “Garden City,” is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. The city is famous for its Victorian architecture and has retained a large number of its historic buildings. Experiencing all of this in a city in North America is a great treat! Our accommodation for the evening is in the heart of the city in the Inner Harbour at a beautiful 4 star hotel named the Grand Pacific Hotel.

Day Five - Victoria (52km)

For our final day on the bikes, we’ll venture beyond Victoria’s downtown charm and into the undulating coastal terrain, following a classic shoreline circuit that showcases the very best of the region. From Victoria we’ll head onto Dallas Road and trace the coastline at Oak Bayt past sandy beaches, rocky points, and quiet neighbourhood streets with sweeping views of Haro Strait and Mount Baker. The route continues through the sheltered waters of Cadboro Bay and along a string of coves and waterfront park at Ten Mile Point. Here, spectacular ocean vistas open up across the San Juan Islands and Olympic National Park. We’ll pedal through some of Victoria’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, exploring beyond the tourist guidebook to discover a lesser-seen side of the city.

The ride and then flows into the University of Victoria, where we connect back to the trail network via the Galloping Goose Trail, meandering north out of the city. From there, we follow the peaceful Colquitz River Trail and the Interurban Trail, winding past the river and through the scenic campus grounds of Camosun College. A short ride later, we’ll pause at a local favourite — Mosi Bakery — where fresh pastries, hearty sandwiches, crisp salads, and rich coffee await. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy lunch together and reflect on the highlights of our five-day cycling adventure before bringing our journey to a close. We’ll say our goodbyes and reflect on the kilometres ridden, the sights discovered, and the moments shared along the way. With legs pleasantly tired and hearts full, it’s the perfect ending to an unforgettable cycling journey on Vancouver Island. Guests can choose to ride back into Victoria with us in the tour van, or, if continuing on to the Mainland, join us for the short trip to the ferry terminal where we’ll see them off as they sail back to Vancouver.

Tour Dates 2026

2026 Tour Dates Coming Soon!

For the most up-to-date availability, feel free to call or email us at anytime!

If you have any other dates that suit your schedule please do not hesitate to contact us and we will see if it is possible to add another departure to the 2026 season

778-877-6100 | info@intothewild.ca