5 Day Vancouver Island Explorer custom 1 day expansion

 Day 1 - Vancouver to Victoria (41 Miles)

We’ll begin the day with a hotel pickup in Vancouver before driving south to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for our crossing over to the Island. Following the 1.5 hour sailing, we will begin our bike ride at Swartz Bay on the Lochside trail passing through rolling farmland, coastal inlets, and charming small communities along the way. 

At Cordova Bay we will bike along the coastline 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. 

  As we approach Victoria, we’ll ride through the lush gardens and scenic pathways of Beacon Hill Park before arriving at our accommodation — the Hotel Grand Pacific, perfectly situated in the heart of the Inner Harbour.

Day 2 - Victoria to Mill Bay (40 miles)

From downtown Victoria we will head out on the Galloping Goose trail and  E and N trail towards Thetis Lake. These dedicated bike paths offer a safe and scenic ride out of Victoria to the countryside. At Saanich 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 rejuvenate before we head up into the highlands and rolling hills of Gowlland Tod Provincial Park.

Cycling through Gowlland Tod (on the Tour de Victoria route) offers a mix of rolling climbs, forested trails, and sweeping views over Finlayson Arm. The route winds through lush coastal rainforest and rugged terrain, making it one of the most scenic and rewarding stretches of cycling on southern Vancouver Island. In Brentwood Bay, we’ll have the option to visit the world-renowned Butchart Gardens and take time to revel in their beauty — or, if preferred, skip the visit and arrive early at our hotel to enjoy the spa and facilities. Afterward, we’ll pedal into the quaint seaside town of Brentwood Bay and take the short but scenic ferry ride across Todd Inlet to our accommodation — the beautiful four-star Villa Eyrie Resort, perched high atop the Malahat Mountain.  

Day 3 - Shawnigan Lake to Cowichan Lake (39 miles)

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 4 - Cowichan Lake to Port Renfrew (43 miles)

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 5 - Sooke to Victoria (30 miles)

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 6 - Victoria to Vancouver (40 to 50 miles depending upon route chosen)

From Victoria, we set out along the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trail toward the northern tip of the peninsula. The route meanders through rolling farmland, coastal inlets, and peaceful countryside, offering a perfect blend of seaside charm and rural tranquility. From there, we continue to Elk & Beaver Lake Regional Park, where smooth forested trails circle the tranquil waters, providing a refreshing escape surrounded by nature. 

 As we approach Sidney, the trail opens onto a seaside path lined with cafés, marinas, and sweeping coastal views — a perfect spot for a short break or coffee stop. Continuing north, we arrive at Swartz Bay, where we board a short ferry to begin the next leg of our adventure on Salt Spring Island. There, we’ll cycle along quiet country roads on the island’s east side, taking in its rolling farmland and ocean vistas before catching the afternoon ferry back to Vancouver.