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Highlights
Cycle the beautiful Vancouver Island on Canada’s western coastline
Cycle away from the crowds as you explore the beaches, farms, and forests near Courtenay.
Take the ferry to Quadra Island and learn about what makes this charming island unique.
Look for wildlife like eagles, seals, and even orca whales!
Enjoy the peace of the ocean from your waterfront hotels along your route.
Take the 4-Day Vancouver Island Bike Tour to explore the beautiful east coast of Vancouver Island! This self-guided cycling tour begins in Courtenay and explores the gorgeous coastline leading to Campbell River.
This area is off the main tourist track, and you’ll enjoy biking and eating where the locals do. You’ll discover the gorgeous scenery of the coast, but also the charm and unique character of Quadra Island. With beautiful waterfront hotels, restaurant recommendations that feature local produce, and spectacular routes, this tour has everything you need for an amazing bike trip on Vancouver Island.
Take the 4-Day Vancouver Island Bike Tour to explore the beautiful east coast of Vancouver Island! This self-guided cycling tour begins in Courtenay and explores the gorgeous coastline leading to Campbell River.
This area is off the main tourist track, and you’ll enjoy biking and eating where the locals do. You’ll discover the gorgeous scenery of the coast, but also the charm and unique character of Quadra Island. With beautiful waterfront hotels, restaurant recommendations that feature local produce, and spectacular routes, this tour has everything you need for an amazing bike trip on Vancouver Island.
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4-Day Vancouver Island Bike Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Courtenay
Arrive mid morning at your Courtenay hotel to collect and fit your bike, and then you’re off to explore! Your first ride explores the coast, farms, and forests that surround Courtenay. Visit Nymph Fall Nature Park for a picnic and enjoy swimming spots along your route.
After your adventure, you can enjoy the relaxing river side of the estuary as you settle into the amazing Old House Resort and Spa before the beginning of your journey (check in time is 4PM).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Courtenay
Distance: 36km
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore Historical Cumberland
You’re off to explore the village of Cumberland and the seaside area of Royton today. Once a coal mining hub, Cumberland is quickly growing into a desirable niche community and dynamic tourist destination. Its coal mining past and funky new vibe
make it a great place to explore. Choose to ride a short distance today and enjoy the pool and spa of the Old House Hotel after lunch or, if you’re looking for more, we suggest you explore Comox. From breweries and vineyards to forests donned “a place of serenity and beauty,” this little town is waiting to be discovered. Enjoy the Old House Hotel and Spa this evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Courtenay
Distance: 37-42km
Meals: None
Day 3 Bike the Coast to Campbell River
Today, you will be biking north to Campbell River, also known as the world’s salmon capital. The journey will take you through secluded farmlands, past the Miracle Beach Provincial Park, riding right alongside the ocean. It’s a great spot to get glimpses of eagles, seals, or even whales. As you absorb all of the amazing scenery around you, don’t forget to stop for some local ice-cream at the Discovery Fishing Pier. Have a seat on the pier and relax next to the restorative water before finishing your day.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Campbell River
Distance: 54km
Meals: None
Day 4 Cycle Quadra Island
Today your amazing Vancouver Island self-guided tour will bring you to Quadra Island. You’ll enjoy the ferry ride and the dazzling views of the Salish Sea before you head out on the island to enjoy its fun-filled atmosphere. Explore Quadra’s picturesque beaches, a First Nations village, and adventuresome coastal trails. You’ll have to do some short portages with your bike today as you enjoy the scenery. All of that and more will make this experience a ride to remember. Plan for your tour to finish late afternoon when you make arrangements for your onward travel.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 22-31km
Meals: None
4-Day Vancouver Island Bike Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided cycling tour is run as a custom tour for your group and the price per person is fixed. The prices below are per person:- Self-guided groups of 2+: CAD1699 per person
Accommodation on the 4-Day Vancouver Island Bike Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
If you would like to make this trip deluxe, please ask! There are wonderful oceanfront spa hotels are also available.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible (please enquire for the pricing).
What’s Included on the 4-Day Vancouver Island Bike Tour?
Meals
Meals for this trip are not included, however, you will get recommendations for best restaurants along the way during your pre-trip meeting.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 3 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Courtenay and after the tour in Campbell River are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included between Courtenay and Campbell River.
Also Included
- Fully-equipped hybrid bike (Giant Escape), plus helmet and accessories
- Bike Bags
- Tire patch kit
- Pre-trip information package
- Tour maps, cue sheets, digital maps and historical information
- Stop and meal recommendations
- Emergency support
- Branded water bottle
Not included
- Flights
- Transportation to trip start
- Meals
- Ferry tickets
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for hotel staff or servers if desired
- Insurance
- GST tax: 5%
Optional Extras
- Additional nights in Courtenay before the tour or Campbell River after the tour
- Upgrade to E-Bike
- Added guide and lunches
- Optional activities or excursions
- Upgrade the accommodations to deluxe
- How hard is the 4-Day Vancouver Island Bike Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the 4-Day Vancouver Island Bike Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Courtenay to start this tour?
- Where does the 4-Day Vancouver Island Bike Tour end?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
- When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour features daily rides that range from 30 to 66km per day. You have the option to choose shorter or longer routes on some days, and you can upgrade to an e-bike for some extra help during the tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
1 breakfast is included. If you add a guide and lunches, 3 lunches will be included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Comox Valley Airport (YQQ), and make your way to Courtenay via taxi (15 minutes drive). No airport transfers are included in this tour. Courtenay is also accessible from Victoria or Nanaimo by car.
This tour ends in Campbell River, which is about 1 hour from the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) by taxi or bus.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to the west coast of Canada for this tour is July and August when the weather is at its warmest and sunniest.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Customer Ratings
Island Joy Rides is a boutique tour operator specializing in sharing the best of Vancouver Island Cycling. Whether it is great food, stunning coastal views, charming towns or just a break to enjoy “Island Life”, Island Joy Rides is there to ensure you have a wonderful holiday.
