Load up the panniers and leave the car behind.

A few days ago we set off on a Gulf Islands adventure, travelling between Salt Spring, Mayne, Pender, Saturna and Galiano using a mix of ferries, water taxis and bicycles.

The Southern Gulf Islands are made for this style of travel: quiet roads, seaside villages, ocean views, local cafés and ferry crossings that become part of the journey.

With new cycling trails appearing on Mayne and Pender and a future Salt Spring Island Trail in the works, there’s never been a better time to explore the islands on two wheels. Bring your bicycle aboard a ferry or passenger boat and discover Mayne, Pender, Saturna, Salt Spring and Galiano without a car.

June 20–21 Event Spotlight:

Tour des Îles: Island Hopping by Boat & Bike

This June 20–21, Tour des Îles connects the Southern Gulf Islands through passenger boats, cycling routes, Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, local artists and free island shuttle buses, creating a unique weekend of car-free island exploration.

Tour des Îles connects the Southern Gulf Islands by passenger boat, linking Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, local artists, cycling adventures, and free island shuttle buses for a weekend of car-free exploration.

June is also ParticipACTION Month on Mayne Island, and every bicycle ride helps the community earn points toward a $100,000 active living award! Bring your bike aboard the ferry or Tour des Îles passenger boat (reserve at ), explore Mayne by pedal power, while discovering beaches, art, cafés, and island hospitality, Join the Bicycle Scavenger Hunt on Saturday from 1–4 pm (call Brian Dearden 250-539-0715)

For many cyclists, this is one of the most enjoyable weekends of the year to experience the Gulf Islands.

More information and tickets: Tour des Îles

Highlights include:

• Passenger boat connections between islands

• Bicycle Scavenger Hunt on Mayne Island

• Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations

• Local artists and studios

• Island cafés and markets

• Free island shuttle buses

Why We Love Gulf Islands Bike Travel

No need to rush
Ferries become part of the adventure
Easy access from Metro Vancouver
Friendly villages and local cafés
Spectacular ocean views
Perfect for e-bikes
Endless combinations of routes and islands

Salt Spring Island at a Glance

A classic Gulf Islands cycling destination with ferry connections, ocean views, rural roads, village stops

Good to know: Salt Spring riding includes hills, narrow roads and mixed traffic. E-bikes help, but riders should be comfortable with rural road conditions, hills, few shoulders and riding with traffic. The Salt Spring Island Trail is in-the-works ~ more information at Island Pathways

Highlights: Ganges, Fulford Harbour, Vesuvius, Saturday Market, ocean viewpoints, cafés, farm stands.

Best for: Confident leisure riders, e-bike riders, touring cyclists and island explorers.