Victoria Spring Cycling Escape

Experience Canada’s most beautiful blooming city this spring! Cycle through a tapestry of vibrant flowers, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and enjoy the dedicated cycling trails that wind through southern Vancouver Island.

Celebrate spring in Victoria, Canada’s garden city at its finest. With blossoms lining the streets and ocean views around every corner, it’s the perfect place to explore on two wheels. You’ll find an inviting mix of pathways and quiet roads, many following old rail lines, along with plenty of history, scenic waterfront, and a touch of classic British charm.

Each day we will offer up to five different rides, generally ranging from 30 to 85 km. 

A group booking of 20 rooms has been reserved at The Bedford Regency Hotel on Government Street. Located in the heart of Victoria’s business and shopping district and just a short walk from the Inner Harbour, the Bedford Regency is truly Victoria’s best-kept secret.

This boutique-style hotel combines old-world charm with understated elegance, offering flower-filled window boxes outside every room and all of today’s modern conveniences, including complimentary high-speed internet. Guests also enjoy coffee and tea service delivered to their rooms. Please note: with only 20 rooms available, we are unable to accommodate singles (those not teamed up with a roommate) except in rooms suitable for three occupants. 

Check-in is at 4:00 pm on May 11, 2026, with check-out at 11:00 am on May 15, 2026. An additional night on May 10 has been reserved for those who wish to arrive early. 

The allotment includes the following room types and rates (plus applicable taxes):

• Standard One Queen Bed: $199 + tax (16%) One couple

• Superior One Queen Bed: $209 + tax (16%) One couple

• Standard Two Queen Bed: $219 + tax (16%) Two single occupants or One couple + one Single occupant

The booking window and rates will remain available until March 31, 2026. Please note that the reservation cancellation deadline is 40 days prior to the H&S arrival date (May 11, 2026).  

There is a $100 Room deposit upon arrival and optional parking in the local parkade is an additional $20 + tax (5%) per night. Breakfast is not included with the accommodation.  Fortunately, there are many other nearby food and beverage businesses, including the adjacent Murchie’s Tea & Coffee with a wide range of sandwiches, pastries and beverages. 

Bikes are not allowed in the rooms, but there are indoor locked storage rooms available in an adjacent building. There are many power outlets in these storage rooms for charging e-bikes.

To make your reservation under this group allotment contact the hotel front desk agent. 1-800-665-6500 or 250-384-6835 www.bedfordregency.com  Mention the group booking for CCCTS. Once the booking is confirmed, the confirmation will be sent to your email address.

It is the responsibility of the participants to do their own research if they prefer alternative accommodation. There is a wide variety of accommodations within a few km of The Bedford Regency Hotel. For those who would prefer a single room or if the 20 rooms at the Bedford Regency are already taken, we recommend James Bay Inn, a 5 minute bike to Bedford Regency (250-384-7151 or 1-800-836-2649) www.jamesbayinn.com; 270 Government Street.  Also, the Accent Inn with easy access to the Lochside Trail and 17 minute bike to Bedford Regency 1-800-663-0298 www.accentinns.com 3233 Maple Street.   

Participants are responsible for any cancellation fees as well as any policy or pricing changes at your chosen accommodation.

Travel to downtown Victoria:

With provincial ID, BC seniors and their bikes travel free (but not their cars) on BC Ferries from Monday through Thursday. 

Hotel (1140 Government St) is 32 km from Swartz Bay ferry terminal, same for bikes.  Parking structure is across the street and around the corner from the hotel (616 View St.), one minute walk.  First warning: if you carry your bike on top of your car, and you love your bike………underground parking structure!

Airport is 28 km from the hotel. Taxi, Uber, or public transportation (bus with two bike racks) available. Bike paths available from airport to hotel. 

More detailed information on navigating downtown Victoria will be provided to those on the Go-List.

Most rides will be on quiet, paved roads, paved or hard-packed gravel cycle trails. Standard road bikes will be appropriate for all rides. E-bikes are welcome provided the owners ride at the group’s pace.  Riders are expected to stay with the group and leaders will adjust pace as required.  Riders are welcome to leave the group if they notify the leader or sweep and are confident they know their way back to the hotel.

Each ride will be limited to 12 cyclists. To avoid congestion, as we are downtown, we may have staggered start times

Bike rental options include: Oak Bay Bikes, rentals@oakbaybikes.com 250-598-4111 ext 1; Cycle BC Victoria, info@cyclebc.ca 250-380-2453

Participants should be able to maintain a consistent speed of 20 km/hr on level ground for extended distances.

• One breakfast coupon to Murchie’s Tea & Coffee (or can be used for afternoon tea and dessert)
• Monday night Meet & Greet Dinner including one drink at the Bard and Banker Pub
• Tuesday night John Adam’s Ghost/Heritage walking tour including an ice cream stop at Chocolats Favoris
• Wednesday night 10 course ethnic farewell dinner with two bottles of wine per table at Don Mees in China Town
• A full set of ride descriptions and RWGPS routes will be emailed to registered riders closer to the event. RWGPS routes will be posted in the CCCTS library

• Travel costs (including ferry fares)
• Accommodation
• Car parking
• Bicycle rentals
• Admission costs to local features
• Unlisted meals and drinks

Monday May 11: 

Plan to arrive at The Bedford Regency Hotel lobby (1140 Government St.) between 12:00 am and 4:00 pm for Hub & Spoke registration, completion of Medical and Emergency Contact Information, and ride sign-up. Hotel check-in is at 4:00 pm (check-out is 11:00 am).  Bikes can be placed in the storage lock-up at this time.

Between registration and check-in, participants may join either a short, guided bike ride around town or a walk around downtown.

6:00  Meet in the Hotel reception area and head over together (one minute walk) to the Bard & Banker Pub (1022 Government St,) for dinner and a beer (included), and a chance to chat with your tour leaders, volunteers, and ride leaders, and to ask any questions about the itinerary.

Tuesday May 12:  

8:45 Meet at bike storage lockers to get bikes ready and move to Bastion Square, 1 minute walk, to organize groups.

• Advanced.  Munn Road; for those craving lots of winding back roads and lots of hills (60km  550m)
• Intermediate.  Pedder Bay; ride out west on Galloping Goose to cafe patio overlooking Pedder Bay (65km  489m)
• Intermediate.  Royal Roads University with lunch at Hatley Castle Cafe  (40km  330m)
• Intermediate.  Scenic coast and trail ride around Victoria (45km  285m)
• Leisurely.  Emily Carr tour; interpretive bike ride to historical sites (30km 140m)

9:30 Rides depart Bastion Square.

Dinner on your own tonight. Search out one of the many surprising hole-in-the-wall restaurants. But be back in time for the Ghost/Heritage tour.

7:30  Meet in the Hotel reception area and head over together (2 minute walk) to an ice cream stop at Chocolats Favoris (1010 Govt. St.) before the John Adam’s Ghost/Heritage walking tour.

Wednesday May 13:  

8:45  Meet at bike storage lockers to get bikes ready and move to Bastion Square, 1 minute walk, to organize groups.

• Advanced.  Lands End;  for those wanting more distance and to check out the scenic north end of the Saanich Peninsula (85km  450m)
• Intermediate.  Butchart Gardens; lovely ride, lovely gardens   (42km  248m)
• Intermediate.  Scenic coast and trail ride around Victoria  (45km  285m)
• Intermediate.  Central Saanich; picnic at Centennial Park with stop for coffee and pastries on the way back (50km  303m)
• Leisurely.  Garden Ramble through Victoria’s best gardens  (32km  135m)  

9:30  Rides depart Bastion Square.

Dinner on your own tonight.  Round up some friends and find another restaurant or pub; many to choose from nearby.

Thursday May 14:

8:45  Meet at bike storage lockers to get bikes ready and move to Bastion Square, 1 minute walk, to organize groups.

• Advanced. Up the Peninsula, Hunt valley, Ardmore, country roads, lunch at The Roost, hill climb up Observatory Hill   (75km  500m)
• Intermediate.  Pedder Bay repeat for those that missed it Tuesday 
• Intermediate.  Royal Roads repeat for those that missed it Tuesday
• Intermediate.  Explore Langford area, Pub garden lunch  (45km  160m)
• Leisurely.  Galloping Goose and E&N Trails, Esquimalt waterfront, Saxe Pt. picnic  (40km  145m) 

6:30:  Meet in the Hotel reception area and head over together (8 minute walk) to our 10 course ethnic farewell dinner with two bottles of wine per table at Don Mees in China Town (538) Fisssgard St.)

Friday May 15:   

11:00  Hotel check out time.  Victoria cyclists will coordinate a ride-along for anyone cycling back to catch the Swartz Bay ferry.  Time will be coordinated with the needs of those catching ferries.

All participants must be current CCCTS members for the 2026 ride season at time of registration. 

Registration will be conducted on the CCCTS website on the dates indicated. The computerized lottery system will be used. If the ride is full, the system will automatically generate a wait list. A CDN $200 payment is required at the time of registration.

Registration fees are non-refundable in the event of participant cancellation.

The lottery signup period will run for ten days, after which leaders will review the results. The selection process will consider the following criteria:

• Fitness, riding ability, and experience required for the event

• A history of demonstrating safe riding practices

• Acceptable social behaviour
• CCCTS membership has been renewed for 2026

Leaders may interview riders or others to verify suitability for the event. The leader will have the discretion to make the final decision on whether someone is accepted for the tour and may reject applicants after discussion with the Hub & Spoke director. 

If registering as a couple, please tick the “couples” box. With different surnames, we may not be able to identify your status. The numerical score of each person will then be averaged. Those sharing a room with a friend should also register as a couple.

All registrants will be advised of their selection status by e-mail within one week of the lottery closing date. If the ride is not filled to capacity, registration will continue until the final closing date.

The lottery registration is limited to non-Victoria members. If the full complement of 48 riders is not met after the lottery closes, Victoria chapter members, as well as non-Victoria members, are encouraged to register on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wait-listed cyclists who do not make it onto the ride’s “go list” are eligible for a refund of their registration fee. They have the option of staying on the wait-list for some time in hopes of getting on the ride. Refunds will be issued when the wait-list is closed off. 

All cyclists are to follow the CCCTS Safe Cycling Practices and CCCTS Code of Conduct. 

Companion Options in Victoria:

For spouses or guests who would like to explore Victoria while riders are out, there’s plenty to see and do within easy reach of the hotel. Enjoy a stroll along the Inner Harbour, take in the views along the David Foster Walkway, or wander through Fisherman’s Wharf with its colorful floating village and resident seals. Explore historic downtown and Chinatown, including the narrow Fan Tan Alley, or visit the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel to admire its architecture. For a longer excursion, Butchart Gardens offers stunning spring blooms and can be reached by public transport or shuttle tours. Ogden Point Breakwater is another option for a scenic walk with ocean views and ship watching.

Communicable Illness Plan:

The CCCTS Communicable Illness Policy takes into consideration regulations and recommendations from Public Health Authority of Canada, BC Centre of Disease Control, and Public Health Ontario. In the case of illness while on tour, it is expected that all participants will follow the procedures outlined in this policy. Please refer to the Communicable Illnesses Policy and Procedures document on the club website for more details.