USA/Canada: Rolling the Islands of the Salish Sea

  Canada

• British Columbia: 
Victoria,  Duncan

  United States

Seattle

Dates: July, annually

Description: For bicyclists who already love the northwest USA and southwest Canada, or for those who are willing to fall in love with this region, your imaginings will come to life on Ibike's "Rolling the Islands of the Salish Sea" (Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island). This tour is very different from any other in the area. It is a fascinating two-week journey into the heart and soul of the magical homeland of the Coastal Salish Native American (Indian) people, and the proud adopted home of other people from around the world. With a carefully selected route, interpretive programs, and a variety of off-bike activities, we bike and eat our way across eight islands from Seattle to Victoria exploring the rich history and heritage, the geographical and environmental diversity, and the economic, geological and cultural complexity of the Salish Sea.

Program participants have opportunities to: meet Suquamish, Swinomish and other indigenous people; learn how Hawaiians were early foreign trappers and traders here, Chinese built the infrastructure, Japanese fed the people, Blacks and Jews outfitted the gold rushers and other ethnic groups transformed the land, culture and economy. We visit local markets; wander in historic towns, examine art and architecture, identify flora and fauna and enjoy the extraordinary friendliness of the people and inspirational beauty of the Salish Sea. Dinner menus include Japanese, Greek, Thai, Korean, Mexican, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, and more. The rich cultural heritage of the Northwest is a virtually undiscovered treasure and the quality of the bicycling is legendary. The program is more than a bicycle trip; in addition to the physical activity you can enrich your mind and nourish you spirit.

Highlights: Visit the San Juan Islands and go sea kayaking. See the Gulf Islands in Canada.

Cost in US$: 1490

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4-8

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Ibike Tours's Mission Statement: To promote international understanding and cultural sensitivity. Introduce people to the diversity and complexity of the world. Promote sustainable transport, environmental practices and economic development (in unexploited markets.) Have fun.

Year Founded: 1983