Multi-Day Tour FAQs

What is included in my Sockeye Cycle tour?

Our supported multi-day tours include the following:

  • Experienced local guides
  • Accommodations for all days of travel (camping or hotels, see each tour for specifics)
  • All camping equipment and provisions
  • Three meals and snacks for all tour days, gratuities for restaurant meals included.
  • Vehicle transportation and support
  • On tour bike maintenance
  • Fees and permits for special sites or included experiences
  • Bicycles and helmets if requested, you may also bring your own

Our tours do not include airfare or travel to the arrival and departure points, lodging and meals beyond tour days, trip insurance, alcohol, guide gratuities. 

Who travels with Sockeye Cycle and what is the group size?

Depending on the tour, we will have people of all backgrounds and ages, couples, families, retirees, singles, and solo travelers. We intentionally keep our groups between 4 – 12 people for an intimate and personal touring environment, some tours may have lower limits depending on lodging used. All of our guests share a passion for the outdoors and adventure by bicycle.

What kind of accommodations can I expect? What if I am travelling alone?

Most tours will mix stays in hotels or B&Bs where available with wilderness camping. We choose lodging that is reputable, local, and comfortable.

Wilderness camping is an integral part of our touring experience, but it does not mean a lack of luxury. Our camping experience offers amenities like bug nets, a dining tent, a portable toilet and shower, and comfortable tents, sleeping pads, and pillows. Single travelers will be paired together in hotels unless single supplement is requested. Tent can be shared among partners or individual upon request at no additional cost.

What is the food going to be like?

We pride ourselves on the freshly cooked food you will eat on our tours. We resupply trips 1-2 times during the tour to ensure that you have fresh food. Expect to eat dishes like our local salmon and halibut, pastas, Thai curries, and even campfire bbqs. We also serve either a warm or cold breakfast, sandwiches and salads for lunch, and a variety of snacks for you to carry throughout the day. We have experience and can accommodate all dietary restrictions with notice.

How difficult are the tours?

For all multi-day tours, guests should be comfortable riding the average daily distance listed. We also list our routes on RideWithGPS.com. Other activities on some tours like kayaking, hiking, or wilderness camping can make these tours a little more strenuous than the mileage may indicate. Our multi-day tours are fully supported by van, and any section may be shuttled in the van. By tour, from least to most strenuous:

The Inside Passage tour is our least strenuous, with lower milage days and comfortable hotel stays each night. 

Bike Nome includes longer, moderately strenuous riding each day with comfortable hotel stays each night. 

The Golden Circle route contains mostly moderate days with a few more difficult sections. A few nights camping are mixed with comfortable hotel stays.

The Yukon Canoe and Bike has a mix of moderate and more strenuous riding and is primarily wilderness camping, and the river section is in a remote area with minimal road access. The 100 miles canoeing the Yukon River is not difficult, but some recent paddling or rowing experience is suggested. Each canoe pair must have at least one person with moderate paddling experience.

The Canol Road tour has generally lower mileage days, but is our most strenuous trip. This is due to the mixed gravel surface, the mostly short but steep climbs along the route, and the extended wilderness camping involved.

 

Does Sockeye Cycle offer multi-sport or multi-activity tours?

While we are primarily a cycling company, on several of our tours we will either canoe, kayak, or hike as well. On the Klondike Canoe and Bike Tour you will paddle and drift with the current for three days on the Yukon River before getting on your bike. On the Inside Passage Tour there is kayaking on the ocean and lake, hikes, and a raft float included. The Canol Road Tour offers the possibility of day hikes in Northern Canada.

What do I need to bring with me? What is the weather going to be like?

Weather during the northern summer can vary greatly from 32 F to 85 F. Be prepared for both rain and sunshine, cooler weather on the passes and drier weather in the interior. You will want to bring layered clothing, comfortable shoes for biking and hiking, and a waterproof jacket. All of our extended tours require a passport.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

We strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance for your protection in the event of trip cancellation, illness, injury or medical evacuation. Travelexinsurance.com is an option that previous guests have recommended.

What deposits and fees do I need to pay? Can I cancel my trip?

We require a $500 per person deposit at the time of booking to reserve your space on a tour. The outstanding balance is due 60 days before the tour departure date.

If you need to cancel your reservation, we will determine your refund based on the date we are notified of your cancellation:

  • 60+ days prior to tour departure date: Full refund less $50 per person fee.
  • 30 – 59 days prior to departure date: refund of 75% of total tour cost.
  • 15 – 29 days prior to departure date: refund of 50% of total tour cost.
  • 14 days or less notice: No refund available

Any amount kept by Sockeye Cycle can be used toward a future Sockeye Cycle booking through the end of the following year.