Galiano Island Cycling
 Cyclists, Photo by Henny Schnare
Cycling OverviewAsk for the Galiano Island Parks and Recreation Commission's Galiano Island Cycling brochure at the Sturdies Bay information booth. It features a fold-out map along with safety tips and etiquette. One important note: Ride single file to prevent mishaps on the island's narrow, limited visibility roads. The good news is that traffic is mostly light except for the few minutes when cars are offloading from a ferry.
South GalianoMost recreational riders with reserves of stamina navigate the backroads circling out of Sturdies Bay toward the series of parks on the island's southwestern coastline. Leaving the village, hang a left onto Burrill Road and follow it as it turns into Bluff Road, taking time out for detours to Bellhouse and Matthews Point parks. A challenging gravel road leads through Bluffs Park to Georgeson Bay Road. From here either head towards Georgeson Bay and Mount Galiano, or circle back towards civilization and the promise of a pint at the Hummingbird Pub.
Montague Harbour Another option from Georgeson Bay Road is to turn left onto Montague Road and peddle the steep up-and-down route towards Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park, the only bike-accessible park on the island. Count on lovely shell beaches, good swimming and a marina with a lively waterfront patio restaurant.
North End TreksRiders with single-minded determination and serious lungpower go the distance to the island's northern tip. The 28km/17mi one-way trek follows Sturdies Bay Road until it morphs into Porlier Pass Road (at Georgeson Bay Road). Stop at the art studios in the Ganner Road area and stay focused down this long, forested corridor. A few clicks past Retreat Cove Road, the route loops towards the wonderfully scenic coastline at the Lover's Leap Viewpoint and mostly hugs it the rest of the way to the Penelakut First Nations Reserve. Note: There are no services beyond Sturdies Bay apart from a few organic vegetable stands, so pack the panniers full with water and snacks.
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