The BEST

BIKING

Galiano ISLAND

RP’s loaded mountain bike in 2005, leaning against the colourful wildflower mural on the outside wall of Galiano Island’s Daystar Market. The huge mural looks much the same today.

Worth knowing: There is so much to like about Galiano Island. In addition to the wonderful walks and hikes within easy biking distance of the Sturdies Bay Ferry Terminal, there are several food and beverage and grocery services at the south end of the island. Two examples: 1) Max & Mortitz inside the Sturdies Bay Ferry Terminal. Owner and talented cook, Lucy has been dishing up freshly prepared and OUTSTANDING Indian food in her bright red trailer for almost 30 years. 2) Daystar Market, with its vibrant wildflower mural on the outside front wall, is an organic grocery store and cafe, with a wonderful array of island photos and taxidermy birds in flight (read about the store’s fascinating 50-year history).

The south-end Galiano road surfaces are generally good, with a sliver of shoulder on Montague Road and on part of Georgeson Bay Road. There is a bit more motor-vehicle traffic on the island (especially along Sturdies Bay Road) than on Mayne Island and Saturna Island, but nowhere near the volume encountered on North Pender Island and Salt Spring Island.

GALIANO'S BEST

South End Loop • Last biked by RP: June 2026 • Loop/Circle Tour • MODERATE • MAP: Ride with GPS • Starting/Finishing Coordinates (GICC Welcome/Information booth at Sturdies Bay): 48.87867, -123.31716 • 10 km (approx. 6.2 mi) • 45-60 mins • Provisions/Amenities: Sturdies Bay and Georgeson Bay Road merchants, hiking options at Bellhouse Park (.6 km/.4 mi detour down Jack Road), Active Pass Beach/Matthews Point Regional Park, The Viewpoint Trail/The Bluffs, and Galiano Mountain Trail (1 km/.6 mi detour south on Georgeson Bay Road); camping at Montague Harbour Marine Park (4.5 km/2.8 mi each way off Georgeson Bay Road along Montague Road) • Fresh water: Sturdies Bay, Montague Harbour Marina, Montague Harbour Marine Park Campground, and Georgeson Bay Road merchants • Birders: Bellhouse Park—105 species since 2007 (eBird); Matthews Point Regional Park—79 species since 2010 (eBird); The Bluffs—102 species since 1990 (eBird); Galiano Mountain Trail—68 species since 2005 (eBird) • Highlights/Notes: Peaceful ride along Burrill Road and Bluff Road/Bluff Road West with easy access to Matthews Point Regional Park, Bluffs Park, Japanese Pit Kiln Trail (along Bluffs Road West), and Mount Galiano; Daystar Market is a must-stop/see; short, sealed/loose gravel section on Bluffs Road West (be careful going downhill) • Best time of year: Anytime. Traffic is minimal early in the morning.

South End Loop with Montague Harbour Marine Park • Last biked by RP: June 2026 • Loop with There & Back section • MODERATE (STRENUOUS 1 km uphill stretch on Montague Road starting just past Clanton Road) • MAP: Ride with GPS • Starting/Finishing Coordinates (GICC Welcome/Information booth at Sturdies Bay): 48.87867, -123.31716 • 20 km round trip (approx. 12.4 km) • Provisions/Amenities: Same as South End Loop (above) plus the Gray Point Trail/Montague Harbour Marine Park (MHMP) and Montague Harbour Marina • Birders: See South End Loop (above); Montague Harbour Marine Park—129 species since 1970 (eBird) • Highlights/Notes: Same as South End Loop (above), plus a little free library en route to MHMP and Montague Harbour Marina; sliver of shoulder on Montague Road is of benefit • Best time of year: Weekday mornings anytime (for minimal traffic).