"We had a fantastic stay at Manna House. ...use of the bikes was great to explore the island and vineyard."  
Harriet L, April '22
 "We really appreciated having the use of the bikes to tour the island."   Heather W, June '22
 
​6 Denman Island Trails
6 "multi-use" trails, (i.e. suitable for trail bikes) illustrated with maps, photos and descriptions, including tips on what flora and fauna to look out for. Download your own pdf copy: The Joy Of Walking ~ Trail Biking & Riding Edition
 
The East Road Ride, to Boyle Point Provincial Park
The East Road Ride, to Boyle Point Provincial Park: Turn right out of the driveway...
Turn right out of the driveway... ↕
This is a fairly easy half day ride there and back, with the option of a walk to Boyle Point at the end. Being fairly flat all the way, it makes a good first ride to ease in muscles unused to cycling. The first stretch of 7km is the regular paved road which follows the coast, with ocean views opening up here and there, to Gravelly Bay, the ferry terminal for Hornby. 
Trail Bike Rentals, Heading South down East Road
Heading South down East Road ↕
East Road continues as a dirt road (now the trail bikes "come into their own") through beautiful forest, for roughly another 3.5km to the entrance of Boyle Point Provincial Park. This is as far as you can go on the bikes, and a bike rack is provided if you want to walk to Boyle Point to view Chrome Island and the lighthouse (recommended).
Map: The East Road Ride, to Boyle Point Provincial Park
The route ↕
It's a lovely ramble of less than 2km, taking you deeper into the forest. On your way, a path to the left takes you to the viewpoint for "Eagle Rock". It's definitely worth a look, but don't be fooled, it's at Boyle Point itself where there is usually plenty of eagle activity. Once you get there a magnificent view opens up to the South, down the coast of Vancouver Island. Look carefully and an eagles' nest can be seen below you, in the branches of a fir tree growing out of the cliffs, which should be occupied during the Spring. Don't forget the binoculars!
Chrome Island, Boyle Point Provincial Park
Chrome Island (Melanie F, Jun '22) ↕
 
Hornby Island, where Mountain Biking
"No crowds.  Breathtaking coasts & old forests. Fantastic trail designs."   ​Yeti Adventure Films
"We ended up biking around Hornby the next day... about a 15-20 min bike ride to the ferry. We did an amazing coastal trail to the right of the ferry to Tribune then came back down to the ferry, mostly downhill, (on another) amazing trail."  Kalyn G, June '22
Google Satellite Image of Hornby showing the extensive nework of trails
↕ Google Satellite Image of Hornby showing the extensive nework of trails
​► Hornby Island: Mount Geoffrey Nature Park Trails; Interactive Map​ for Walking, Biking & Horse Riding
"The trails on Hornby Island have history. Created over thirty years ago by a dedicated group of mountain bike enthusiasts, the trails are clearly marked, boast delightfully quirky names, and cater to cyclists and hikers of all abilities, from beginner to expert.  
"Getting to the trails is easy. You’re never more than 10 minutes away from a trail, and there are multiple access points all across the island. With over 80 km of single track to explore..."  HornbyIsland.com
► Hornby Island Mountain Bike Association (HIMBA) website
 
2 Trail Bikes Currently ​Available (Sept '23)
2 Mountain Bikes currently available, Sept ,23, Manna House, Denman Island
2 Mountain Bikes, a "Cannondale" and a "Trek" are currently available (Sept' 23) ↕
We normally have 4 bikes but have just 'decommissioned' the 2 Raleighs due to mechanical problems; having served us well, they have reached the end of their useful lives. So for now it's just the Cannondale and the Trek, which between them cover tall and short folks, and with maximum seat adjustments, they can work those of medium height.
We will be buying 2 more medium-sized bikes in time for next Spring, when the weather improves. Please contact us if you'd like an update on the situation relative to your stay dates.
Cannondale 29er (Details)
 
The Weather
​Your ride will depend on there being decent weather on the day. Your booking reserves the bikes for you, but you are not obliged to use them! ​
 
For Your Comfort & Safety
​The bikes are inspected for damage and defects after every ride, and maintained and cleaned regularly.
The Bike Shed
The Bike Shed (the 2 Raleighs, LHS, have since been 'decommissioned'.) ↕
 
Prices
4 Hours ~ $50 ea.  |  All day ~ $85
  • Payable at the end of your stay.
  • No money will be owing if you cancel the trip due to bad weather or any other circumstances beyond your control.