'''Galiano Island''' lies to the north-east of Saltspring Island off the East coast of Vancouver Island.
Get in
Galiano Island is the closest and most convenient to Vancouver (and the U.S. border) of all of the Southern Gulf Islands, and in most cases it is the first stop on the BC Ferries route to the islands, only 50 minutes. In the quiet season there are just two ferries a day from Tsawwassen, the mainland terminal near Vancouver, and in the busier summer months, there may be up to 4 sailings a day. If traveling with a car, reservations are advisable and there is no additional charge for reserving on the Gulf Islands Route. If you want to, it is very feasible to leave your car behind (see "Getting Around") on the mainland, and travel as a foot passenger to see Galiano.
Visitors can also travel via Victoria (Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal) on Vancouver Island. There are several sailings a day, ranging from direct 1 hour and 10 minute sailings, to multi-stop island commuter ferries. These sailings are not reservable.
There is an "airport" in Montague Harbour, for float plane service, including regular scheduled service from the dock near Vancouver International Airport, with a connecting shuttle and complimentary parking.
Regularly scheduled service:
SeAir, 1-800-447-3247
Saltspring Air, 1-877-537-9880
Kenmore Air (from Seattle)
Charter service:
SeAir, 1-800-447-3247
Saltspring Air, 1-877-537-9880
Kenmore Air (from Seattle)
Harbour Air (from Vancouver)
Pat Bay Air (from Victoria)
Visitors and residents arriving by boat can certainly find lots of moorage space. Montague Harbour has moorage, gas dock and some limited facilities. Government docks at Sturdies Bay and Whalers Bay allow transient boaters for a minimal charge, on a first come, first served basis.
Get around
Galiano is the second largest of the Southern Gulf Islands: approximately 40 kilometers long and very narrow. While hiking can take you to many beautiful places on Galiano, it also helps to have a little assistance with transportation. Luckily there are options, if you choose to leave your car behind
Rent a moped (250-539-0233)
Rent a bicycle (250-539-9906)
Take a Kayak tour or rent a kayak (250-539-2442)
Rent a boat (250-539-0233)
Maps of the island are available on BC Ferries or at the Chamber of Commerce Information booth, near the ferry terminal.
Hiking trails are not well marked on Galiano, nor is there adequate signage. But local people are friendly, and exploration is fun and easy and quite safe. There are no dangers on Galiano in terms of wildlife (no bears or cougars) but roadways are narrow with no shoulders, so bicyclists and hikers need to take care.
See
Galiano Island, quite simply, is simply beautiful. It is very undeveloped, having had most of its land left as either forest lands or as residential. It is the one island of the Southern Gulf Islands that has beautiful beaches, and they vary from the beautiful shell Indian midden at Montague Beach to the warm sands of Morning Beach, to the hidden sandstone pleasures of Coon Bay and the long stretches of pebbled beach at Pebble Beach and Cable Bay.
Hiking trails are everywhere, and the vantage points atop Mount Galiano, Bodega Ridge and Bluffs Park, present spectacular views across the other gulf islands, all the way to the mountains of Washington state.
Bicycle and mountain biking trails are definitely strenuous, but well worth it. Just ensure that you stock up on water and supplies when leaving the village of Sturdies Bay, or at the Corner Store just 3 kilometers further but still on the South End, as there are no shops or services traveling north on the island.
The best way to experience the island is by water: rent a kayak or take a sunset kayak tour, it is so easy in the sheltered waters of the Island and the islets that surround Galiano. Or take an eco tour with a gracious Greek Canadian fisherman and visit bird colonies and sea lion rocks and, hopefully, spot the Orca whales that the island is famous for.
Do
Galiano Island has as many amenities as larger centres, but they are smaller, more one-of-a-kind. There is as much to do on the island (and its surrounding waters) than other vacation places in British Columbia, but without the crowds or signs of urbanization. Many world-class artists make their home on the Gulf Islands, and Galiano is no exception. Be sure to combine the outdoor activities with a visit to an artist's studio, a visit to the spa, and a glass of wine with some live music at a local watering hole.
'''Island-hopping''' - Galiano is the Gateway to the Gulf Islands, with easy first-stop ferry access from Vancouver, and many travel options via inter-island ferries to explore the other islands.
'''Hiking''' - Explore the best of the west coast with beautiful wooded trails, ridges or beaches. Friendly wildlife abounds, such as Orcas, Bald Eagles, and deer.
'''Whale watching''' - The beautiful Orca (killer) whales are at home in the waters off Galiano Island, following the food source (salmon and other fish) in pods through Active Pass. Try Gulf Islands Whale-watching (1-888-656-9878)
'''Spa''' - Take time out from all of the outdoor activities and enjoy a spa treatment in a full-service oceanfront Madrona del Mar Spa [http://www.madronadelmarspa.com Madrona del Mar Spa](1-877-530-3939)
'''Art Tour''' - Take a tour around the island (pick up an Art Tour guide at the Tourism Information Booth or one of the local businesses) and visit some of the great galleries.
'''Cycling''' - Challenge Galiano's famous hills and rent a bicycle from Galiano Island Bicycles, located walking distance from the ferry (250-539-9906)
'''Kayaking''' - See the islands as they should be seen, from the water: take one of the Gulf Island Kayak [http://www.seakayak.ca/]tours or rent a kayak (250-539-2442). Explore the islets and inlets, see seabird cliffside colonies and come up close to the seals and whales.They have all the information you need to explore the islands from the shore.
'''Boating''' - It does not take any particular skill to rent a boat and manouever the islands: so easy even for the beginner and you will see so much more of the island (250-539-0233)
'''Play golf''' - Galiano Golf and Country Club [http://www.golfgaliano.com/] is a challenging and picture-perfect golf course with an easy attitude. (250-539-5533)
'''Moped''' - Explore the island with a moped and visit the remote parks on the North End (250-539-0233)
'''Wildlife viewing''' - All the wildlife on Galiano is of the mostly friendly variety (no bears or cougars or wolves here); deer abound in the forests, seals and whales offshore, and the birdlife brings birdwatching enthusiasts from around the world (over 150 species of birds have been sighted);
'''Fishing''' - Join an authentic fisherman in his troller for a day on the water and bring home your supper (or catch-and-release) Sporades Tours and Fishing (250-539-2278)
'''Music''' - In summertime especially, Galiano's little pubs and restaurants feature some great music by local and international musicians; try the Galiano Grand Central Grill and Atrevida Restaurant; the local community hall also hosts classical concerts.
Events
'''Galiano International Wine Festival''' - A very popular event, held the second Saturday of August each year, the wine festival is a benefit for the island health care centre and is a wonderful way to learn about wines, enjoy local appetizers made by the supporters of the health care society, and relax in the sun (it's all outdoors!).
'''Galiano Fiesta''' - A family friendly event held annually on the August long weekend. A variety of entertainment, food, booths selling local crafts and foods, games of chance (cow bingo anyone?), and activities for everyone. One day only.
Buy
Galiano is home to world-class artists and artisans. You can view their work year-round at the galleries or in the artists' studio homes. A map and guide to the Art is available through the various galleries. Most shops and galleries are in the Village, most artist's studios are in the interior of the island) Highlights of any visit should include a walk to the local galleries in the village, a drive to the far north end of the island to see the stone carvings on the hillside, and a stop mid-way where there are three great galleries together:
Art Galleries
Island's Edge Gallery of Fine Art (in the Village)
Galiano Art Gallery (in the Village)
Insight Gallery
Art & Soul Craft Gallery (in the Village)
Stoneworld Gallery
Artist's Studios
Marcia DeVicque Glassworks
Bill Boyd Ceramics
Cedar Grove Pottery
The Arthouse
Spindoctor Fibre Arts
Artisan Shops and Retail Gift Stores
Ixchel Shop
Galiano Island Books (in the Village)"World's best little bookstore"
Vintages Specialty Wines and Gifts (in the Galiano Inn)
Twirly Tree Craft Co-operative (in the Village)
Eat
'''Splurge'''
'''"eat" Restaurant''' - Located in the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa, this award-winning restaurant is the only waterfront fine dining on the island, featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine with an extensive British Columbia Wine list. Patio lunches in summer. (formerly called Atrevida Restaurant). In the Village.
'''Woodstone Country Inn''' - Overlooking a peaceful meadow complete with horses and deer, this lovely English dining room has lovely dining, a complimentary wine list and prix fixe dinners. 5 kilometers from the Village and ferry terminal.
'''Mid-range'''
'''Grand Central Emporium and Grill''' - Originally the landmark old Burrill Brothers store, the owners have transformed the antique building into a popular local hangout. Service is "island-style" with a full menu. Licensed. The most likely place to find live music on Galiano.
'''Harbour Grill''' - Montague Marina's open deck restaurant, open for al fresco lunches and afternoon beverages and light meals. (Seasonal restaurant).
'''Hummingbird Pub''' - This Galiano icon has been around for many years, its trademark red bus transporting people from the marina for pub-style fare of fish and chips, burgers and more. Karaoke night and sometimes live music, pool table. 3 kilometers from the Village and ferry terminal. Open daily.
'''La Berengerie''' - For home cooking, French country style. Limited menu (usually 3 items) and limited wine list. 10 kilometers from the Village and ferry terminal. Open seasonally.
'''Inexpensive'''
'''Daystar Market Cafe''' - A funky cafe tucked inside the Daystar Market grocery store. Limited menu but always fresh: soups and made-to-order sandwiches; a small deli selection. Pick up "to-go" and add organic fruits and juices and cheeses from the grocery side. 3 kilometers from the Village and ferry terminal.
'''Scoops''' - In the Village, a popular summertime Burger Bar and Ice Cream Parlour (seasonal restaurant).
'''Sturdies Bay Bakery''' - Breakfast and Lunch place in the Village; known for its pies and breads; deli counter. In the Village.
Drink
Galiano has only one pub and one lounge on the island:
'''Hummingbird Pub''' ? The only Pub on the Island. If you are at the marina or the campground, you can take the famous red Hummingbird Pub bus (it runs seasonally) to the pub for libations. Beer on tap, pool table, big screen television and the ubiquitous lottery screens. Also a full menu. Open daily until late, music many weekends.
'''Atrevida Lounge''' at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa ? The only licensed lounge on the island, perfect for waterside relaxing. Big fireplace, huge windows overlooking the Bay, famous for their Galiano Island Blackberry Martini, as well as Best British Columbia wine list and B.C. wines-by-the-glass list at the British Columbia Wine Festival Awards. Patio in the summer. Perfect place to have a drink and wait to see your ferry come in and still have lots of time to walk down.
British Columbia_fs relaxed liquor laws mean you can also have a drink at these restaurants: the '''Patio Grill''' at the Galiano Inn is oceanfront, an outdoor summer terrace with drinks and a view of boat traffic; '''Grand Central Emporium and Grill''', in the Village, has a pub-like atmosphere, with big screen t.v., frequent live music jams. Or have a drink on the Marina_fs '''Harbour Grill''' deck at Montague Harbour and survey the boats. The '''Golf Course''' has a relaxed atmosphere and outdoor patio for a few rounds before or after a round.
Sleep
Galiano has a wide range of accommodation for any style of travel:
'''BEST PLACES to STAY'''
'''Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa'''[http://www.galianoinn.com] ? The most beautiful and complete resort on the island, easy walking distance to the ferry, no car necessary. All suites are Oceanfront: 10 Spa Suites in the Inn (complete with wood-burning fireplaces, custom cabinetry with hidden massage tables, luxury ensuites with spa tubs. 10 Villa One Bedroom Suites (in a new 2008 building) with outdoor bathtubs, wood-burning fireplaces and full living/dining rooms, kitchens. Madrona del Mar Spa is one of the best spas on the coast: unique island-based products and treatments. "eat" Oceanfront Dining. Summertime lunches on the Terrace. Vintages Wine shop. Beautiful Gardens. Higher priced in summer season, great deals in off season or in packages. 134 Madrona Drive, in the Village. 1-877-530-3939 www.galianoinn.com
'''Woodstone Country Inn''' ? Charming country inn with 12 rooms, each furnished differently with an English country style and antiques. Most have fireplaces. Full country breakfast included with a stay, as well as afternoon tea served in the library lounge. Very peaceful and quiet. Many bicycle groups stay here, otherwise mostly older independent travelers looking for the country experience. Contemporary fine dining accompanied by romantic music and sunset valley views in the Wisteria dining room. Inexpensive to Moderate, depending on season. Closed winters. 250-539-2022 www.woodstoneinn.com
'''Bodega Ridge Lodge and Cabins''' ? Remote lodge on the north end of the island, high on the Ridge overlooking the islands. Seven charming log cabins perfect for families or couples. Perfect for groups, you can take over the main lodge gathering place and the cabins and have the 22 acres to yourselves. Each cabin has its own kitchen facilities, woodstoves. Bicycles available and access to lots of trails for hiking and bicycling. The owner is an accomplished cross-country rider and can give you lots of tips on the island. 250-539-2677 www.bodegaridge.com
OTHER GOOD OPTIONS: '''Driftwood Village Cabins''': walking distance to the Village shops and cafes, this small resort is a long-established island business. Basic accommodation: cabins with wood-burning stoves and kitchen facilities. Hot tub.
'''BEST BED and BREAKFAST'''
Galiano has lots of lovely Bed and Breakfast homes, but be prepared for no privacy: most are in the true tradition of a B and B: the bedrooms are part of the living area for the hosting family. There used to be many more, but over time the owners have discovered the island lifestyle and chosen to just rent out cottages and forget about providing breakfast. Some best bets for value, style and location are:
'''Whaler Bay Lodge''': Not a lodge at all, but a modern home overlooking Whaler Bay. Two very nice rooms (the one downstairs has the most privacy, adjacent to the family room). Seasonal swimming pool and kayak. Expensive. Will do weekly rentals. www.whalerbaylodge.com
'''Rocky Ridge''': Beautiful home overlooking the water. Hot tub. Great hosts. Good value. www.cedarplace.com/rockyridge 250-539-30387
'''Morning Beach Waterfront B and B''' Great location on the beach, good for families. Separate cottage also. Great hosts. Good value. 250-539-3053 www.cedarplace.com/morningbeach