Galiano Island is simply beautiful. It is the island that is the most accessible to Vancouver, yet has the most rustic, seemingly untouched places. It is very undeveloped, having had most of its land left as either forest lands or as residential home sites. It is the one island of the Southern Gulf Islands that has beautiful beaches, and they vary from the white 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 small stone 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. Gulf Island Kayaks is experienced with new kayakers or experts, and gears their tours to every level. Or take an eco tour with a gracious Greek Canadian fisherman, Sporades Tours, and visit bird colonies and sea lion rocks and, hopefully, spot the Orca whales for which the island is famous: "j" pod lives in Active Pass, separating Galiano from Mayne Island. While they range great distances following the salmon, they are frequently seen in the Pass.
For people wanting to explore the island on land, there is no substitute for doing it the old-fashioned way: by foot. The hiking trails and beaches are endless pleasures to explore, the views incredible and the wildlife all friendly. If you want to travel further afield (literally), rent wheels from Galiano Mopeds or a "Smart Car" from the Galiano Oceanfront Inn. From Bodega Ridge on the north end to Bluffs Park and Mount Galiano and Mathews Park Beach, there is much to explore.
For a gentler experience, relax in the Flores del Iris Gardens at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa: waterfalls, fountains and quiet areas to relax. Or take in Bellhouse Park for a picnic, with the whales and boats passing almost within reach.
And Galiano is not all about the outdoors...with the many wonderful artists and crafts people on the island ... a studio tour is a "must-see".
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Galiano Island
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Galiano Island - updated May 2024
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Galiano Island Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
