The Best Ways to Experience Galiano

A true boater’s retreat in the heart of the BC’s Gulf Islands.

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Words by Jacqueline East

Galiano is one of the first islands to appear on marine navigation screens when cruising southwest from the mainland of BC. It may not have the landmass of neighbouring Salt Spring or the expansive shores of Vancouver Island, but it’s an enticing destination that can serve recreational boaters very well throughout the season.

At approximately 28 km (17 mi) in length, this long, narrow island between the Strait of Georgia and the Trincomali Channel is boating-friendly. What makes it so appealing is its essential services, island hospitality, not to mention its amazing, natural beauty. In some areas, sand beaches reign supreme until they blend seamlessly into tall dark forests while in other areas, you can’t help but be in awe of its rugged shore that soars high above the waterline.

Galiano’s West Side

A great way to begin your trip to Galiano is by visiting the island’s west side and Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park, which is one of the largest provincial parks among the Gulf Islands. What’s interesting is its shore starts climbing 5 m (16 ft) below sea level and juts 180 m (591 ft) skyward to a steep rocky precipice.

Being on the water in this area is truly a unique experience. Mooring is available on one of the 35 buoys in the sheltered harbour and the park has a dock if you want to tender in to explore more of the area. Its maximum boat length is 11 m (36 ft).

When you venture a little further into the park, you’ll find great spaces for picnic lunches and trail networks that lead through dense forests consisting of Douglas-fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar as well as Arbutus areas that provide access to sand beaches. It’s among the hikes where rare protected plants thrive and more than 130 species of birds can be observed (nearby Porlier Pass and Active Pass are other popular locations among ornithologists and are designated as two of Canada’s Important Bird Areas).

The park also has 25 campsites accessible by vehicle and 15 walk-in/cycle sites located above the harbour. Reservations are accepted and strongly recommended as the area gets busy during peak season.

The park shares the bay with Montague Harbour Marina that has more transient moorage, a dedicated dinghy dock, as well as zero-ethanol gas and diesel, groceries, and marine supplies. Reservations are always recommended to ensure a transient slip during the summer months.

What’s extra convenient about the marina is it serves as a gateway to the island. While dining is available on-site at the seasonal Crane and Robin Restaurant, which serves a variety of seafood options with waterfront views, there’s the popular Pilgrimme restaurant (that’s about a 10-minute walk from the marina) offering culinary creations from ‘ethically, locally sourced and foraged foods.’ Reservations are highly recommended.

You can also take the available return-trip shuttle (the Hummingbird Bus) from the marina to the Hummingbird Pub or rent a moped or e-bike at Galiano Boat & Moped Rentals to see more of the island. Settle in at a transient slip, hop on a moped and see what this area of Galiano Island is all about.

Galiano Island’s South Side

This part of Galiano is accessible by landing at Whaler Bay Dock. Although it’s primarily used by commercial vessels, there is often space available for transient recreational boats. If it’s full during your visit, an alternate option is to anchor near the mouth of the bay and then take a tender in.

An area that is always interesting to check out here is the island’s Village. It’s within easy walking distance from the dock and has a number of restaurants and unique shops. Sturdies Bakery is a great place to grab a good cup of coffee and tasty pastry or depending on the time of day, try the dining options at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa. You can also visit from the water as moorage is available for inn guests and those who dine at the Atrevida Restaurant or the more casual La Leña Pizza Patio.

One of the best places to visit in the Village is Sturdies Bay Rd. where you can pick up some groceries, browse the local shops,  relax at a cafe, or check out the local art galleries. A great option for groceries (and other goods) is the Saturday Market at Galiano Lions Club Park on Burrill Road. Held from 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday from May to October, the market’s vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, fresh flowers, even fine art, pottery, glassware, essential oils, and more. For all the details and current hours of operation visit  www.facebook.com/GalianoSaturdayMarket.

To get a true idea of the flavours of the island before or during a visit to Galiano, check out the Galiano Food and Beverage Facebook page where you can learn about all of your options and culinary delights - there’s no doubt you’ll be impressed.

To burn off some of the calories from your dining experience(s), plan a hike up Mount Galiano (the highest point on the island) where you can admire great views of the Salish Sea. More spectacular scenery can be enjoyed from Active Pass and the Bluffs Nature Protection Area, which is a common passage for orcas and humpback whales. If you want to cool off and enjoy some ‘me time’ along the shore, Cain Beach is popular for swimming and beachcombing while Morning Beach has fine white sand, and warm shallow water.

Explore the North Side of Galiano Island

Retreat Cove (located off the Trincomali Channel and where you can also observe centuries-old sea caves) has a 24 (80 ft) public dock. While space may be limited at times, you can always moor just off the shore as it provides excellent shelter from strong winds. Another option is The Spanish Hills dock along the Trincomali Channel. There are no services here and limited dock space but you can inquire about usage with the wharfinger.

To find total isolation, Dionisio Provincial Park is accessible only by boat and makes for great multi-day anchorages. Moorage is available in three of the park’s small bays and days can be spent exploring the area by tender, fishing or relaxing on the park’s sand beaches.

Similar to the other Southern Gulf Islands, Galiano is a haven for resident artists who find inspiration within the island’s peaceful, natural environment. In addition to the galleries in the Village, more choices are scattered throughout the area and worth a visit to discover something special and unique.

Although Galiano is not that large of an area, it has a few secluded resorts, which cater to recreational boaters all season. In addition to the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa, other island retreats include Bodega Ridge and Woodstone Manor. They all offer exceptional hospitality and will take care of you in superb style.

Galiano will certainly capture your inner adventurous spirit and always provide a new appreciation for the outdoors. It has all the convenient services when needed, but the true boating experiences of Galinao come when you settle in at a scenic cove, listening to nothing but the sound of gentle waves lapping against your hull and admiring the surrounding backdrop of Mother Nature at her purest.

For more information be sure to visit southerngulfislands.com or galianoisland.com.