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Anchorages are found throughout Galiano, which will prompt you to stay on the hook longer than expected.
Words by Jamie Sterling
As one of the most visited regions by recreational boaters on the BC coast, the Southern Gulf Islands offer fascinating shorelines, warm waters, and protected coves, all of which can be enjoyed during a visit to Galiano Island.
The closest of the islands to the mainland that spans north towards mid-Vancouver Island, it’s the gateway to the archipelago. Galiano is long and narrow with impressive tafoni formations and endless fascination, whether you’re at sea or on land.
Known locally as the ‘foodie island,’ Galiano offers a variety of restaurants and flavours to cater to every taste and budget. With vaccination restrictions removed and indoor dining options now fully open, it’s time to enjoy all the island has to offer, which also includes incredible hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, golfing, and browsing unique local arts and crafts. When the sun sets, raise a glass to a fine day. Rest and sleep well. Do it again tomorrow.
What’s New on Galiano
With a steady stream of culinary endeavours, Galiano’s newest offerings for 2023 include Lola at Bodega Ridge. It’s where Southeast Asian cuisine meets Gulf Islands fusion and will delight your taste buds. Ask your server du jour about its seacuterie board.
The Pink Geranium, known locally as Pinky’s, has reopened for breakfast and the Oxeye Cafe, with its pacific northwest flavours, has relocated to a new location just down the road. Be sure to find it for their seasonal dishes with ingredients sourced from local growers. If you haven’t yet had the chance, stop by Charmer Pizza. Affiliated with the famed Pilgrimme restaurant, the Charmer just may have the best woodfired sourdough crusts around.
Marine Facilities and Anchorages
A remote paradise, Galiano Island has both comfortable and rustic marine facilities to suit every style of boater. A popular location is Montague Marine Provincial Park that has a dock, mooring buoys and anchorages in its sheltered inner harbour. There’s also space on the beachside. On shore are park-managed restrooms, hiking trails, and water.
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A scenic sunset at Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park.
Retreat Cove, located at the midpoint of the island in Trincomali Channel, has a 24 m (80 ft) public dock. Although space is limited, mooring is available just off its shore and provides shelter from strong winds. Alternatively, the nearby Spanish Hills doesn’t have services and limited dock space but it’s possible to inquire about usage with the wharfinger.
In Sturdies Bay, the wharf is attached to the adjacent BC Ferries’ dock and overnighters are common in the summer. The harbour is quite exposed to the rolling waters of the Strait of Georgia, especially with north or easterly winds.
Another option is Whaler Bay dock. It’s primarily used by commercial vessels but there’s often space for transient recreational boats. If it’s full, anchor near the mouth of the bay and then tender in. For 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. Days can be spent exploring by a dinghy, kayak or paddle board and relaxing on the park’s sand beaches.
Marinas
Montague Harbour Marina, next to Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park, is the only game in town. Mooring is available with 35 buoys in the sheltered harbour. To access the shore, use the provincial park or government docks.
At the marina, you’ll find a fuel station, garbage disposal/recycling, shelter, shore power, WiFi and washrooms. There’s a restaurant and store onsite with variable hours and all of the necessities including coffee, produce, meat, seafood, fishing gear, and ice.
To get around the island by water or land, you can rent a moped, e-bike, kayak or paddle board. Outfitter tours and charter fishing trips are available and can be scheduled in advance. Don’t miss a ride on the infamous pub bus as it offers scheduled trips between the marina and the island’s long-established Hummingbird Pub.
Popular Accommodations
The island has a range of accommodations that span its 28 km length (17 mi) and are easily reached by scooters rented from Galiano Boat and Moped Rentals. From the trendy Bodega Ridge with its upscale cabins to Woodstone Manor’s 12-bedroom boutique hotel and restaurant, each provides a relaxing island getaway.
Southern Gulf Islands
What’s so appealing about Galiano is you can find isolated anchorages at many points along its shore.
For a more rustic experience, the Driftwood Cottages are conveniently located near beaches and hiking trails, while the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa offers all the comforts and amenities overlooking Sturdies Bay. For a true taste of island life and to enjoy stunning sunrises, The Sands of Morning Beach B&B and Morning Beach B&B are great options. Don’t rule out camping, though. Dionisio Point Provincial Park’s marine-access-only campsites are one of the most exclusive accommodations in the region.
Natural Attractions
In a place where sandy beaches blend seamlessly into tall dark forests, you’ll easily be in awe of Galiano’s rugged yet accessible beauty. The Bluffs Nature Protection Area, named for its magnificent 100 m (328 ft) shoreline, has bluffs located high above Active Pass. Accessible by car or hiking trails from Sturdies Bay, the area offers some of the most incredible views among the Gulf Islands.
If you’re looking for more activity, visit Bodega Ridge Provincial Park for its 4 km (2.5 mi) Bodega Ridge Trail and witness spectacular vistas of Trincomali Channel, Vancouver Island, and the Strait of Georgia. In Montague Harbour Marine Park, explore the white shell beach and enjoy shallow swimming, but continue along the Grey Peninsula trail for a sandy beach, forested paths, Gary Oak meadows, and scenic views.
You’ll also find jaw-dropping photo backdrops on Mount Galiano, the highest point on the island. To reach the summit, hike the trails through the Nature Preserve. For a quiet, more introspective experience, meander the Tapovan Trail. A ‘tapovan’ is a wilderness or forest of spiritual practice and this trail, located on the private property of the Gratitude Foundation, will mindfully guide you with signage.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Galiano island is in the flight path of many migratory birds and islanders have sighted more than 150 species. In fact, Active Pass has been designated an “Important Bird Area,” meaning it’s globally significant for bird conservation. Also, keep an eye out for whales. Bellhouse Provincial Park and Mary Ann Point beach access are both locations on The Whale Trail where you may see the Southern Resident Killer Whales and Humpback Whales.
With a number of Southern Gulf Islands to explore and discover throughout the season, Galiano should top your list for ‘return visits.’ Each time can offer new and truly unique BC Coast experiences.