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island in British Columbia, Canada
North America > Canada > British Columbia > Vancouver Island > Southern Gulf Islands > Galiano Island

Galiano Island lies to the northeast of Saltspring Island off the east coast of Vancouver Island.

Whaler Bay as seen from Sturdies Bay Road on Galiano Island

Get in

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By boat

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Galiano Island is the closest and most convenient to Vancouver. Galiano is the perfect island for "island hopping." Visitors can stay on Galiano, and use BC Ferries (or a summer water taxi) for visits to other islands, returning to Galiano at the end of the day.

By ferry

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  • BC Ferries, toll-free: +1-888-223-3779. Car ferries connecting the larger of the Southern Gulf Islands (Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Salt Spring, and Saturna) with Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ferry terminal in Delta and Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal near Sidney. Free reservations are strongly recommended, especially in the summer and can be made online or by phone. BC Ferries (Q795723) on Wikidata BC Ferries on Wikipedia (updated Jun 2022)
    • 1 Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay) ferry terminal, 2622 Sturdies Bay Road. Is the first stop on the BC Ferries' route to the Southern Gulf Islands from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ferry terminal, a 55 minutes crossing. In the quiet season there are just two ferries a day from Tsawwassen. In the busier summer months, there may be up to 4 sailings a day. Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay) ferry terminal (Q126708007) on Wikidata (updated Oct 2023) 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 on the mainland, and travel as a foot passenger to see Galiano. There are several sailings a day from Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal, ranging from direct 1 hour and 10 minute crossings, to multi-stop "island-hopper" ferries.

By water taxi

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In the summer months only (July and August), a water taxi operates on Saturdays between the dock beside the ferry terminal on Galiano Island and the Village of Ganges on Salt Spring Island. The remainder of the year, the same boat provides school transportation between Galiano Island and Salt Spring Island from Monday to Thursday. Space permitting, non-school passengers can ride the school trips.

By charter boat

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Private charter boats are also available at the discretion and timing of the passengers which affords guests the convenience of their own time table as well as privacy. These are reservable and can fit parties of almost any size, though they are more expensive than taking BC ferries.

By private boat

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Visitors and residents arriving by boat can certainly find lots of moorage space.

  • A dock at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa (see listing under Sleep) is available by the day or overnight (moorage is limited and reservable).
  • Government docks at Sturdies Bay (beside BC Ferries terminal) and Whalers Bay, are walking distance to the shops in the Village of Sturdies Bay; all allow transient boaters for a minimal charge, on a first come, first served basis.

By plane

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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:

Charter service:

Get around

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Galiano is the second largest of the Southern Gulf Islands: approximately 27 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.

By car

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Roads cross the length of the island.

By public transit

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There is no public transit on the island. The closest thing the public transit is a free bus for transport to and from the Hummingbird Pub, see Eat section.

Rentals

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Mopeds, eBikes, and smart cars can be rented on Galiano Island and companies offering those are listed below. For boating and kayaking rental options, see the Do section.


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. Maps of the Island are available at the Chamber of Commerce Tourism booth at Sturdies Bay and at the "bus shelter" at the Marina.

View From Montague & Georgeson Bay Roads

Galiano Island 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.

  • 1 Bellhouse Provincial Park. Offers views of Active Pass including large BC Ferries passing through it, Mayne Island and the Strait of Georgia. Bellhouse Provincial Park (Q4883988) on Wikidata Bellhouse Provincial Park on Wikipedia (updated Apr 2023)
  • 2 Cain Beach (accessed from the north end of Cain Rd). Enjoy some quiet and relax or have a picnic at Cain Beach with views of the Strait of Georgia including boats and possibly whales. (updated Apr 2023)
  • 3 Dionisio Point Provincial Park. This park is accessible by boat only or by walking in. It has sandy beaches, such as at Coon Bay (just north of the campground). A good place for fishing, boating, kayaking, wildlife viewing and scuba diving. Dionisio Point Provincial Park (Q5279346) on Wikidata Dionisio Point Provincial Park on Wikipedia (updated Apr 2023)
  • 4 Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park. Located about 10 km from the ferry terminal. Enjoy trail walks, watching sunsets from Shell Beach, exploring intertidal life during low tides, and more. Also has a campground, see listing under Sleep. Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park (Q6904118) on Wikidata Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park on Wikipedia (updated Apr 2023)
  • 5 Pebble Beach Recreation Site (accessed from the north end of McCoskrie Rd). Features long stretches of pebble beaches including at Pebble Beach and at Cable Cove. (updated Apr 2023)
  • 6 Morning Beach (accessed from the east end of Harper Rd). Known for its warm sands. (updated Apr 2023)
  • 7 Kunamokst Mural, 134 Madron Rd (at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa), ☏ +1 250-539-3388, toll-free: +1-877-530-3939. Do not miss the chance to see this famous mural. The collaborative work of over 180 artists created this mural of West Coast sea life. Original works by Robert Bateman, Roy Vickers, Wyland, and many Galiano and British Columbia artists. Daily, at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa. (updated Aug 2022)

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.
  • Spa
    • Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa (Madrona del Mar Spa). See listing under Sleep section for further information. (updated Apr 2023)
  • 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 art studios in the forest homes of the artists, or see several of them at Art and Soul Gallery in the Village. Many are walking distance from the ferry, in the Village. Or take a drive to visit artists in their studio galleries throughout the island. See the Buy section for some locations.
  • Hiking - 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. You can also walk along Mathews Park Beach. Depending on where you hike, may be able to see Orcas in ocean, Bald Eagles in air, and wandering 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.
    • Salt Spring Adventures, ☏ +1 250-537-2764. For a closer view of whales, take a whale watching boat tour. Note that the tour operator is on Salt Spring Island, though for an additional fee, offers tours starting from the Government Dock attached to the Galiano Island's BC Ferries terminal dock. (updated Apr 2023)
  • Cycling - 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. You will need to bring your own bicycle as there are no bicycle rentals on the island. See the Get Around section for eBike rental options.
  • Boating, kayaking, and fishing
    • Kayaking - See the islands as they should be seen, from the water. The waters of the Island and the islets that surround Galiano are relatively sheltered. Explore the islets and inlets. See seabird cliffside colonies, seals and whales. Or pack a picnic lunch and paddle to nearby James Bay (Prevost Island), part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. There are no services at James Bay (Prevost Island) so bring plenty of drinking water with you.
    • Boating - Explore hidden bays and beaches that are to be found in Trincomali Channel or spend an afternoon at Ganges on Saltspring Island or a shell beach for a picnic. A trip to Wallace Island for an afternoon is a must. Whales such as J Pod can often be seen as they pass through Active Pass, or view the seal colonies on Collinson Reef or Gossip Island
    • Rentals and tours
  • 2 Galiano Golf Course, 24 St Andrews Cres, ☏ +1 250-539-5533. Galiano Golf and Country Club is a challenging and picture-perfect golf course with an easy attitude. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 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 bird life brings birdwatching enthusiasts from around the world (over 150 species of birds have been sighted);
  • Music - In summertime especially, Galiano's pub and restaurants feature some great music by local and international musicians. Venues include:
    • Atrevida Restaurant (see listing under Eat)
    • Hummingbird Pub (see listing under Eat)
    • 3 Galiano Community Hall, 141 Sturdies Bay Rd, ☏ +1 250-539-2175. Hosts events including classical concerts. (updated Apr 2023)

Events

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  • 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!). (updated Aug 2022)
  • 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 (gum boot toss, anyone?), and fun activities for everyone. One day only. (updated Apr 2023)
  • Galiano Literary Festival (held at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa). A winter event in February that sees dozens of British Columbia artists read from their work and participate in workshops on literature and writing. (updated Apr 2023)

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 near the village, a drive to mid-way up the island, where there are three great galleries together:

Artist's Studios

Artisan Shops and Retail Gift Stores

  • 4 Art & Soul Craft Gallery, 2540 Sturdies Bay Rd (in the Village). Has a variety of Galiano Island artists on display and for sale. (updated Apr 2023)
  • Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa, ☏ +1 250-539-3388, toll-free: +1-877-530-3939. Has a gallery that shows works of a featured artist that are available for sale. The featured artist changes periodically. Also has the Madrona del Mar Spa with items for purchase for your home. See listing under Sleep for additional information. (updated Apr 2023)
  • 5 Ixchel Shop, 61 Georgeson Bay, ☏ +1 250-539-0740. A crafts shop. (updated May 2023)
  • 6 Galiano Island Books, 76 Madrona Drive (in the Village), ☏ +1 250-539-3340. An independent bookstore serving the community. (updated Apr 2023)
  • 7 Loose Leaf Tea and Papery, 1-23 Madrona Rd (in the Village at the Post Office), ☏ +1 250-539-2600. (updated May 2023)
  • 8 Now and Zen, 4-33 Manzanita Rd (in the Village), ☏ +1 250 539-2001. (updated May 2023)

Budget

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  • 1 Daystar Market, 96 Georgeson Bay Rd, ☏ +1 250-539-2800, . A funky food market offering a small but interesting deli selection. Pick up "to-go" fresh organic fruits and juices and cheeses, breads and beverages 3 km from the Village and ferry terminal. Weekends they have latte coffees and baked goods. (updated May 2023)
  • 2 Sturdies Bay Bakery, 44 Madrona Dr, ☏ +1 250-539-2004. Breakfast and lunch place in the Village; known for its pies, cinnamon buns and breads. (updated May 2023)

Mid-range

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  • 3 La Leña Pizza Patio. On the waterfront in the grounds of the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa, it has a Tuscan-style wood-fired oven holding pride of place; draft beer; best views; walking distance from the ferry, so park your car and "wait until your boat comes in". Opening May through to the beginning of October, with later evenings in the summer. (updated May 2023)
  • 4 Crane and Robin Cafe, 3451 Montague Rd, ☏ +1 250-539-3334. Montague Marina's restaurant, open for a taco menu for lunches and dinners beverages. Fresh baking and specialty coffees daily at the Marina store in the same building. (Seasonal restaurant only). (updated Apr 2023)
Hummingbird Pub Shuttle Bus
  • 5 Hummingbird Pub, 47 Sturdies Bay Rd, ☏ +1 250-539-5472. 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 km from the Village and ferry terminal. Open daily. The pub's evening shuttle bus runs from the Victoria Day long weekend to the end of September with pick-ups and drop-offs at the pub, the junction near Montague Harbour Marina and Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park's campground. The bus schedule is posted on the pub's website. It is a lively ride with an iconic bus driver and music. (updated Apr 2023)

Splurge

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  • 6 Atrevida Restaurant, 134 Madrona Dr (within Galiona Oceanfront Inn & Spa), ☏ +1 250-539-3388, toll-free: +1-877-530-3939. in the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa, the only waterfront casual fine dining on the island, featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine with an extensive British Columbia Wine list. Wood-fired Pizza on the Patio in the summer. Walking distance from the Village and the Ferry; Marina guests can call for pick-up. (updated Apr 2023)
    Restaurant in the evening, in the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa
  • 7 Pilgrimme's Restaurant, 2806 Montague Rd (near the marina, in the former home of La Berengerie), ☏ +1 250-539-5392, . Award-winning restaurant with a focus on local farmed produce and different uses of foraged ingredients like bull kelp. (updated Apr 2023)

Drink

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Galiano has only one pub on the island:

  • Hummingbird Pub. The only Pub on the island. See listing under Eat. (updated Apr 2023)

British Columbia’s relaxed liquor laws mean you can also have a drink at these restaurants: La Leña Pizza Patio at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn an outdoor summer terrace with drinks and a view of boat traffic; The Golf Course has a relaxed atmosphere and outdoor patio for a few rounds before or after a round.

Sleep

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Galiano has a wide range of accommodation for any style of travel:

  • 1 Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa, 134 Madrona Dr, ☏ +1 250-539-3388, toll-free: +1-877-530-3939, . 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 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. Atrevida Oceanfront Dining. Summertime wood-fired pizza on the Terrace. Dock for boats and floatplanes. Beautiful Gardens. Higher end luxury accommodation with great deals in off season or in packages. The inn also has an art gallery. (updated Apr 2023)
  • 2 Bodega Ridge Lodge, 120 Manastee Rd, toll-free: +1-877-604-2677. A large lodge & seven cabins located 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, retreats and weddings, you can take over the main lodge gathering place and the cabins and have the 22 acres to yourselves. Each cabin has three bedrooms, its own kitchen facilities, woodstoves. Bicycles available and access to lots of trails for hiking. Additional accommodation at sister property on Porlier Pass Road "Madrona Lodge on the Cove." (updated Apr 2023)
  • 3 Driftwood Village Cabins, 205 Bluff Road East, ☏ +1 250-539-5457. Walking distance to the Village shops and cafes, this small resort is a long-established island family business. Basic accommodation of cabins with wood-burning stoves and kitchen facilities. Hot tub. (updated Apr 2023)


Bed and breakfast

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Galiano has lots of lovely Bed and Breakfast homes, 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. Some best bets

Sunset viewed from Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park's Shell Beach

Camping

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  • Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park. Located about 10 km from the ferry terminal. Campsite reservations are accepted and there are also some first come, first serve sites (non-reservable). Some of the walk-in sites (great for those traveling on the island without vehicles) have waterfront views. See listing under See for more information. (updated Apr 2023)

Stay safe

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  • If you are boating or kayaking, be aware of the busy waters on the east side of the Galiano island between Galiano and Mayne Islands. This area of water is known as Active Pass. Active Pass is relatively constricted, especially given that the largest of BC Ferries' vessels travel through here at frequencies of up to multiple times per hour in the summer. Stay closer to the shores and consider spending more of your time on other areas, which will be less busy.
  • Roadways on the island are narrow with no shoulders, so bicyclists and hikers need to take care.

Go next

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This city travel guide to Galiano Island is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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