Galiano Island

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



By boat
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

 * 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.
 * 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
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
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
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
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:


 * Flights to Galiano Island from Vancouver International Airport.

Charter service:

Get around
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
Roads cross the length of the island.

By public transit
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
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.

See


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.





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.
 * Spa
 * 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.
 * 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
 * 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)
 * 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)
 * Atrevida Restaurant (see listing under Eat)
 * Hummingbird Pub (see listing under Eat)

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 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



Mid-range






Splurge

 * Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa evening dining.jpg

Drink
Galiano has only one pub on the island:



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



Bed and breakfast
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





Stay safe

 * 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

 * Salt Spring Island