Galiano Island

Galiano Island is a long, relatively narrow, island of 57 sq km. It is the second largest of the big islands that shelters some of the other islands from the Strait of Georgia winds. Galiano is the driest of the Southern Gulf Islands, lies just east of busy Salt Spring Island and southwest of the BC Mainland.

It was named after Galiano was the commander of the Spanish vessel, Sutil's, a schooner exploring the Strait of Georgia in 1792. Long before Galiano arrived, however, the Coast Salish had summer camps here.

The island’s dramatic coastline features sheer cliffs; sand, pebble and white-shell beaches; sheltered bays and unusual sandstone formations. Douglas fir, arbutus and rare, native Garry oak thrive in the dense, inland forests. Galiano is a 50-minute ferry ride from Tsawwassen at Sturdies Bay, where you can find accommodations, markets and gasoline.

Galiano Island is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Gulf Islands. You may think so too once you feast your eyes on Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park, a gorgeous 97-hectare park with pristine beaches, lush forests, meadows, a tidal lagoon, and a network of beautiful, romantic walks.

Bluffs Park is another fine example of Galiano's remarkable beauty and features a hiking trail and a view of Active Pass. For a challenging hike, follow the trail to the top of Mount Galiano; your reward is a panoramic view.

Galiano, like Mayne has a panoramic views acroos the Georgia Strait towards Vancouver/Lower Mainland and Coastal mountains. A more protected oceanfront option can be found facing the Trincomali Channel and looking across to Salt Spring Island. These could be a bluff/"high bank" waterfront options.

Montague Harbour Marine Park

Located at the northwest end of Montague Harbour, the park is the oldest marine park in British Columbia. Established in 1959, Montague Harbour Marine Park is one of the most popular with Gulf Island's boaters. The park features white shell beaches, 35 mooring buoys, boat launching ramp, a dock for dinghies and other small boats. There are campsites for tents and RVs.

Galinao is famous for its Heritage Forest preserves, and its several marine park reserves. A less well known one is Dionisio Marine Park, with wonderful Coon Bay, just at the exit point from Porlier Pass into Georgia Strait.

Galiano Island is reached via Active Pass. It is approximately half way between Vancouver and Victoria and the most northerly of the Southern Gulf Islands. To get to the Gulf Islands you must board B.C. Ferries. From Swartz Bay travel to Sturdies Bay on Galiano Island. The trip length varies depending on the time and route chosen. The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is approximately 25 minutes north of the Victoria's downtown.

Wildlife is abundant. Eagles soar over the island. Otters, seals and orcas swim in the ocean. In the spring, migrating birdlife visit the island. The island is a birdwatchers paradise with over 130 species of birds.

Whale watching is exceptional in Active Pass.

Walkers, hikers and cyclists enjoy the quiet country roads and trails that lead to awesome ridges and viewpoints, spectacular sculptured sandstone cliffs, coves and sheltered beaches.

Scuba diving in the clear, clean coastal water is among the best in the world. Strong currents and temperate waters provide variety and abundance of marine life that is quite exceptional. Fishing in coastal waters is very good. Several species of salmon provide year round fishing!