Island hopping
Galiano is the least tamed of the major Gulf Islands, and likes to take it slow and easy
Galiano is a long skinny island that stretches more than 26km from top to bottom. It is the least tamed of the major Gulf Islands because of its rocky geography and lack of arable land. Credit for this unspoiled charm is in large part due to the fact that half of the island was utilized as a tree farm by the lumber industry until the early 1990s. These former forestry lands ( mostly concentrated in the island’s northeastern half) remain undeveloped even though they are now privately owned. If many of Galiano’s 1,300 full- time residents have their way, growth will remain slow and a splendid network of parks and trails will continue to evolve. Dionisio Point Provincial Park on the North End ( accessible by water only), is 141 acres of spectacular mature forests, rocky points, sandy beaches and a tidal lagoon. Over the last two decades, such gems as Dionisio Point, Mount Galiano, Matthews Point, the Great Beaver Swamp near Pebble Beach Reserve, and the view corridor along Bodega Ridge have become protected parkland thanks to government and community initiatives. Result: Fantastic and relatively easy wilderness hiking abounds, almost always with the ocean within quick reach. One of the island’s amazing attractions, Malaspina Galleries, is a series of sandstone formations carved by the surf into unusual caves and caverns. Most of the island’s restaurants, shops, galleries, the bakery and ice cream parlor are just up the road from the ferry terminal at the island’s south end facing Active Pass and nearneighbor Mayne Island. Another cluster of essential services ( notably the grocery and liquor stores) are a 10- minute hike further along Sturdies Bay Road near Galiano’s favourite pub, the Hummingbird.
Captain’s Blog: by Jon Collier
The government dock at Sturdies Bay has limited space. For the same price you can use the Galiano Inn’s lovely dock 200ft of space -- very sheltered, supplies and food are a short walk away. No fuel in Sturdies but there is on Mayne ( Miner’s Bay), just a 5- minute boat ride to the Southeast away. Montague Harbour has good anchorage, 35 buoys $ 12 per night and limited dock space. There is also a ship’s chandler, general store and a cozy café, scooter and kayak rentals and fuel. Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park has 28 campsites nestled in the trees. If you’re trailering your boat, there is a launch ramp. Hummingbird Pub runs a shuttle bus from Montague -- times are posted at the marina. The floating bakery ( anchored in Montague Harbour) has fresh bread, cinammon buns and tasty pies daily. It wasn’t yet there on our visit but we were told by mid June they will be cooking. Remember always check the weather before you plan your trip, Mother Nature can be cruel and make for an unpleasant outing.
Supplies:
Galiano Island Books
A short stroll from the dock ( and next door to the Galiano Inn, this charming and well- stocked store is a book lovers delight. 25,000 plus titles a wide range of genres ranging from an extensive children’s section, Canadian literature, science & nature, ebooks, and more. www.galianoislandbooks.com
Galiano Garage Groceries and Liquor Agency
A short stroll from the Government Dock or The Galiano Inn. ATM 250-- 539- 550
Corner Store and Galiano Liquor Agency
Open every day. Full line of groceries, fresh bread, milk, cold beer and wine, dvds, bait and ATM 250- 539- 2986
Where to eat: eat@ galianoinn Oceanfront Restaurant
Fabulous food with an unbeatable view and their own dock. What could be better? Wood- fired pizza outside in the summer. See the menu at www.galianoinn.com 250- 539- 3388
La Berengerie & Cafe Boheme
On Montague Road within easy walking distance of Montague Harbour. West Coast French cuisine. Outdoor Cafe Boheme in the summer. www.laberengerie.com
Max & Moritz Spicy Island Food House
Well- known throughout the islands ( and beyond) this takeout concession at the ferry terminal serves up a delicious ( and unusual) combination of German and Indonesion food. Open at ferry times. Call for times 250- 539- 5888
Hummingbird Pub & Family Dining
Classic pub fare, friendly atmosphere and an outdoor deck. The Hummingbird also has a pub bus to get you to and from Montague. www.hummingbirdpub.com 250- 539- 5472
where to stay: Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa
Luxury on the waterfront. Tie up on theinn’s dock and relax. Spa treatments, a wine store, a great restaurant and Smart Car rentals make this place a magnet for boaters. www.galianoinn.com 1- 877- 530- 3939 A full range of accommodation options are available on the island. Visit www.galianoisland.com for details.