A WEEKEND GETAWAY TO GALIANO
With the throngs of summer tourists gone, the beaches less crowded and ferry lineups shorter, now is the perfect time for a trip to the Gulf Islands.
From the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, the closest of the Southern Gulf Islands is Galiano. The first stop on the BC Ferries route is a quick 55-minute sail. Hop on the first ferry at 8:55 a.m. on Saturday morning and you’ll be there by 9:50.
With its 26-kilometre eastern shore, white-shell beaches, and miles of forest trails, Galiano is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise for hiking, mountain biking, walking, bird watching, kayaking, swimming, sailing and beachcombing. But it is also an artists’ haven, with galleries tucked off the main roads along driveways lined with huge Douglas Firs. And it is home to one of Canada’s top new restaurants — pilgrimme.
HERE’S A QUICK WEEKEND G E TAWAY.
Saturday
10 a.m. — Arrive Sturdies Bay Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa
This lovely waterfront retreat is just five minutes from the ferry terminal at Sturdies Bay, meaning you can walk on the ferry and have a car-free visit, if you choose. Hotel staff will pick you up at the ferry and the inn offers Smart cars for rent to hotel guests so you can explore the island.
Drop off your luggage at the hotel, then spend a leisurely morning at tiny Sturdies Bay. Grab a coffee at Sturdies Bay Bakery and Café or Babes in the Woods, then poke around the Galiano Island Books independent bookstore before heading back to the inn for lunch.
Noon — Lunch
Enjoy a wood-fired pizza lunch on the terrace. (Seasonal).
2 p.m. — Boat ride
Head to Spanish Hills Dock for a trip on the water with Dan White of Porlier Pass Provisions (Water Taxi). Sail by Dionisio Point Provincial Park and Valdes Island. Then have him drop you at Pebble Beach to spend the afternoon exploring what many locals consider the best beach on the island. 604-230-8115
5 p.m. — Spa time
Return to the Galiano Inn and hit the Madrona del Mar Spa for a relaxing treatment in a beachside cabana or tranquil spa cottage in the garden.
8 p.m. — Dinner at pilgrimme
This rustic restaurant in the woods has received numerous accolades since first opening, including being voted one of Air Canada enRoute magazine’s best new restaurants in 2015. Chef Jesse McCleery, who spent a winter working at Noma in Copenhagen, takes locally sourced food and unusual ingredients to a whole new level.
Tables book up weeks in advance, so make your reservation as soon as you know your travel plans, to ensure you get in. pilgrimme.ca
Sunday
10 a.m. — Beach time
Spend the morning exploring Montague Harbour and its whiteshell beach. Take a leisurely onehour walk along the arbutus-lined coastal path around the peninsula.
Noon — Tacos
Dine on the deck overlooking beautiful Montague Harbour at The Crane and Robin Restaurant. Try one of the specialty tacos from the long list on their menu. 3451 Montague Rd. galianoisland.com/ crane-and-robin-restaurant
2 p.m. — Exploring artists’ studios
Visit Bodega North Woodworks where Richard Dewinetz turns locally grown western red cedar and alder or maple into unique outdoor furniture, including the Galirondack, Galiano’s own version of the Adirondack chair. galirondack.ca
Stunning glass pieces are on display at Marcia DeVicque Glassworks. 9840 Porlier Pass. marciaglass.com
Next door at Cedar Grove Gallery, Sandra Dolph showcases her pottery in an open-air gallery. 9720 Porlier Pass. sandradolph.com
At Black Bird Studio, visual artist Kenna Fair displays her works, alongside artists Rachael Peters and Laurie MacCallum. 363 Shopland Rd. kennafair.com
5:30 p.m. — Hummingbird Pub
Pop into this Galiano institution, a favourite with locals, for a quick bite before heading to the ferry. They feature live music on weekends and run a free shuttle bus to the harbour. 47 Sturdies Bay Rd. hummingbirdpub.com
7 p.m. — Homeward bound
Make your way back to the ferry terminal for the 7:45 p.m. ferry, Vancouver bound.