THE GALIANO ISLAND TRAVEL & TOURISM GUIDE

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.
Galiano Island is along, narrow island that shelters some of the other islands from the Strait of Georgia winds. The majority of the land is a fir and cedar tree farm. A few sites of ancient Indian villages have been found. BC Ferries service from the mainland and the Gulf Islands docks at Sturdies Bay, where you can find accomodations, markets and gasoline. Near Sturdies Bay is Bluff Drive, providing great views of the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island and boats traveling through Active Pass. A little ways out from the beach at Active Pass Rd is Collision Reef which displays a marker where, in 1979, the BC Ferry Queen of Alberni ran aground.

Galiano Island has a good number of parks, beaches and natural areas. Montague Harbour is popular as a marine park and as a camp site. The marina has a store, anchorage, food and boat fuel. Dionisio Point Park on the north end of Galiano Island is noted for its natural beauty and vegetation. Bodega Ridge and Mount Galiano have popular hiking trails. Bluff and Bellhouse parks are gorgeous locations accessible by automobile. Ocean swimming is popular at Montague, Dionisio and some east side beaches. Galiano Island is well worth a visit! Plan on spending more than one day!

In addition to great accommodations, there are places to buy provisions, activities, restaurants, nightlife, studios and galleries & shopping and numerous businesses on Galiano Island. 

You can also go by air from services in Victoria and Vancouver. A local seaplane company also does island runs. If you are on some of the Gulf Islands, you can reach Salt Spring Island by water taxi.

Galiano Island Location

.

Top

Galiano Island Temperature

Temperature: The Gulf Islands have the highest year round temperatures in Canada. The Islands have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Due to topography, the climate varies throughout the island. Generally points of land nearest to the ocean are the mildest due to the moderating effect of the water.

Campgrounds
Provincial Campsite at Montague Harbour

All about Galiano Island

Galiano Island is a special place discovered by a Spanish Explorer, Dionisio Alcala Galiano over 200 years ago. The island has been regularly visited by the Coast Salish people for thousands of years.

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. Many of the whale watching boats from
Victoria are seen in the Pass during the summer months. Whale sightings are often
viewed from shore at Bellhouse Park.

Walkers, hikers and cyclists enjoy the quiet country roads and trails that lead to awsome 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!

As the climate is mild year round, you can kayak, canoe, sail and boat in the protected areas for the majority of the year. The island has numerous small adjacent islands and coves to offer protection and interesting sites.

Camping is available at Montague Harbour Provincial Park and at Dionisio Marine Park. Other island activities include cruising, bicycle rentals, horseback riding, golfing, visits to local craftshops and artisans and more!

Camping is available at the Provincial Campsite at Montague Harbour. It is an excellent campsite.

Go to top

Site Map   Visit Victoria   Visit Vancouver Island   Visit the Gulf Islands  
Insiders Guide  Free Stuff   Our On-line Store   Advertise Here   Web Services

Vanisle Tourism Website
E-mail
Phone: 1-250-472-2144
Advertise on this web site