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!
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The Bluffs Park |
In
addition to great accommodations, there
are places to buy provisions and shopping, activities,restaurants,studios and galleries 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
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.
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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
Mt. Baker View from Sturdies Bay |
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Night view of Sturdies Bay Ferry Terminal
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