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 Galiano Island is the perfect island getaway for a peaceful vacation. Imagine waking up and having coffee on the deck and seeing whales and dolphins swim past. That is what you get with Galiano Waterfront Retreat.

 
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Getting there

From Vancouver & The Mainland depart on the Gulf Islands ferry from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, 30kms south of Vancouver. We recommend that you reserve space in advance to avoid disappointment, especially in July and August and on holiday weekends.

 
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The Climate

The gentle climate of the gulf islands is exemplified on Galiano Island which is the driest of the Gulf Islands with an average rainfall of 85 centimeters, less than 34 inches, an annual mean temperature of 23 degrees C., 50 degrees F., and over 2,000 hours of vibrant sunshine.

 
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Bird Watching Galiano Island

Galiano is glorious in spring, especially for naturalists and bird watchers. Wild flowers flourish in the forests and above the shores, and migrating birds visit on their way to summer nesting grounds. Fall is a time of golden light, ripe berries and the northern birds returning south. The days are still warm, the air is fragrant and rain is rare before November.

 

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umbrella imageGaliano Island - British Columbia

Galiano Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands situated between the British Columbia coastal mainland near Vancouver (about 45 minutes by ferry from Tsawassen Ferry Terminal) and Vancouver Island (approximately an hour by ferry from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal).

Galiano Island is located right in the heart of protected waters surrounding a chain of islands which are the San Juans and Gulf Islands. The Southern Gulf Islands comprise one of the finest areas in the World for diving, kayaking, fishing and sailing.

 

Galiano Island has one gas station, grocery stores, a pub, no bank, and a few stores,  all clustered at the southern end of the island. Many of the island's amenities are found near the ferry terminal at Sturdies Bay. There are seven beautiful parks, and miles of old logging trails and country lanes.
   

Island MapActivity holidays British Columbia

If you’re looking for an activity holiday in British Columbia then the Southern Islands may be the perfect spot. There's literally something here for everyone, whether you're beachcombing or bird-watching, walking or hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding - it's the perfect setting for your adventure vacation.

 

History of Galiano Island

The island is as rich in history as it is in beauty. Long before Dionisio Galiano came here from Spain in 1792, aboriginal people made their homes here and gathered a rich variety of foods from its forests and shores. Montague Harbour is now a provincial park but for thousands of years it was a major centre of aboriginal life.

 

 

Things to do and see
Hike to high points on the island, where you can see the Coast Mountain Range, Mount Baker, the Gulf and San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island and even the Olympic Peninsula 100 kilometers away. Or hike the length of the eastern coast (about 25 kilometers). View over bayGaliano Island's beaches are clean and safe. The water is cool but can be quite pleasant on a late incoming tide. Active Pass and Porlier Pass offer excellent scuba diving and sports fishing. Galiano Island's protected western shoreline has numerous islands, beaches and small coves below high cliffs. Explore these in a kayak, canoe, rental boat or on a sailing cruise. Visitors are welcome at the Golf & Country Club's well-maintained course.

 

Best Mountain Biking in British Columbia

Of all the Southern Gulf Islands, the rugged and spiny Galiano Island has the most well-organized mountain biking trail system. Bluffs Park is the site of some spectacular views and the beginning of a network of trails and roads around Mount Galiano. From Sturdies Bay Road, go south on Burrill to Bluff Road, then west from here to the park and beyond.

 

Bay at daybreakGaliano Island  has more than its share of sand, white-shell and pebble beaches. There are seven parks. A new 141-acre park has been created at Dionisio Point Provincial Park (accessible by water only). It includes spectacular mature forests, rocky points, sandy beaches and a tidal lagoon.