Full Answer
How big is Galiano Island in Georgia?
Galiano Island. Located on the west side of the Strait of Georgia, it is 27.5 km (17.1 mi) long, 6 km (3.7 mi) at its widest point, and 1.6 km (1.0 mi) across at its narrowest point and is separated from Saltspring Island by Trincomali Channel. On the western side of the island there are a series of sandstone caves.
Where is Galiano Island located in Canada?
Galiano Island. Galiano Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Located on the west side of the Strait of Georgia, it is 27.5 km (17.1 mi) long, 6 km (3.7 mi) at its widest point, and 1.6 km (1.0 mi) across at its narrowest point and is separated...
What is it like to visit Galiano?
One of the Gulf Islands sitting between Vancouver and Vancouver Island on British Columbia’s Southwest coast, Galiano is like a whole other world, seemingly detached from the hustle of Vancouver. And it is one of my most favourite places in the whole world!
What is the highest point in Galiano?
Mount Galiano is Galiano's highest point, rising 314 m (1,030 ft) above sea level. The summit provides hikers with views over the Gulf Islands, the United States San Juan Islands and the distant mainland mountains as well.
How wide is Galiano Island?
6 kmThe Island is located on the west side of the Strait of Georgia, is 27.5 km long, 6 km at our widest point, and 1.6 km across at our narrowest point. On the western shore of our island are a series of sandstone caves accessible by sea kayak. We have a population of just over a thousand residents.
Is Galiano Island worth visiting?
Galiano Island offers a mix of beautiful nature with luxuries, such as top-notch restaurants and a relaxing day spa by the ocean. Galiano Island may be remote, but it's the closest of the Gulf Islands to the Lower Mainland of BC, making it relatively easy to get to.
Are there bears on Galiano Island?
There are no dangers on Galiano in terms of wildlife (no bears or cougars) but roadways are narrow with no shoulders, so bicyclists and hikers need to take care.
Is Galiano Island walkable?
Explore Galiano Most of the parks have walking and or hiking trails. Many of the trails are shown on our website maps as dotted white lines.
What is Galiano Island known for?
Ancient Forests, Rocky Heights, Sandstone & Pebble Beaches and Stunning Views are all waiting for you to explore on Galiano. From boating to hiking, kayaking to mopeding, festivals to whale watching, art shows to golf and fishing to fiestas, Galiano offers a wide range of experiences for our Island Guests to enjoy.
What amenities are on Galiano Island?
Steps from the ferry dock, Sturdies Bay is home to most of the amenities on this long, lean island, including a resort hotel, art galleries, dining options, bookstore and neighbourhood pub. Ferry foot passengers can rent mopeds, bikes and Smart cars to explore beaches, parks and hiking trails further up-island.
Are there cougars on Gabriola?
Gabriola Island is home to about 4500 people, a couple of hundred horses, many, many dogs and cats lovingly cared for, deer, peacocks, wallabies and assorted other critters like river otters and raccoons. Wonderful birds (eagles and hummingbirds and everything in between). No bears or cougars.
Are there predators on Galiano Island?
Although unusual, bear and cougars have been seen on Galiano Island. Be aware and report any sightings of bear or cougar to the RCMP.
Are there coyotes in Galiano Island?
While there are beautiful black-tailed deer on the island, unlike in much of Canada there are no bears, cougars, moose, coyotes or other life-threatening wild animals, so I slept soundly, safe in the knowledge that I wouldn't be savaged in the night (my only nocturnal visitors were mice).
Where are the sea lions in Galiano Island?
A prime spot for seeing whales and eagles is in Active Pass, on the southeast part of the island. A resident told me that sea lions are often seen in this waterway, gathering on a rock when the tide is low: drive south and then west from Sturdies Bay (the ferry terminal) to Mount Galiano Park.
What is the population of Galiano Island?
Galiano is part of the Capital Regional District Electoral Area G, and has a permanent population of 1,044 inhabitants as of 2016. Galiano takes its name from Spanish explorer Dionisio Alcalá Galiano, who explored the area in 1792, (the island is twinned with his home city - Cabra in the Province of Córdoba, Spain).
Where can I watch sunset Galiano?
The best Sunset viewing! - Montague Harbour Marine Provincial ParkCanada.British Columbia.Galiano Island.Galiano Island - Things to Do.Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park.
How do you get to Galiano Island from Vancouver Island?
BC Ferries operates a scheduled ferry service from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in Victoria to Sturdies Bay on Galiano Island. Ticket sales will end 5 minutes before the scheduled sailing time for vehicles and 10 minutes before for walk-on passengers.
Where are the sandstone caves in Galiano?
Retreat CoveThe island's stunning northwest coast, along Retreat Cove, is where you can discover the most iconic vistas Galiano has to offer. The magnificent sandstone caves in Retreat Cove look like out of a movie.
How do I access Retreat Cove?
All you need to do to get to it is go on a short walk from Retreat Cove Road. You literally can't miss the structure as the cave is a massive hole in the side of the sandstone that has eroded over the years.
How much is island hopping in the Philippines?
Island-hopping: $14–25 USD.
What is the climate of Galiano Island?
Like other islands in the Gulf Islands, Galiano Island enjoys a sub-Mediterranean climate and a rich diversity of wildlife. In addition to bald eagles and herons, keep on the lookout for killer whales (aka orcas), seals, otters, and sea lions. This part of the North American West Coast is renowned for its whale watching. Additionally, the island is home to a large deer population.
Where is Galiano's only licensed lounge?
Atrevida Lounge: Galiano's Only Licensed Lounge For Cocktails On the Oceanfront
Is Galiano Island accessible?
In addition to its low level of development and picturesque setting, Galiano Island also has some of the most accessible and easily explored sandstone caves in BC. But it offers much more than that, while kayaking and hiking on the island, keep one's eyes peeled for whales and orcas frolicking and playing out in the Gulf.
Location of Galiano Island
Galiano Island is one of the southern Gulf Islands near Vancouver Island, between Victoria and Vancouver. As a result, it’s a popular travel destination for residents of both the mainland and Vancouver Island.
Distance between Galiano Island and Vancouver
The approximate distance between Galiano Island and Vancouver is 21 km. It’s not that far away from the mainland at all! This distance takes about 55 minutes for the ferry to travel, or about 20-30 minutes by floatplane.
How to get from Vancouver to Galiano Island
To get to Galiano Island from Vancouver, you’ll need to either take a ferry, floatplane, or boat. All ways of getting to Galiano will give you amazing views of the Salish Sea!
Traveling on BC Ferries from Vancouver to Galiano Island
The cheapest way to travel to Galiano Island from Vancouver is by ferry. The Vancouver-Gulf Islands route heads from Vancouver and circles through the Gulf Islands. Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay terminal) is the first stop on the Vancouver-Gulf Islands route.
Flying to Galiano Island from Vancouver
There’s no better way to see the Gulf Islands than from above in a seaplane! Lift off from the ocean and marvel at the beautiful coastlines as you fly over the Strait of Georgia and towards the southern Gulf Islands. Arrive in style at Montague Harbour, where you can head out to explore the island or enjoy the gorgeous nearby beaches.
Sailing a boat to Galiano Island from Vancouver
Exploring by boat is one of the best ways to see all of the hidden gems around Galiano Island. Many Gulf Island locations are inaccessible without a boat. With a boat, you can explore boat-access only areas like sea caves, Dionisio Provincial Park, and small nearby islands.
Accommodations on Galiano Island
Oceanfront views: For a good view of the ocean, look no further than the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa! They have everything you need for an amazing vacation, including a sauna, restaurant, gym, library, private docks, and best of all, a day spa! You’ll return from your trip more refreshed than ever before! They display the famous Kunamokst Mural in their front lobby, which has BC-themed paintings from 200 Canadian artists arranged into an orca and her calf.
Where is Galiano Island?
Like Salt Spring, the long and narrow island of Galiano is also one of the Southern Gulf Islands.
How long is the Galiano Island hike?
If you’re up for some Galiano Island hiking, you’ll be tickled to know you can explore more than 45 miles (75 km) of trails. One of the best Galiano hikes is the 90-minute roundtrip hike in Bodega Ridge Provincial Park. Accessible via scenic Cottage way, most of the trail takes you gently uphill, through arbutus trees.
How long does it take to fly from Vancouver to Galiano Island?
Seair Seaplanes offers scheduled floatplane service from Vancouver to Galiano Island. The flying time is 10 minutes.
How long is the trail on Galiano Island?
You can also hike a scenic 1.2-mile (2-km) loop trail, often touted as the prettiest hike on Galiano Island.
How many miles of hiking is there on Galiano Island?
If you’re up for some Galiano Island hiking, you’ll be tickled to know you can explore more than 45 miles (75 km) of trails.
What is the name of the island on the west coast of Canada?
If you live on the west coast of Canada (or the U.S.), you’ve probably heard of Salt Spring Island. Less well-known is Galiano Island. But it’s no less special. And despite its miniature size – it’s only 17 miles (27 km) from tip to tip – you’ll discover plenty of enchanting things to do on Galiano Island. Blanketed with forests, Galiano is ...
How long is the ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Galiano?
From Tsawwassen (near Vancouver on the B.C. mainland), BC Ferries offers non-stop vehicle-and-passenger service to Galiano (55 minutes). You can make reservations on this route (highly recommended).
Why visit Galiano Island?
High volume tourism has never taken off, probably because locals have never gone for it themselves, and development on the island is pretty minimal. No banks (thought there is one ATM), few shopping outlets, no major attractions of any kind beyond the natural beauty, no mega hotels, no rental car agencies, and no chain restaurants of any kind.
How many holes are there in Galiano Golf Course?
The Galiano Golf Course is… an adventure. An 9 hole course, some holes require a climb up the side of a cliff to get to the tee and you never know when you will contend with deer on the fairway. My Dad taught me to golf on this course, you can ask him how fantastic I was. The family golf aficionado Uncle Doug hates this course, probably because it’s the only course where my Dad has beaten him. I will expect a comment from him below…
What is Galiano lacking in quantity?
What Galiano lacks in quantity it more than makes up for in quality. The most famous eatery on the island is the Hummingbird Pub, an absolute institution with cold beer, great eats, music on weekends, and most notably: The Pub Bus! What used to be an old bright red bus, has been replaced with a retired school bus that shuttles patrons between Montague marina, the campground, and the pub. Safety first when it comes to no drinking and driving! Not that there are many cops on Galiano, but still, those roads are winding and there are very few streetlights!
What is the busiest place on the island?
Montague Provincial Park is probably the busiest place on the whole island in the summer. Montague is a marina as well as a major campground, so it is truly hopping with both boaters and campers. Montague is a top BC campsite, with a real community atmosphere, as many people come for long stretches of the summer. Montague is where we had to go to get fresh drinking water that didn’t smell like sulphur back in the day.
What can you see in Galiano?
But looking out from Galiano, that’s when the fun begins. Seals can regularly be seen sunning themselves on hot flat rocks when the tide is out. Passing pods of orca whales can be seen from a number of lookouts (especially Bellhouse and Bluff parks), or you might chance out and see them from the ferry before you even dock. And I can spend all day searching through tidal pools for whatever little creatures are dwelling in for the day: mussels, crabs, anemones, tiny fishes, and who knows what else kept me busy literally for hours as a kid. I was also the proud proprietor of a “Crab Hospital” for one summer. Few came out alive.
What are the animals that live on the island?
Anyways, speaking of animals that are naked, deer, bald eagles, beavers, otters, and marmots can all be seen on the island, not to mention a ton of birds, especially Great Blue Herons, depending on the season. And yes I know bald eagles are birds, but they’re like, big birds.
Is there public transportation on Galiano Island?
The cheapest way to go is to walk on, but note, there is no public transportation on Galiano, nor are there sidewalks, so getting around on foot isn’t too easy itself. It really is a good idea to have a car on Galiano Island.
