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Despite its popularity and proximity to Vancouver, Galiano is still nicely undeveloped, the closest thing even to a village being the ferry terminal of Sturdies Bay. There are plenty of walks through old-growth forest, much of it protected by the assiduous efforts of locals, and places to swim. There are no banks or cash machines, so bring sufficient cash. Nor is there a tourist office, just a booth with ads and leaflets.
Galiano Island Visitors’ Association, T 5392233, http://www.galianoisland. com
Sights
The long, skinny finger of Galiano sits in the Georgia Strait pointing northwest away from Sturdies Bay in the southeast. Sturdies Bay Road connects fairly soon with Porlier Pass Road, which runs the length of the island. Alternatively, just after the ferry, a left turn down Burrill takes you along Bluff Road and through Bluffs Park, a beautiful chunk of old-growth forest. Shortly thereafter, a left fork leads to Active Pass Drive, and the trailhead for ascending Mount Galiano, a satisfying hike leading to views of the Olympic Mountains, Navy Channel and, on a clear day, all of the Southern Gulf Islands. If you take the right fork, a left down Montague Road eventually connects back with Porlier Pass Road, just before Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park. There are three white shell beaches here, a café and store, wonderful sunsets, and a great campground. A 3-km shoreline trail runs around Gray Peninsula. Two-thirds along the island, Cottage Way gives access to Bodega Ridge, a 3-km walk with views all along. Dionisio Point Provincial Park at the west end has camping, with many rare flowers and fine views, but marine access only. You can dive there with Galiano Diving, T 5393109, http://www.galianodiving.com, who also operate a water taxi.
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