Galiano is a favorite among the
southern Gulf Islands, partly because of its natural
ambience, and also because of the very fine restaurants
and bed & breakfast places on the island. The ferry
arrives at Sturdies Bay and the Infocentre is just up the
hill There are miles of old logging roads and trails for
walking. It is possible to hike the entire east coast, a
trek of some 20 kilometers.
Montague Harbour Provincial Park has
87 acres of shell and gravel beaches, a lagoon and a
sheltered harbor, as well as two campgrounds (one for
motorists, the other for cyclists and boaters). There are
signs of the existence of Indian settlements here,
including a midden on the Gray Peninsula.
Bellhouse Park is on a rocky
peninsula at Burill Point, near the Sturdies Bay ferry
landing. This is a natural area with a few picnic tables
overlooking Active Pass. Across the pass is Mayne
Island, and on a good day---which is almost any
day---you can see the peak of Mount Baker in Washington
State.
Another park overlooking Active Pass is
Galiano Bluffs Park. Drive along Bluff Drive and
stop at this lovely local park to watch the ferry and
other marine traffic sailing through the pass.
Where to Eat
La Berangerie (250-539-5392) is open
daily with fresh west-coast food and Huguette Benger's
French flair. It's a must if you're visiting Galiano. For
a pub meal, try Hummingbird Inn at Sturdies Bay, with a
tavern, take-out service and a picnic area.
Trincomali Bakery, across from
McLure Rd. has fresh bread, pastries & cappucino.
Montague Harbour Marina not only has
a scenic location on the water but is a very popular
place for lunch. The restaurant is open from April to
October.
Staying on Galiano Island:
Woodstone Country Inn (250-539-2022) is a
modern B & B inn with a fine restaurant in a rural
setting.
La Berangerie (250-539-5392) has an outstanding
restaurant with rooms above, in a great wooded setting.
Sutil Lodge (250-539-2930) is a heritage house
at Montague Harbour with 1930s rooms, shared baths, free
canoes and dining.
Madrona Lodge (250-539-2926) has cedar cottages
by the sea with moorage, rowboats and bicycles.
Bodega Resort (250-539-2677) has log chalets
with kitchens on a hill in a farm setting.
More Gulf Islands: go to
