The population hovers around one thousand people but swells considerably in the tourist season. Mountainous and for the most part covered with forest and field, the shorelines alternate between bluffs, beaches and rocky outcroppings. There is an abundance of wildlife (with the exception of cougars, wolfs and bears) particularly black trailed deer. The island is a boaters and kayakers destination and often visited by cyclists even though the roads are winding, narrow and hilly. A bicycle shop near the ferry terminal provides parts and repairs if you have a problem. You'll find a marina and moorage, along with kayak rentals in Montague Harbour. Hiking trails and beach walks abound, with many of the inland trails leading to exceptional viewpoints. If you decide to take a beach walk be sure you have a copy of the areas tide tables to avoid getting marooned or trapped by incoming tides. Front country camping is available at Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park and primitive camping can be had at Dionisio Point Provincial Park (water access only - Porlier Pass should only be attempted by expert kayakers with solid knowledge of tides and currents). There are a number of regional parks on the island including Mount Galiano, Bodega Ridge and Bluffs Park.

The main centre on the island is Sturdies Bay which has groceries, liqueur, hardware, a gas station, a bakery, a book store and a number of restaurants. Accommodations can be found throughout the island and range from small B&Bs to splendid inns ,such as the Galiano Ocean Front Inn, which is also one of the islands spas.

As with most of the Gulf Islands, Galiano has a large number of artists and artisans which make their work available in the island galleries or in their own studios. Art on a Fence is a well visited showing of island artists work which takes place during the summer months. Other events of note are the Galiano Wine Festival and the Saturday Market.

Getting Here & Getting Around - There are BC Ferries from Tsawwassen (Vancouver/Lower Mainland) and Swartz Bay (Victoria/Vancouver Island) some of which are direct (taking about one hour) and some hop from island to island on route (slow but scenic). You can also connect directly or indirectly with Salt Spring, Mayne, Pender and Saturna. Gabriola, Kuper and Thetis (Valdes has no ferry service) are served by separate routes. Galiano's ferry terminal is located at Sturdies Bay at the south eastern tip of the island. Inter-island passenger ferry service is also available through Gulf Islands Water Taxi. Several regional airlines service the island as well. Boaters can take advantage of the anchorages in the protected area of Montague Harbour as well as harbours and bays. Canada Customs (Canadian Border Service Agency) is located on South Pender Island. Check out their website website for information on custom clearance and the CANPASS system. The Gulf Island Taxi Company provides taxi service on the island.

Map of Galiano Island

Map of Gabriola Island
Map of Mayne Island
Map of Pender Islands
Map of Salt Spring Island
Map of Ganges Village - Salt Spring
Map of Saturna Island

Out-There - www.out-there.com - Home

Nature & Outdoor Adventure

Events, Festivals and Attractions - Galiano Island

• Adelaar Ridge Cruises - Boat Cruises, Galiano Island
• Art Galiano - A Virtual Gallery, Galiano
• August Harvest & Flower Show (Galiano Chamber) - Galiano
• Galiano Art Gallery - Galiano Island
• Galiano Museum and Archives - Galiano Island
• Galiano Saturday Market (Galiano Chamber) - Summer, Galiano
• Galiano Wine Festival - August, Galiano Island
• Top O' The Heap - Labyrinth, Galiano Island

Gulf Islands

• ArtCraft - Exhibit, Spring & Summer, Salt Spring Island
• ArtSpring - Performing Arts Centre, Salt Spring Island
• Big Trees - The Big Trees of Salt Spring Island
• Dancing Man - Music Festival, Gabriola Island
• Eco-Home Tour - Salt Spring Island
• Fall Fair - Salt Spring Island
• Farm Days at Ruckle Park - Salt Spring Island
• Flying Dreams - Salt Spring Island
• Gabriola Studio Tour - Thanksgiving, Gabriola Island
• Graffiti Theatre - Salt Spring Island
• Island Gourmet Safaris - Salt Spring Island
• Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre - Salt Spring Island
• Mayne Island Fall Fair (Mayne Chamber) - August, Mayne
• Mayne Island Farmers Market (Mayne Chamber) - Summer, Mayne
• Music Under the Stars - Summer, Tree House Cafe, Ganges, Salt Spring Island
• Nature Diver - Marine Life in the Gulf Islands Region
• Pender Creatives - Pender Island Arts
• Pender Islands Community Hall - Events Pender Islands
• Pender Island Fall Fair (Community Hall) - August
• Pender Island Museum - Pender Island
• PhotoSynthesis - Island Photographers, Salt Spring Island
• Salt Spring Apple Festival - Fall, Salt Spring Island
• Salt Spring Archives - Salt Spring Island
• Salt Spring Dollars - Salt Spring Island
• Salt Spring Fibre Festival - In Praise of Hands, Salt Spring Island
• Salt Spring Film Festival - Salt Spring Media Group
• Salt Spring Folk Club - Salt Spring Island
• Salt Spring Jazz Fest - Salt Spring Island
• Salt Spring Potters Guild - Salt Spring Island
• Salt Spring Saturday Market - Renown outdoor market, Salt Spring Island
• Salt Spring Studio Tour - Salt Spring Island
• Saturna Artists Open Studio Tour (Saturna Tourism) - August
• Saturna Lamb Barbeque - July 1, Winter Cove Park, Saturna Island
• Sporades Tours - Eco Tours
• Stagecoach Theatre School - Salt Spring Island

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