City: Galiano Island
Top Things to do in Galiano Island
Top Restaurants in Galiano Island
What to do and see in Galiano Island, Canada: The Best Places and Tips
A 40 minute direct ferry ride from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, Galiano Island is a fabulous day trip destination for those seeking a taste of the Gulf Islands. From the spectacular white shell midden beaches at Montague Harbour, to the sandstone caves at Dionisio Point, to the art galleries and bohemian culture and shops at Sturdies Bay, this island's a wonderful place to explore for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle. Note that the island is rather hilly and destinations are spread out. Having a car is recommended.
Restaurants in Galiano Island
1. Gulf Island Kayaking
Overall Ratings
5 based on 61 reviews
Offering guided tours and rentals in the Gulf Islands since 1985. Join our knowledgeable guides for an unforgettable kayaking experience exploring the stunning sandstone cliffs and intertidal life along Galiano's undeveloped coast. Paddle with eagles, seals, otters and more!
Reviewed By EJ B - White Rock, Canada
When everything goes right, you may as well review and let others know!! They were totally helpful, totally flexible, full of information, gave the safety demonstrations and the price was great! Of course it helped that the weather was perfect, the ocean was like glass, many cool creatures both in the water and on the rocks. Would highly recommend them and will use them every time I go kayaking on the island.
2. Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By NOBADDAYS2US - Victoria, Canada
For a contracted out services park, they do a terrific job here. There is more raking up in the morning than anywhere else I've been. Every site AND the washroom areas.
I sure wish they would replace the sites they deleted against the rock bluff by taking out some bush on the other side of the road. I counted 6 possible sites. BC PARKS announced expanding more RV sites this year but it looks like they forgot this place! Please add more sites!!!
This park is jammed full all summer long!!! Without a reservation, forget it.
3. Galiano Moped and Boat Rentals
Overall Ratings
5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Debra B
We were touring the Gulf Islands on bicycles and, as 61-year-olds, knew that Galiano was too long and too hilly for us to see in one day. We booked a reservation with Ralph and Rocky for two mopeds. Ralph picked us up at the Galiano Inn to make life easy for us. During the 15-minute drive to Montague Bay and his center of operations, Ralph channeled his past life as a schoolteacher and taught us a great deal about the history of the island, its current culture, and the aspirations of its residents. He pointed out his favorite watering holes and eateries on the way. Upon arrival, Ralph pulled out a map and spent 45 minutes noting each of the locations he'd mentioned on the drive and highlighting each of the places we might like to visit. His highlights included pictures that he had taken at those locations. It was a great way to help visitors like us prioritize the sights. As an aside, the clock on our rental didn''t start until after Ralph's incredible virtual tour. Furthermore, to make our lives easy, Ralph allowed us to simply park the mopeds at our inn when we were done for the day, and he took care of ferrying them back to his center of operations. Our experience with Galiano Moped and Boat Rentals was positive on all fronts. It made a beautiful island accessible to us, and Ralph's attention to detail was charming and more than we ever expected.
4. Kunamokst Mural
Overall Ratings
5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By SunnyandBuster - Seattle, Washington
This mural is really impressive with a larger picture made up of smaller works of art. The diversity of the imagery is amazing. It is unfortunate that it is in a small lobby area so you cannot get back and really take it in. Definitely worth seeing but I wouldn't go out of my way to do so.
5. Bluffs Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
The park explores bluffs and cliffs decorated in arbutus and Garry Oak trees. The trails and cliffside viewpoints reveal marine and ocean views. The views reach as far as Saltspring Island and include Mayne Island, Active Pass, Navy Channel and the Pender Islands.
Reviewed By SmashCakes29 - Edmonton, Canada
This is a short but beautiful hike that is not too strenuous. I recommend parking your car on Bluffs Park Road, right in front of the wooden sign that says Bluffs Park. It doesn't look like much of a parking lot but you'll easily see the trail head. The initial part of the trail takes you through some lush forest areas and then once you're on the main road again take the trail (which will be on your right) up to the top of Bluffs Park. It offers amazing views (particularly on a sunny, clear day) of the Gulf Islands and the many boats and Ferries travelling between the Islands. A great hike for all ages!
6. Madrona Del Mar Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Madrona del Mar Spa is your destination for healing and renewing your spirit. Ocean, sky and forest frame over 4,000 sq ft of serenity that invites you to experience a unique array of spa treatments that engage British Columbia's natural and organic products. Couples treatments in garden or oceanfront setting.
Reviewed By _Cynthia_westcoast - White Rock, Canada
Pam the esthetician that performed my facial was amazing. So friendly, knowledgeable and skilled in her profession and Jessica gave my husband and I the best deep tissue massage we have ever experienced. We have enjoyed top destination spas all over the world and these two ladies made a lasting impression on us. That is how talented the team is at this spa.
Thank you, we will be back soon!
7. Bellhouse Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By ZLI - Galiano Island, Canada
This is a small park with huge appeal. Sitting right on Active Pass, the ferry traffic is interesting and occasionally there will be pods of Orca. There will nearly always be a seal or two. The eagles keep a permanent nest there. In spring the wildflowers are lovely. Easy to walk around with well placed benches for sitting and gazing
8. Dionisio Point Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Loslonelymom - Vancouver, Canada
One must obtain advance permission to walk through aboriginal lands to get to the point. Very willing to do this but not able to do so on short notice. Family member with local knowledge will help us on a future visit, unclear how anyone from general public would be able to accomplish this....
9. Galiano Island Books
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Donald G - Vancouver
This store is excellent ... wonderful selection of new and used books as well as some toys, calendars and more. Our daughter read the first book we bought there so quickly we had to return the next day! Excellent service too - they went out of their way to handle an exchange.
10. Tour Galiano
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Escape the city life for the day! Hop on a 1 hour ferry from Vancouver or Victoria and be picked up and dropped back off at the end of the day by us! Galiano Island is the secret of all secrets, known for beautiful sandy secluded Beaches and a hiking Mecca. Mix in an art studio tour while your here, Galiano is home to several world renowned artists. Come for the day and I guarantee you'll want to come back for a weekend. You can also book a flight from YVR south terminal on Seair in the morning and be back in Vancouver that night. Book in adavance, we will take care of the rest. Moorage at Montague Marina, by far one of the best Marinas in the Gulf Islands. Who needs a vehicle! Galiano Island is ideal for day trippers & small getaways! See you this summer :)
Reviewed By salewis22 - Nanaimo, Canada
Hello Rachelle,
We wanted to thank you again for being our guide on the Explore & Hike
Tour of Galiano Island May 6, 2017.
The beautiful sunny day was made complete with spectacular sights from the many places we visited including breathtaking views atop Mount Galiano that provided the background to our numerous photos.
The lunch was outstanding with such variety including fresh bread for sandwiches, sweet fruit and a tasty dessert.
Last, but by no means least, your warm and friendly personality and sound knowledge of your island was much appreciated as we were all new to the island tour experience. And a genuinely thoughtful touch on your gifts to each of us at the end of the tour too.
We will definitely be recommending Tour Galiano to our family and friends!
Thanks again,
Scott L. (Nanaimo, BC), Shannon and Paige G. (Vancouver, BC), and Regan J. (Vancouver, BC)
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