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A Weekend on Galiano Island, BC

Rain and Raccoons...........


Galiano Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands off the coast of B.C. and an easy one hour ferry ride from the town of Tsawwassen, You can take your car if you will be touring the island, but many people walk on the ferry and take their bikes.

Montague Harbour, a provincial park with a beautiful shell beach and amazing sunset views,  contains a campsite that has a few drive-in's for RV's and walk-in camp sites. Wheelbarrows are provided in the parking lot to carry your stuff up the steep, dirt paths. Note that electricity is only provided at the RV sites - something we found out when we attempted to blow up our air mattress with an electric pump! Bathroom facilities are outhouses and there are no showers.


 As we set up camp, the ranger apologized for the raccoon problem (a den located in a tree right behind our site). The warning was justified as the little bandit managed to steal one unopened bag of chips, half a loaf of bread and terrorized us during the night by fighting with his friends under our tent base! 

  The next morning we woke up to rain, and although our tent was technically waterproof, everything felt damp and cold. Packing up to leave, my boyfriend managed to impale himself with the wheelbarrow handle, resulting in a cracked rib! Good thing he was so tough:)

 We went into town (the few stores by the ferry terminal) to grab coffee at Sturdies Bay & Bakery Cafe which also happened to have amazing, freshly-baked cinnamon buns. 


Then, braving the rain, we drove up to Galiano Mt. This is a two hour, moderate hike through the forest that rewards you at the top with an amazing view of neighbouring Gulf Islands: Mayne, Pender and SaltSpring.

 After the hike we were hungry and wet, so we headed to the Hummingbird Pub. This is local favourite that serves up a laid back Galiano vibe and live music as well as delicious hamburgers and fries. They actually have a shuttle bus that runs several times a day to and from the campsite so you don't have to take your car. The bus ride is definitely an experience you don't want to miss. Outfitted with lots of musical instruments and a throw-back hippy look, passengers are expected to play and sing along with the bus driver to old favourites such as Yellow Submarine.

 Waiting for the ferry (note that it only runs once or twice a day back to the mainland) we went back into town again to check out Galiano Island Bookstore, an example of the best kind of independent bookstore, with many bestsellers as well as local authors and a used section.

 Although we didn't partake of them this trip, there are several other activities you could do on Galiano. If you want to rent a kayak or take a group tour, Galiano Kayaks is located right at Montague Harbour. The curvy, narrow road that climbs up, down and around the island is perfect for moped riding. These can also be rented at Montague Harbour from Galiano Moped and Boat Rentals.


If you don't want to camp (didn't I make it sound appealing?:) there are other accommodations. Check out airbnbs and bed and breakfasts. One great option if you are willing to splurge is the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa.  This is a lovely place right on the beach that also has two wonderful restaurants. 

More Gulf Islands To Explore

 SaltSpring Island Weekend Getaway

Weekend on Pender Island, B.C.

Kayaking on Mayne Island, B.C.
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