Galiano Island is a place that has become near and dear to me. It is one of the Gulf Islands, off the west coast of Vancouver. I have spent much of the last two summers back and forth and am looking forward to another summer there. Galiano is generally very hot and dry. It offers many beaches, lots of outdoor activities and a very vibrant arts community, all of my favorite things. I arrived last night with my granddaughter, Sophie, and will share my island with you. Come With Me....
Here is a story I have previously written, a shortened version was recently published in the Vancouver Sun.
The Island Next Door – Escape with a Galiano Island Getaway.
Just a short ferry ride and you’re there, surrounded by rocky shoreline, towering Douglas Firs and majestic twisted Arbutus trees. You won’t find a single high-rise tower or trendy condo complex. The only traffic you will encounter is the line-up of cars departing the ferry with kayaks and Thule racks on top. You can smell and taste the salty sea air. You can hear the ocean waves crashing against the rocky shore. Eagles soar in the breeze and otters scamper along the coastline.
There is no shortage of island destinations off the coast of Vancouver but Galiano Island is the perfect choice for an escape from the city. First, the location can’t be beat. By the time you have enjoyed your bacon and eggs (or granola and whole wheat bagel, if you prefer) and drained your second cup of coffee, the ferry will be docking at Sturdies Bay. Secondly, Galiano Island is small, just 27.5 kilometres long and 6 kilometres across at its widest point, with just over 1000 permanent residents. But, Galiano opens its hearts and doors to the thousands of visitors that make the journey every year.
Galiano residents love company. Rather than large scale commercialization Galiano has elected to encourage its residents to develop small cottages, cabins or B&B’s to accommodate its visitors. Whether you prefer a quiet cabin tucked away in the woods or a majestic oceanfront cottage perched high on the bluffs overlooking the sea you will find the perfect place. A solo getaway, a couples retreat, or a family vacation …. Again, you will find the home that suits you. (http://www.galianoisland.com/accommodation)
And, no matter what you enjoy there is something for everyone on Galiano Island.
Seven top things to do on your Island Getaway.
1. Camping.
Make your home under the towering firs at Montague Harbour Provincial Campground,
with just a short walk to the beautiful white shell beach. Frolic in the crystal
clear waters, picnic on the beach or hike around the peninsula, but make sure
to make it back to the beach as the sun sets. Spread your blanket on the sand
and join dozens of visitors as the western sky is painted with brilliant shades
of orange, red, and yellow. (PS. Don’t forget your camera!)
2. Kayaking. Slip your kayak into the waters right off the shore of Montague Beach. Hear the splash of your paddles cutting through the quiet waters as you explore the islands and channels off the harbour. If you are lucky you will be joined by seals, otters, herons or whatever other wildlife welcomes you. With beaches and coves surrounding Galiano Island you may choose instead to explore the sandstone caves at Retreat Cove, or launch off the dock at Whalers Bay. If you don’t have your own kayak, you’re in luck, rentals or guided tours are also available at Montague Harbour. (www.seakayak.ca/galiano)
3. Hiking. Galiano is criss-crossed with hiking trails – long trails, short trails, easy walks or steep and challenging hikes. Savour the peace and tranquility of the wooded forest floor or climb to the top of the rocky ridges that surround the island for 360 degree views and
sweeping ocean vistas. Try the new Tapovan Peace Trail with its extensive network of forested trails and meditative rest stops, culminating in a steep, rocky climb to Peace Park at the top of the ridge. Here you are rewarded with a dazzling view as dozens of islands dot the waters reaching toward the distant horizon. (www.galiander.ca/galianotrails/)
4. Beaches and Parks. The Island is ringed with numerous beaches and parks, each offering something unique. From Montague’s white shell beach and stunning sunsets, to Morning Beach where you can bask in the morning sun and count the deep purple starfish in the shallow water. Walk the rocky lowbank shoreline of Bellhouse Park or explore the caves at Retreat Cove. Hunt for beach glass or seashells on Cain Beach or watch the ferries wind through Active Pass far below from your perch on top of Bluff Park or Lover’s Leap.
5. Saturday Market. A definite must! Make your way to the Lions Park for Galiano’s Saturday Market. Grab a piping hot cup of Salt Spring Coffee and a fresh baked scone from Alison’s Kitchen. Stock up on garden fresh vegetables from Cable Bay Farms.
Check out the local artists and artisans and pick up a souvenir or gift - Island art or photo cards, handmade jewellery or clothing, glasswork or pottery, all unique and handmade.
Meanwhile the park is abuzz with lively music and entertainment, a party in the making.
6. Art Galleries galore. Galiano is renowned for its vibrant and prolific arts scene. Artists of every persuasion make Galiano their home. With over 40 galleries you’ll find paintings, photography, pottery, glasswork, jewellery, woodwork or much more. You can spend a day or the whole weekend visiting the studios, shops and galleries and chatting with the artists. If you love art, visit during the long weekend in August when many of the island’s artists open their doors and host their annual Art Shows. My favorites are Marcia De Vique Glassworks and Cedar Grove Pottery on Porlier Pass Road, midway up the island.
For information on the numerous Art Galleries and Shows: http://www.galianoisland.com/arts
7. Eating. Galiano does not forget or disappoint the food lovers. You will find something for all tastes and palettes, from the Grand Central Emporium diner to fresh wood-fired pizza straight from the outdoor stone oven at the Galiano Inn
.
Hop on the Hummingbird Pub bus for pub fare and an evening of merriment at the Pub complete with live music most weekends in the summer. At Wild1 local Chef Orion Finnie adds herbs fresh from the window ledge to his delicious Thai dishes. Over at pilgrimme, near Montague Harbour, you will discover a constantly changing menu of shared plates using local ingredients paired with BC wines and beer. Sip a cold drink with heaping plate of nachos on the deck of The Sea Blush Café overlooking Montague Harbour. Or, for that special occasion treat yourself to oceanfront fine dining at Atrevida in the stunning Galiano Inn and Spa.
Special Event: Plan your getaway for the August 8th weekend (2015) and spend a hot summer afternoon sampling wonderful BC boutique wines, beers and ciders at Galiano’s Wine & Beer Festival, an annual open-air event at Lions Park. It’s a casual unhurried atmosphere with plenty of room to wander among the wine merchants and wine makers and learn about their vintages.
Nibble homemade snacks while you enjoy live music or join in the carnival-type games like the Rubber Boot Toss. Mark this on your calendar… you won’t want to miss it. (www.galianowinefestival.com).
For more information on Galiano Island: http://www.galianoisland.com
Getting There
Galiano Island is the first in the chain of South Gulf Islands off the coast of Vancouver, British Columbia. In the summer months there are daily departures from Vancouver by BC Ferries out of Tsawwassen Terminal. Sailing time from Vancouver is just 55 minutes. Pick up your Galiano Island Map on the ferry. Reservations (free of charge) are required for all sailings. www.bcferries.com/schedules/southern/
Come with me as we explore this marvelous island more over the summer......
The tide is out so we explore and examine the cracks where starfish attach themselves to the underside of rocks where it is cool and wet, waiting for the tide to come back in. At first the seem evasive, but eventually I find one that has been stranded, upside down on some rocks. We rescue it and she holds it, studying it closely, the rough outer shell and the tiny tentacles or suction cups on the underside. This one is orange, while most are a bright purple. We pick our way along the rocks and toward the little beach we call Tiny Cove, discovering starfish of varying sizes and colours. Sophie is in her glory, she carries them around for a while them releases them in a protected crevice where they will be fine until the tide returns.
