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Greetings from Galiano:
Spectacular First Nations art adorns the lobby
of the Galiano Inn, not far from the ferry terminal.
Image credit: James
Labounty
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Galiano
By Jesse Spencer
The SKINNIEST, driest and least agricultural of the
islands, Galiano (named for the Spanish explorer who
visited the area in 1792) is also the easiest to reach
from Vancouver. Nonetheless, it retains a largely unspoiled
character. It’s home to several ecological reserves—Mount
Galiano, Mount Sutil and the stunning Bodega Ridge—as
well as Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park, and
Dionisio Point Provincial Park at the north end of the
island.
From the heights of Bluffs Park, at the
south end, you’re rewarded with a spectacular
view of Active Pass, which separates Galiano from Mayne
Island. Take a picnic and binoculars and you can spend
hours spotting bald eagles, loons, cormorants and gulls.
When the herring are running, California sea lions come
to gorge, and a pod of killer whales makes its home
in Active Pass.
The hiking, beachcombing, sea kayaking
and mountain biking on the island are first rate; more
sedate activity can be found, nine holes at a time,
at the Galiano Golf & Country Club. But perhaps
the most seductive spot on the island is a mere five-minute
walk from the ferry dock.
At the Galiano Inn, on the site of an
old fishing lodge, proprietors Conny Nordin and Mel
Gibb have created an idyllic resort with fastidiously
appointed rooms, a better restaurant than you’d
expect (complete with a wine list that includes inspired
selections from off-the-radar Vancouver Island wineries),
and a spa in which to recover from the day’s exertions.
It’s only half an hour from Tsawwassen, yet it’s
as if you’ve stepped into a world moving in slow
motion—all the better to savour it.
STAY: GALIANO INN
All rooms are oceanfront; king rooms from $299 a night;
queens from $249. Rates include a full breakfast in
the always-excellent Atrevida restaurant. 134 Madrona
Dr., 877-530-3939/250-539-3388. Galianoinn.com
EAT: HARBOUR GRILL
This lively, low-key spot in the Montague Marine Harbour
serves hearty sandwiches with salad or house-made soup
prepared fresh daily (the clam chowder is a house favourite).
Also recommended: the grilled lamb burger ($10.95).
Beer sold by the bottle. Montague Marine Harbour, 250-539-5733.
GETTING THERE:
At least two sailings daily and most are direct, though
expect a stop on Mayne on late afternoon, weekend departures.
Travel time: about 50 minutes. Seair offers two direct
flights daily. Travel time: South Terminal to Montague
Harbour: 20 minutes.
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