Galiano

Travel Guide
Galiano featuring a sunset and a bay or harbour
Untouched by development or crowds of tourists, Galiano is an adventure-filled island with spectacular wilderness and plenty of wildlife.

You won’t need to be in Galiano long to understand why it calls itself the “Gem of the Gulf Islands.” Watch whales gliding gracefully through the ocean and climb to the top of a forested peak in untouched wilderness. The few people who live here welcome visitors to the beauty of their island home with lively festivals and year-round entertainment.

Spend your day on a secluded beach lined by forests of pine and cedar. Measuring 17 miles (27 kilometers) from end to end, Galiano Island offers plenty of quiet coastline to discover. Take your camera along to Pebble Beach Reserve and Dionisio Point for photos of tranquil shores.

Experience adventure in the island’s interior. In spite of its size, Galiano is sparsely populated, which means that much of the island remains undeveloped. Hike through the protected parklands of Mount Galiano and Bodega Ridge for spectacular, untouched scenery. Take a mountain bike into the hills or sail a dinghy along the island coastline.

Step aboard a chartered boat departing from Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park to go whale watching in the ocean. Minke, orca and humpback whales are among the different species that visit these waters as they migrate through at different times of the year.

After you’ve had enough nature, explore the village of Sturdies Bay. Browse literature in independent bookstores and wander through charming art galleries. Rejuvenate in one of the island’s spas, where saunas, pools and flotation therapy will relax every muscle in your body.

Galiano is a hub for the network of ferries connecting the various Gulf Islands. Take a boat from here to Salt Spring Island, Mayne Island and other Gulf Islands destinations. To get to Galiano, book a ferry from Tsawwassen or Swartz Bay on Victoria Island.

Plan your visit to coincide with one of Galiano’s lively festivals. August has the Wine and Beer Tasting Festival, February offers a lively Literary Festival and in spring you can witness the unusual celebration known as Nettlefest.

Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
2.5 out of 5
809 Island Hwy S, Nanaimo, BC
The price is S$146 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$146
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,131 reviews)
"Was in town for business, so brought the family for a mini-getaway. The staff was all very friendly and courteous. Our room was spotless when we arrived, and check in was quick. Area in Nanaimo is not the most exciting but it's a short drive to everywhere so that did not matter, proximity to the ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
Driftwood Village
Driftwood Village
3 out of 5
205 Bluff Road East, Galiano, BC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Galiano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (62 reviews)
"Been here before and am always looking forward to it. Great price for a great area."

Reviewed on 17 Mar,2024

Driftwood Village
Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
9775 First St, Sidney, BC
The price is S$159 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
S$159
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Sidney. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and Sidney Fishing Pier ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (112 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2024

Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Driftwood Village
Driftwood Village
3 out of 5
205 Bluff Road East, Galiano, BC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Galiano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (62 reviews)
"Been here before and am always looking forward to it. Great price for a great area."

Reviewed on 17 Mar,2024

Driftwood Village
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
3.5 out of 5
315 Robinson Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a balcony or patio. Popular attractions Mistaken Identity Vineyards and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (255 reviews)
"Love the cottage layout. So cozy and quiet. Perfect for a weekend getaway. A little disappointed in the cleanliness this time with stained/dirty sheets on one bed and a dirty shower (glass and shower head). Missed the Saltspring Coffee welcome gift so went out and bought our own! Love this resort ..."

Reviewed on 8 Feb,2024

The Cottages on Salt Spring Island
Mineral Springs Resort
Mineral Springs Resort
2.5 out of 5
1460 North Beach Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay at this beach cabin in Salt Spring Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Blue Horse Folk Art Gallery and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (247 reviews)
"Beautiful views, incredibly tranquil surroundings."

Reviewed on 8 Jan,2024

Mineral Springs Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit