Galiano Island

Galiano Island

Our long, green neighbour just across Active Pass

How to get there
Welcome to Galiano Island

A neighbour's guide to Galiano Island

Galiano is the long, narrow island right across Active Pass from us. On a clear day we can watch the ferries slip between our two shores. It stretches about 27 km from Sturdies Bay in the south to Porlier Pass in the north, and most of it is forest, ridge and shoreline.

People come for the walking. There are provincial parks, a community nature preserve on Mount Galiano and a big network of conservancy trails in the middle of the island. Montague Harbour has a white shell beach that is one of the nicest spots in the Gulf Islands for a sunset. In summer, the Saturday market brings everyone together near the village at Sturdies Bay.

Galiano had 1,396 residents in the 2021 Census (Statistics Canada, via the Islands Trust).

Good for

Galiano has some of the best walking in the Gulf Islands, beaches like Montague's shell beach, a summer Saturday market, sheltered water for paddling and plenty of quiet forest.

  • Hiking
  • Beaches
  • Markets
  • Paddling
  • Quiet
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Highlights

Where to go on Galiano Island

Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park

A white shell beach and easy trails around Gray Peninsula, about 10 km from the ferry. The park has vehicle-accessible and walk-in campsites, and reservations go through BC Parks.

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Bellhouse Provincial Park

A small day-use park a short walk from the Sturdies Bay dock, with Garry oak meadows and rocky shore. It looks straight across Active Pass to Mayne, and you can watch the ferries go by.

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Mount Galiano

A steady climb of about 45 minutes to an hour to a summit view over the southern Gulf Islands. The trail starts at the end of Active Pass Drive in a nature preserve held by the Galiano Club, and it is hiking only.

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Bodega Ridge Provincial Park

A 4 km ridge trail with cliff-top views over Trincomali Channel toward Vancouver Island. It is day use only with no water or facilities, so bring your own.

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Galiano Conservancy trails

The Millard Learning Centre on Porlier Pass Road is open year-round and is the main trailhead for more than 20 km of trails through protected land in the middle of the island.

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Galiano Saturday Market

A weekly market at Lions Park on Burrill Road, within walking distance of the ferry. It runs on Saturdays from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving.

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Ferries and getting there

Getting to Galiano Island

Galiano has one BC Ferries terminal, at Sturdies Bay on the south end of the island. Sailings connect it with Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (Victoria), as well as with Mayne, Pender, Saturna and Salt Spring. Some trips are direct and some stop at other islands or need a transfer, so check the schedule for your sailing.

Vehicle reservations are strongly recommended on sailings between Tsawwassen and the Gulf Islands, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Sailings between Swartz Bay and Sturdies Bay, and between the islands, are not bookable. You pay at the terminal and board in order of arrival.

From Mayne, it is a short hop. Sailings run between our Village Bay terminal and Sturdies Bay across Active Pass, and they are first come, first served. Walk on and you can be on a Galiano trail within minutes, since Bellhouse Park and the Saturday market are an easy walk from the Sturdies Bay dock.

Island-hopping tips

  • The Village Bay to Sturdies Bay crossing is not bookable, so arrive early on busy summer days, especially with a car.
  • Going over on foot is the easiest day trip from Mayne, since Bellhouse Park and the Saturday market are walkable from the Sturdies Bay dock.
  • Montague Harbour is about 10 km from the ferry, so plan for a car or bike if you want to get there.
  • If you are heading on to Tsawwassen from Galiano with a vehicle, book ahead, since reservations are strongly recommended on that route.
  • Pick up the Chamber's free community map at the visitor booth near the Sturdies Bay terminal for beach access and walks.
Live sailings from Mayne BC Ferries schedules
Ferry terminals
⛴ Sturdies BayConnects to Tsawwassen (Vancouver), Swartz Bay (Victoria), Mayne (Village Bay), Pender, Saturna and Salt Spring
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The other Southern Gulf Islands

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Make Mayne part of your trip

Staying on Mayne? Start here

Mayne is a short hop from every Southern Gulf Island. Base yourself here and day-trip, or add a night or two on Mayne to your island-hopping plans.

Things to do on MayneOur local guides to trails, beaches, food and moreLive BC Ferries sailingsNext departures and arrivals at Village BayPlaces to stay on MayneCabins, B&Bs, resorts and rentalsWhere to eat on MayneCafés, restaurants and food trucksWhat's onMarkets, music and events on MayneThe Mayne Island directoryEvery local business and service in one place
Good to know

Galiano Island FAQs

How do I get to Galiano Island?

Take BC Ferries to Sturdies Bay, the island's only ferry terminal. Sailings come from Tsawwassen near Vancouver and Swartz Bay near Victoria, and from the other Southern Gulf Islands. Some sailings stop at other islands or need a transfer, so check the schedule.

Do I need a ferry reservation to get to Galiano?

Vehicle reservations are strongly recommended between Tsawwassen and the Gulf Islands. Sailings from Swartz Bay and between the islands are not bookable, so you pay at the terminal and board in order of arrival.

Can I visit Galiano from Mayne Island for the day?

Yes. Sailings run between Village Bay on Mayne and Sturdies Bay on Galiano across Active Pass. Walking on is simple, and Bellhouse Park and the summer Saturday market are close to the dock.

Can you camp on Galiano Island?

Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park has vehicle-accessible and walk-in campsites, booked through the BC Parks reservation site. Dionisio Point Provincial Park at the north end has walk-in camping, but it can only be reached by boat.

What are the best hikes on Galiano Island?

Mount Galiano and Bodega Ridge both have big views over the islands. The Galiano Conservancy's Millard Learning Centre is the trailhead for more than 20 km of trails, and the loop around Gray Peninsula at Montague Harbour is an easy walk.

When is the Galiano Saturday Market?

It runs on Saturdays from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving, at Lions Park on Burrill Road near the village. Check locally for this year's dates and hours before you go.

Helpful links

Official Galiano Island resources

Links go to outside websites. Always check with them for the latest details.