About Galiano Island
 

Information & map provided by the Galiano Chamber of Commerce

Galiano Island, named after the Spanish explorer Dionisio Alcala Galiano who sailed these waters 200 years ago, is a special place of great natural beauty and interest. For thousands of years, the sea­going peoples of the Coast Salish Nation visited Galiano and today a Reserve of the Penelakut Band is located at the north end of Galiano. For the natives, the forests provided a harvest of Oregon grapes, salal berries, and salmon berries as well as elk, deer and grouse. The shores, with their sand and pebble beaches, yielded mussels, crabs and large quantities of clams, and always the bounty of salmon, fish and sea mammals were open to them. Today, walkers, hikers and cyclists are drawn to our quiet country roads and peaceful forest trails that lead them toward spectacular ridges, magnificent viewpoints, sensuously sculptured sandstone cliffs, small coves, and sheltered beaches. Fishing and diving conditions in the clean, clear coastal waters surrounding Galiano’s shoreline is said by many to be among the best in the world. The variety and abundance of marine life is truly phenomenal. Galiano Island is 28 kilometers (17 miles) in length. Its widest point across is 6 km (3 3/4 miles) wide, and its narrowest point across is 1.6 km (1 mile) wide. All ferries traveling from the lower mainland to Vancouver island make their way through Active Pass, which is the most heavily used marine passage in the Gulf Islands. Located at the south end, magnificent views of ferries traveling this passage can be seen from Bluffs Park, Mathews Point Park or the Galiano Cemetery. Far removed from the bustle of city life, yet only a short ferry ride away where the pace is not a race, contemplate the splendor of the sunset or the sensational ocean views, and a peaceful lifestyle full of island character.

Galiano Island's Parks & Beaches
 

Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park, possibly the finest marine park in the Gulf Islands, features three white shell beaches. It’s a great place for a picnic and to watch the sunset.

Bluffs Park, Matthews Point Park, Pebble Beach and Bodega Ridge are areas of particular beauty, which have been protected for future generations through the dynamic effort of the community, and the generosity of its many friends and visitors.

Dionisio Provincial Marine Park (marine access only) with its striking views of the North Shore Mountains has many rare flowers.

Purchased by the community, Mount Galiano has spectacular sweeping panoramas of all the southern Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands.

Enjoy the panoramic views of Georgia Strait, Active Pass and Mount Baker from Bellhouse Park.

Wallace Island Provincial Marine Park, off Galiano’s west shore, welcomes boaters to hike and camp in group or private campsites. Moorage is available, but there is no potable water.

Galiano Island's Artistic Side

Galiano Island is a vibrant artistic community.  There are many groups and organizations and clubs which welcome new members.  They include (but are not limited to):

PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS
Artists Guild, Galiano Singers, Galiano Concerts, the Players Group, Scottish Country Dancers, the Trincomali Community Arts Council, the Weavers and Spinners, Needle Guild

SERVICE
Galiano Housing Society, Recycling Resources & Ratepayers Association, Ladies Service Club, Lions & Lionettes & Lions Park Society, Volunteer Fire Dept, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 84/Mayne Island, Chamber of Commerce, Conservancy Association, Health Care Society, Parents Advisory Committee, Senior Citizen Association of BC (branch 94)

ACTIVITY
Garden Club, Golf & Country Club, Kids Club, Seniors Fun Bridge, South Galiano Island Darts Group, BC Historical Federation, Blackbirds (badminton), Galiano Club.