Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 837

Galiano Island
POP 1100
With the islands' widest ecological diversity, this skinny landmass - named after a 1790s
Spanish explorer - offers activities for marine enthusiasts and landlubbers alike.
The Sturdies Bay ferry end is markedly busier than the rest of the island, which be-
comes ever more forested and tranquil as you continue your drive from the dock. Drop
into the visitor info booth ( www.galianoisland.com ; 2590 Sturdies Bay Rd; Jul & Aug) be-
fore you leave the ferry area - there's also a garage, a post office and a bookstore nearby.
Once you've got your bearings - ie driven off the ferry - head for Montague Harbour
Marine Provincial Park for trails to beaches, meadows and a cliff carved by glaciers. In
contrast, Bodega Ridge Provincial Park is renowned for its eagle and cormorant bird
life and has spectacular drop-off viewpoints.
The protected waters of Trincomali Channel and the more chaotic waters of Active
Pass satisfy paddlers of all skill levels. Galiano Kayaks ( 250-539-2442;
www.seakayak.ca ; 3451 Montague Rd; 2hr/day rental from $32/58, tours from $55) can help with
rentals and guided tours. And if you fancy exploring on land, rent a moped from Galiano
Adventures ( www.galianoadventures.com ; Montague Harbour Marina; rental per hour from $20;
May-Sep) .
Among the places to sleep on the island, sophisticates will enjoy Galiano Inn (
877-530-3939, 250-539-3388; www.galianoinn.com ; 134 Madrona Dr; d from $249; ) , a
Tuscan-style villa with 10 elegant rooms, each with fireplace and romantic oceanfront
terrace. And, once you're done exploring, drop in for beer and fish-and-chips at the ven-
erable Hummingbird Pub ( www.hummingbirdpub.com ; 47 Sturdies Bay Rd; mains $8-12) ,
where you'll likely run into everyone else on the island.