Friday, June 25, 2010

Galiano Island, British Columbia, Canada

By KC Beam

Galiano Island is the second largest of the big islands that shelters some of the other islands from the Strait of Georgia winds. Galiano one of the driest of the Southern Gulf Islands, lies just east of the busy Salt Spring Island and southwest of the BC Mainland.

The island's impressive coastline features sheer cliffs; sand, pebble and white-shell beaches; sheltered bays and extraordinary sandstone formations. Douglas fir, arbutus and rare, native Garry oak prosper in the inland forests. Sturdies Bay is where you can find accommodations, markets and gasoline.

Galiano Island is considered by many to be the for the most part the most beautiful of the Gulf Islands. You may think so too once you set your eyes on Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park, a 97-hectare park with pristine beaches, lush forests, meadows, a tidal lagoon, and a network of beautiful, romantic walks. Bluffs Park is another fine example of Galiano's remarkable parks and features a hiking trail and a view of Active Pass. For a more challenging hike, follow the trail to the top of Mount Galiano; your reward is a panoramic view.

Galiano, like Mayne has a panoramic views across the Georgia Strait towards Vancouver/Lower Mainland and Coastal mountains. A more protected oceanfront option can be found facing the Trincomali Channel and looking across to Salt Spring Island. These could be a bluff/"high bank" waterfront options.

Galinao is celebrated for its Heritage Forest preserves, and its several marine park reserves. A less known one is Dionisio Marine Park, with wonderful Coon Bay, at the exit point from Porlier Pass.

Getting to Galiano Island is reached via Active Pass. It is just about half way between Vancouver and Victoria and the most northerly of the Southern Gulf Islands. Arriving on one of the Gulf Islands you usually a board B.C. Ferries for the trip, for example from Swartz Bay travel to Sturdies Bay on Galiano Island. The trip length varies depending on the time and route chosen.

Wildlife is plentiful. Eagles soar over the island. Otters, seals and orcas swim in the ocean. The island is a birdwatchers paradise with over 130 species of birds. Whale watching is exceptional in Active Pass.

Walkers, hikers and cyclists benefit from the quiet country roads and trails that lead to awesome ridges and viewpoints, spectacular sculptured sandstone cliffs, coves and sheltered beaches. Scuba diving in the clear, clean coastal water is among the best in the world.

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