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Galiano Island

Go for 2 nights as a quiet Gulf Island stop: ferry from Tsawwassen 55 min, no public transit, sights spread over 27 km (17 mi) — plan transport before you book.

Galiano is the closest Southern Gulf Island to Vancouver and the least developed: 27 km long and narrow, with forest, sandstone shoreline and a small village at Sturdies Bay. There is no public transit and few services north of the village, so most trips are 1–3 nights built around hiking, kayaking and the ferry schedule. It works as a base for island-hopping to Mayne, Saturna and Salt Spring.

basic guide: no trip line yet
More
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
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More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
CAD
Best months
May–Sep; Jul–Aug for warmest water and most sailings
avoid Nov–Feb (few services, quiet season ferry timetable)
Airports
Vancouver International (YVR) · Victoria International (YYJ)
Nights
2

About Galiano Island

Galiano Island sits northeast of Saltspring Island, off the east coast of Vancouver Island, and is the Southern Gulf Island nearest to Vancouver. It is long and narrow at roughly 27 kilometers, the second largest of the Southern Gulf Islands, and much of its land remains forest or residential home sites. Among these islands it is the one with beaches, and its shoreline includes sandstone bedrock. Sturdies Bay, where the ferry terminal is, holds a small village with shops. The island is known as a starting point for island hopping, with BC Ferries linking it to Mayne, Pender, Salt Spring and Saturna, and to Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay.

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide for Galiano Island: no airport-to-bed path, walking clusters or day plans yet. Fares and schedules here are unverified. What this page does cover
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
  • North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
  • North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
  • North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
  • Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
  • Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
  • Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.

Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide

Checking your follows…
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices

See

What is worth your time in Galiano Island.

  • Bellhouse Provincial Park — It gives views of Active Pass, where large BC Ferries pass through, plus Mayne Island and the Strait of Georgia.
  • Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park — It lies about 10 km from the ferry terminal and has trail walks, sunsets seen from Shell Beach, and intertidal life at low tide.
  • Dionisio Point Provincial Park — Reached by boat or on foot, it has sandy beaches such as Coon Bay and is used for fishing, boating, kayaking, wildlife viewing and scuba diving.
  • Kunamokst Mural — Over 180 artists worked together on this mural of West Coast sea life, which is at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa.
  • Retreat Cove Cave — It is a sandstone sea cave formed over thousands of years by erosion.

Do

  • Hike to vantage points atop Mount Galiano, Bodega Ridge and Bluffs Park, or walk along Mathews Park Beach.
  • Go whale watching for Orca.
  • Take the Art Tour and visit studios in the forest homes of artists, or see several at Art and Soul Gallery in the Village.
  • Use Galiano as a base for island hopping by BC Ferries or a summer water taxi.

Customs

  • Many artists make their homes on the Gulf Islands, Galiano among them, and studios can be visited around the island.
  • Hiking trails are not well marked and signage is limited, though local people are friendly and exploration is considered easy and safe.
  • The island is very undeveloped, with most land left as forest or residential home sites.
Emergency numbers for Galiano Island911 ▾
  • Police, fire, ambulance911
  • HealthLink BC (24 h nurse line)811

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Galiano Island, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • CoffeeCoffee and a bakery itemC$6–12 (≈ US$5–9)
  • SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
  • Budget bedCampsite (Montague Harbour), a night, per roomC$35 (≈ US$30)
  • Mid-range bedInn or B&B double room, a night, per roomC$260 (≈ US$190)
  • High-end bedInn or B&B double room, a night, per roomC$420 (≈ US$350)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Montague Harbour Marine Provincial ParkBellhouse Provincial Park and Active PassMount Galiano and Bodega Ridge hikesKayaking and whale watchingArtist studios and galleries
Airports
YVR Vancouver International (float plane dock) (Seair Seaplanes to Montague Harbour; scheduled service, weather dependent) · YYJ Victoria International (Transfer to Swartz Bay terminal by bus or taxi, then ferry to Sturdies Bay; route and timing check)

Map of Galiano Island

Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.

Mayne IslandChemainusDuncanSaturna IslandPoint RobertsLadysmith, British ColumbiaSidneyDelta

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

  • Galiano Island
  • Basic guide

Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps

Guides nearby

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Avoid

    8°C (46°F)

  2. Feb

    Avoid

    8°C (46°F)

  3. Mar

    not flagged

    10°C (50°F)

  4. Apr

    not flagged

    13°C (55°F)

  5. May

    Best

    16°C (61°F)

  6. Jun

    Best

    19°C (66°F)

  7. Jul

    Best

    22°C (72°F)

  8. Aug

    Best

    22°C (72°F)

  9. Sep

    Best

    19°C (66°F)

  10. Oct

    not flagged

    14°C (57°F)

  11. Nov

    Avoid

    10°C (50°F)

  12. Dec

    Avoid

    8°C (46°F)

Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →

Warmest Jul (22°C (72°F)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F) low), wettest Nov (20 rain days), driest Jul (6). Averages, not a forecast.

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Galiano Island: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

8°C (46°F)

3°C (37°F)

19 rd

Feb

8°C (46°F)

3°C (37°F)

16 rd

Mar

10°C (50°F)

4°C (39°F)

17 rd

Apr

13°C (55°F)

6°C (43°F)

14 rd

May

16°C (61°F)

9°C (48°F)

12 rd

Jun

19°C (66°F)

12°C (54°F)

10 rd

Jul

22°C (72°F)

14°C (57°F)

6 rd

Aug

22°C (72°F)

14°C (57°F)

7 rd

Sep

19°C (66°F)

12°C (54°F)

9 rd

Oct

14°C (57°F)

8°C (46°F)

15 rd

Nov

10°C (50°F)

5°C (41°F)

20 rd

Dec

8°C (46°F)

3°C (37°F)

20 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

No public transit. Bring a car on the ferry or rent an eBike, moped or smart car on the island; the Hummingbird Pub runs a free evening shuttle in summer. Roads run the length of the island; trails are lightly marked, so carry a map from the tourism booth at Sturdies Bay.

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time

Mayne Island

go

Door to door: About 1 h (check)

BC Ferries inter-island sailing from Sturdies Bay

Short hop; check the timetable, sailings are limited.

Saturna Island

go

Door to door: 1.5–2 h (check)

BC Ferries inter-island sailing from Sturdies Bay

Quietest of the group; go for the day and return on the last boat.

Salt Spring Island (Ganges)

caution

Door to door: 1.5–2.5 h (check)

BC Ferries via a connecting sailing, or the summer Saturday water taxi

Market and shops in Ganges; the water taxi runs July–August only.

Vancouver (Tsawwassen)

skip

Door to door: About 2 h with terminal time (check)

BC Ferries direct, 55 min

A mainland run, not a day trip: too much of the day is terminal and road time.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Sturdies Bay / Village

Walkable from the ferry: bakery, bookstore, galleries, inn. Best for a car-free stay, but everything beyond the village needs a car, bike or taxi.

Montague Harbour

Marina, campground and provincial park about 10 km (6.2 mi) from the terminal; restaurant and kayak launch.

North end (Pebble Beach, Dionisio Point)

Quietest and most remote; Dionisio Point is reached by boat or on foot only, with no road access. Carry in supplies.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
Mid
C$140–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
High
C$230 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Inn or B&B double room1 × 2 nights × C$260C$520
Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$150C$600
BC Ferries Tsawwassen–Sturdies Bay, foot passenger, both ways2 × C$40 · checkC$80
Car on the ferry, both ways1 × C$130 · checkC$130
eBike rental, one day2 × C$80 · checkC$160
eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 · checkC$50
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurgeC$154
Trip total≈ C$424 per person per day, bed includedC$1,694≈ US$1,300

check

2026 estimate in Canadian dollars, check; ferry fares and taxes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.

Prices of common things

Coffee and a bakery itemC$6–12 (≈ US$5–9)
Pub meal (fish and chips, burger)C$20–30 (≈ US$15–25)
Pizza at the waterfront patioSeasonal, roughly May–early Oct.C$18–28 (≈ US$14–25)
Grocery basics for a picnicC$15–25 (≈ US$11–19)
Kayak rental, half dayC$60–90 (≈ US$45–70)
Whale-watching tour from the government dockC$150–200 (≈ US$110–150)
eSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

Very safe for tourists: the real risks are cold water, unmarked trails, deer on the road at dusk and limited cell signal. Tell someone your route before a long hike.
  • Reserve the ferry if you bring a car, especially May–Sep; foot passengers rarely need one.
  • No shops or services north of the village area: carry water and food.
  • Trails are poorly signed and phone signal is patchy in the interior.
  • Cell coverage and some businesses are seasonal; check hours before you rely on them.

Emergency numbers

Police, fire, ambulance
911
HealthLink BC (24 h nurse line)
811

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

Fill in, then print or save as PDF

Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

Galiano IslandGaliano Island

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

To this address, pleaseTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police, fire, ambulance911
  • HealthLink BC (24 h)811

Embassy

No embassies on the island; the US consulate-general is in Vancouver and most others are in Ottawa or Vancouver.

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • Tsawwassen → Sturdies Bay, foot passenger: about C$20 (≈ US$15), 55 min (check)
  • Car on the ferry, each way: about C$65 (≈ US$50) (check)
  • Water taxi, Sturdies Bay → Ganges: Saturdays in Jul–Aug only (check)

Say or show

  • Thank you — Thank you (English is the main language)
  • Where is the ferry terminal? — Where is the ferry terminal?
  • Is this trail marked? — Is this trail marked?
  • Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?

Print this card before you go: signal is patchy on the north end.

Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Galiano Island. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: May–Sep; Jul–Aug for warmest water and most sailings · avoid Nov–Feb (few services, quiet season ferry timetable) · month by month →
  2. 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 4 day-trips, door to door
  6. 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Ferry-and-bed contract for Sturdies Bay: last-sailing checks, foot-passenger fallback, overnight rung.
  2. Walking clusters from the ferry: village, Bellhouse, Montague Harbour, north-end beaches.
  3. Place pages with verified access notes (Montague Harbour, Dionisio Point, Mount Galiano) and eat pages with seasonal hours.
  4. Weather and sailing fixtures so gates A–D can go green.

Meanwhile

Back to Canada

Sources

Ask about Galiano Island

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