Escape into nature on this narrow island, which can be driven from one end to the other in just 30 minutes. Galiano Island offers a unique blend of pristine wilderness and laidback luxuries, from top-notch restaurants to a serene oceanfront spa.
Though it feels wonderfully remote, it’s the closest of the Southern Gulf Islands to BC’s Lower Mainland, making it an easy getaway.
It’s the kind of place where locals don’t ask where you’re staying, they ask whose place you’re staying at. With such a close-knit community, you’re bound to see the same friendly faces more than once. The barista who made your morning coffee? Don’t be surprised if they’re also your server at dinner.
We list the 16 best things to do on Galiano Island as well as the best time to visit, how to get to Galiano and the best way to get around the island.
Planning a trip to the island? Check out our list of unique hotels and B&Bs and the 8 best restaurants on Galiano Island.
16 Best Things to do in Galiano Island, BC
1. Start your morning with coffee from Oxeeye Cafe
Oxyeye Cafe
Oxeeye is a cozy cafe and bakery in Sturdies Bay that serves Pacific Northwest-inspired items. Grab a hot coffee to start your day exploring the island.
2. Explore forest studios for one-of-a-kind artisan products
Marcia De Vicque Glassworks | Cedar Grove Pottery
Tucked away in the forest, just off the road, Galiano's quirky artist studios offer a variety of handcrafted items from pottery to glassworks. Don't miss these artist studios:
Cedar Grove Pottery
An open air pottery shop located in the forest. Located at 9720 Porlier Pass Rd.
Marcia De Vicque Glassworks
Browse the collection of glass artworks in a wooden garden shack in the forest. Located at 9840 Porlier Pass Rd.
Of the Earth
Tucked away in the back of Sturdies Bay, Of the Earth is a pottery studio that blew us away. We’ve seen our fair share of pottery from our travels, but this studio stands out with its contemporary, minimalist aesthetic. Their pieces look like something straight out of Architectural Digest.
While most of their work is sold wholesale to boutique stores across North America, you can find select pieces at their studio or online. I picked up a vase, and Ari grabbed some dishes perfect for presenting his sushi. We enjoyed chatting with the friendly duo, Conrad and Dina.
Located at: 2540 Sturdies Bay Rd.
3. Treat yourself to the spa
4. Eat dinner at the award-winning Pilgrimme
Pilgrimme Galiano
Pilgrimme is an intimate restaurant in the middle of the forest serving farm-to-table dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and foraged foods found in the woods and sea. In 2015 it was named the 3rd best new restaurant in Canada by Enroute Air Canada.
Pilgrimme offers set tasting menus and reservations are highly recommended. This place is special - it's brought us back to Galiano a few times just to eat there!
Fun Fact: Chef McCleery spent a season in the kitchen of the world-renowned Noma restaurant located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
See our list of 8 Galiano Restaurants you have to try.
5. Spot wildlife and cool rock formations in Dionisio Point Provincial Park
Dionisio Point Galiano Island
On the Northeastern tip of the island lies one of BC's most beautiful parks: Dionisio Point Provincial Park. It's only accessible by boat or kayak, but the journey is worth it to see its incredible sculpted sandstone formations and wildlife.
We were excited when we saw a group of seals! It felt like we were in an episode of Planet Earth.
🚣 Check out kayaking tours with Gulf Island Kayaking6. Go for a beach stroll at Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park
Take a stroll along the white-shelled beach, or bring a beach blanket and relax by the calm waters.
7. Watch the sunset from The Crane and Robin
The Crane and Robin is a great spot to grab a bite to eat while overlooking Montague Harbour from the outdoor patio. They have delicious tacos, local BC wines and beers, sustainable seafood, and vegan options. It's one of the best spots to watch the sunset on the island.
8. Have a picnic at Bellhouse Provincial Park along the ocean
Bellhouse Provincial Park is the perfect place for a picnic on the bluffs overlooking the ocean.
From the bluffs, you have views of Active Pass, an active marine channel between Galiano Island and Mayne Island. Keep your eyes peeled for a chance to see whales, sea lions, aquatic birds and bald eagles. Ferries also occasionally go by.
9. Warm up by the fire and eat a tasty lunch at The Pink Geranium
The Pink Geranium
New to the island, The Pink Geranium offers a cozy retreat with a real fire crackling away, perfect for warming up on a cool day.
The cottage cafe serves a delicious mix of breakfast and lunch options, from Moroccan-style dishes to classic comfort foods like grilled cheese. The grilled cheese was so good, that I got it twice.
The space has a boho-contemporary feel, with rustic wooden tables and fun, colourful fixtures, like a statement chandelier and geometric pink tile lining the counter.
✔️ Top Tip: pick up some charcuterie items here for a picnic at Bellhouse Provincial Park.
10. Pick up the freshest seafood from the Captain's Wild Seafood Truck
For the freshest seafood on the island, make a stop at the Captains Wild Seafood Truck. Friendly Henny helped us with our order and we learned that her husband, a former BC Ferries Captain, is the fisherman. They offer great prices on high-quality catches.
You can catch them at the Saturday Market or on their farm at the Porlier Pass Road x Mccoskrie Road intersection.
We picked up a selection of sockeye salmon, cold-smoked salmon and brined cold-smoked tuna - they were fantastic and so fresh. The smoked salmon and tuna were a hit for breakfast when we hosted guests.
✔️ Top Tip: bring a cooler with you and pick up your seafood order before your ferry leaves. Grab bagged ice at Galiano Garage, Groceries & Liquor to keep everything fresh for the trip home.
11. Stay at a B&B and experience the islander way of life
12. See an incredible sandstone cave
Located at Retreat Cove, this hidden sandstone cave is a natural wonder you don't want to miss.
13. Stay at the cozy Woodstone Manor for a romantic getaway
The charming boutique hotel with a heritage feel has relaxing pastoral views and their cozy luxe rooms even come with comfy spa robes and slippers.
Enjoy the serene atmosphere on the back patio during breakfast, dine at their European-inspired restaurant or play board games with a cocktail by the fireplace in the lounge.
🛏️ Browse more stays on Galiano Island
14. Go boutique shopping for unique goodies
As you drive through Galiano, you'll find creative boutiques with unique products.
The best Galiano Island shopping:
- The Saturday Market: open from May Long Weekend to mid-October at the Lions Field with a focus on local products.
- Galiano Island Soapworks: local soaps and bath products made with natural ingredients.
- Galiano Island Books: an independent bookstore with a well-curated selection of books and puzzles. I was so excited when I found a Frida Kahlo puzzle.
- Oxyeye and Pink Geranium: these two cafes have a small, but chic collection of local artisan products.
- IXCHEL Craft Shop: a bohemian boutique store with clothing, art, jewelry and wellness products.
- The Market: a cute and colourful gourmet grocery store & cafe with a focus on healthy food.
15. Try creative wood-fired pizzas
Galiano has not one, but two delicious spots to try creative wood-fired pizzas.
Charmer Pizza
This pop-up pizzeria opened by the Pilgrimme team makes its pizzas with naturally leavened sourdough - the crust is incredible! They typically feature unique veggie ingredients on their pizzas, such as summer squash, confit garlic, sprouting broccoli, arugula blossoms and oyster mushrooms.
Check their Instagram to see when their next pop-up dates are.
La Lena Pizza Patio
Head to La Lena Pizza Patio for ocean views and unique pizza flavours. We loved our curry chicken pizza with onion, cashew, and cilantro. We also overheard a couple rave about the duck confit pizza with hoisin sauce. Vegan options, like the roasted yam pizza with chickpeas and vegan cheese, are also available.
Located at Oceanfront Galiano Inn and Spa, this pizza patio opens in the warmer months starting in May.
16. Drink with locals at the Hummingbird Pub
If you're looking for a fun spot to drink a couple of pints with a local crowd, Hummingbird Pub is the place to be. From May Long Weekend - September, their Pub Bus does pick-ups and drop-offs at the Montague Marina and Campground.
Best time to visit Galiano Island
The best time to visit Galiano Island is during the dry season from May - September. These are the warmest months of the year with the least probability of rain. This is also when most restaurants are open.
We recommend avoiding travelling during the winter months since many restaurants are closed.
How to get to Galiano Island from Vancouver
By ferry to Galiano Island
- Give yourself 45 minutes (60 minutes if rush hour) to get to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal from Vancouver by car.
- The ferry from Tsawwassen to Galiano Island takes one hour. Reservations are highly recommended during peak summer times.
- If you have a reservation you need to be at the ferry terminal at least 40 minutes before scheduled departure. If you don't have a reservation, you should still arrive early to ensure you get a spot on the ferry.
By float plane to Galiano Island
- From downtown Vancouver, give yourself 30 minutes to take the Canada Line skytrain to YVR Airport.
- From YVR Airport, take the complimentary shuttle from the international or domestic terminal to YVR South. The shuttle departs every 20 minutes.
- Seair Seaplanes offers flights from YVR South to Galiano. The flight time is 10 minutes.
Best way to get around Galiano Island
The best way to get around Galiano Island is by car. Half of the fun is driving around exploring the island! Taxis and buses are very limited.
You could either rent a car on the mainland of BC to take over with you, or you could rent a SmartCar at the Oceanfront Inn and Spa. For non-hotel guests, the rental is $85 for 4 hours, $120 for 8 hours or $165 for 24 hours. For hotel guests, the rate is $45 for 4 hours, $80 for 8 hours and $120 for 24 hours.
🚗 Compare car rental rates across different companiesWe hope you enjoyed these fun things to do on Galiano Island!
Start planning your trip to Galiano Island
- 🏡 Accommodation: see our list of the best B&Bs and hotels in Galiano
- 🍴 Restaurants: see our list of the 8 best restaurants on the island
- ⛴ Book your ferry: BC Ferries
- 🚗 Car rental: see Rentalcars.com to compare car rental prices across different companies.
If you like Galiano Island, go island hopping to free-spirited Salt Spring Island, charming Pender Island or bohemian Hornby Island.
Or, take a road trip around Vancouver Island and make a stop in charming Gabriola Island.
Drive even further north to explore the Discovery Islands. See our list of things to do on Quadra Island.
Planning a trip around BC? See our full list of the 17 best getaways near Vancouver.
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