Galiano Island, British Columbia
A long, narrow island, and the driest in the Gulf Island chain, Galiano Island was named after the Spanish explorer Dionisio Galiano who sailed these waters in 1792. Galiano Island is the second largest of the Gulf Islands, after Saltspring Island.

Rich in history and beauty, Galiano has been called The Jewel of the Strait of Georgia. For thousands of years before Europeans arrived, the Coast Salish aboriginal people had lived here, gathering a rich variety of foods from its forests and shores.

There are seven major islands in the southern half of the Strait of Georgia. Among them, Galiano Island has always enjoyed the reputation as being the most welcoming to visitors. This is due in large part to the limited amount of farmland on Galiano in comparison to other islands. Of necessity, early settlers here opened their homes to tourists as a way of earning a living.

Despite being the first stop off the Tsawwassen ferry, Galiano Island retains an undeveloped, secluded character. Dedicated residents have worked hard to protect the natural features that extend along the island's narrow, 19-mile (30-km) length. The community and its supporters have purchased several areas as ecological reserves, including Mt. Galiano, Mt. Sutil and more recently, Bodega Ridge, whose rocky Bluff is unique in Western Canada. These eco-sensitive areas will be kept as forests in perpetuity by the Galiano community for the enjoyment of all.

Galiano Island has one gas station, grocery stores, a pub, no bank, and a few stores, including some interesting craft galleries and craft shops, all clustered at the southern end of the island. Many of the island's amenities are found near the ferry terminal at Sturdies Bay, but little treasure spots are dotted throughour the island.

Today, Galiano is the hub for sea-kayak trips and the site of Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park, one of the largest provincial parks on any of the islands. Galiano Island has the most dedicated park land of all the Southern Gulf Islands. There are seven beautiful parks, and miles of old logging trails and country lanes. There's literally something here for everyone, whether you're beachcombing or birdwatching, walking or hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding - it's the perfect setting for your adventure vacation.

We loved our stay there. We stayed in a charming little cottage on Morning Beach which was perfect for the two of us for a three day weekend, complete with a hot tub and all the amenities we could ask for in the small cottage.