Vacation rentals in Galiano Island

Galiano Island is a picturesque piece of the many Gulf Islands in the Salish Sea between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island. Much of the island is untamed, thanks to mountainous terrain and vast forest reserves. This landscape attracts many wild residents, including eagles, hummingbirds, and deer, all of which can be spotted along popular hiking trails. You can sometimes spot orcas, otters, and sea lions frolicking in the waters offshore. Apart from wildlife, there are peaceful beaches to enjoy, restaurants and shops, spas and wellness centers, and multiple artists’ studios and galleries displaying works from local artists who make up a thriving cultural community on the island.

Some of Galiano Island’s most spectacular natural features are the sandstone caves along the coast, with fascinating and striking formations caused by the battering seas over the years. Some of these natural wonders can be accessed by walking along the coast at Retreat Cove, while many are reachable only by kayak or canoe.

Whenever you decide to visit, Galiano Island has a range of vacation rentals for your stay. In summer, you’ll be greeted with warm, sunny days for enjoying the island’s beaches and outdoor activities. In August, the annual beer and wine festival takes place on the island, showcasing the finely crafted beverages from around British Columbia, with lots of food and live music to enjoy. In spring and fall, you can expect a mixture of pleasant, sunny days and cooler, rainy days. In October, the blackberry festival celebrates all that’s great about the fruit, with blackberry-inspired treats as well as fun activities and music. Winter is quieter on the island, but is equally rewarding for those that love relaxing in a cottage or cabin with an open fire, watching the weather pass.

Kayaking

With miles of undeveloped coastline and tranquil waters offering perfect conditions, you’ll see more of the island in a kayak than by land. You can explore the sandstone caves of Retreat Cove, many of which are only accessible by water, and you might spot seals and otters in the water or eagles circling above. You can rent a kayak at Montague Harbour Marina, where there are also guided tours available.

Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park

The island’s south end is home to Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park, the first designated marine park in British Columbia. You can stroll along the park’s unique White Shell Beach, which has shown evidence of native occupation dating back over 3,000 years. The easy two-kilometre loop trail, regarded as the most scenic hike on the island, offers spectacular views of the surrounding islands.

Kunamokst Mural

Near the ferry terminal is the Kunamokst Mural, made up of 231 paintings by nearly 200 artists across Canada, including First Nations artists. Kunamokst means “together” in the Chinook language, and each painting in the mural depicts a different image, such as a starfish or a kayaker. Together, the pieces form one image of a mother whale with her baby. No artist knew what the “big picture” would be when creating their piece — they were simply told to follow the theme of the wild West Coast.