Bodega Ridge , Galiano Island

I recently visited beautiful Galiano Island, located in the Southern Gulf Islands between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Cited to be the land size of Manhattan, but with a population of just 1000 people, it's easy to feel like you really are getting away from it all. There are lots of hikes to do on Galiano Island and many beaches to explore.

Bodega Ridge Provincial Park is a good hike to do if you are looking for some beautiful viewpoints, but might not be suited for kids as you walk right on the edge of a steep ridge for some part of it.

To reach the trailhead, drive to the end of Cottage Way on the northern part of the island, and park.  The trail climbs gradually through forest, and you will soon see you are on the ridge as both sides off the trail slope downward. The ridge is about 4 km long and rises about 328 metres above sea level.

Signs will tell you when you are nearing the cliff area, so use caution obviously here. The views are great, even on the cloudy day that I went.

It's about a 30 minute walk to the ridge view area. The trail appeared to keep going, but I turned around when it started to descend as I didn't want to go all the way down the other side. So just turn around when you reach the end of the open cliff area.

You look over Trincomali Channel towards Vancouver Island in the far background.

You can also see views of Salt Spring Island across the channel.