Mt. Galiano

This is a must do hike on Galiano Island. I've passed by Mt. Galiano so many times on  BC Ferries, as it is located right overlooking Active Pass, the main route for the Vancouver-Vancouver Island ferry.

To get to the trailhead, drive to Active Pass Dr. and follow the signs to the parking lot. It took me about 45 minutes to reach the top and then about another 35 minutes to come down, so plan your time accordingly. You also want to allow some time at the top to enjoy the view.

The first part of the trail is a bit of a climb, and you will also have to watch your footing as you switch back up , with lots of rocks and tree roots to navigate. Then you will come to a wider trail that is easier to walk and climbs more gradually for the rest of the way up. Look out for the remnants of wreckage from a small plane crash years ago on the side of the trail.

The summit of Mt. Galiano is 311 metres, and there is a grassy clearing for you to see all the great views. Careful though as there is quite a dropoff near the edge.

This is looking towards Mayne Island on the left with Pender Island on the right.

This is looking towards Salt Spring Island in the background and Prevost Island straight ahead. 

Looking towards Pender Island .

If you can, try to do this hike on a clear day, as I understand some days you can even see Mt. Baker  and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. When you are done, just turn around and hike back the same way. 

Enjoy the beauty and happy hiking! 

Pebble Beach on Galiano Island

It is a nice hike down to Pebble Beach on Galiano Island. To access the trail , go to the end of McCoskrie Rd. and park. There is a sign at the trailhead with a map. I did a loop trail , and it took about 30 minutes or so.

It's an easy walk through Crown forest to the shoreline. It was low tide so that made it good for walking  on the rocks. It is a quiet place to go, so keep an eye out for wildlife. I saw this heron chilling out by the water.

The rocks are interesting to look at with all the colours and textures of the west coast. Check out the tide pools for interesting sea life and creatures.

The views from the shore look east towards Vancouver and the mainland. Quite a view I'm sure on a clear day , looking towards all the Coast Mountains. This day's view was a bit cloudy though , so can't quite see it in full glory. 

On the walk back, you will loop back onto a road. This area is near the Great Beaver Swamp, an area on Crown land that has recently seen beavers revitalized after some decades of decline. Apparently the beavers have been very busy, and you will definitely see their swamp on one side as you walk back, the outcome of their beaver dam perhaps.

Secret Sea Cave on Galiano Island

I had heard of a cool sea cave on Galiano Island, so I had to check it out.  It can be reached by driving to the end Retreat Cove Rd. on the northern part of Galiano Island. There is a gate on the left and a very short trail down to the shore. Be respectful as this is private land.  Once on the shore, climb down the rocks and the sea cave is on your left. Try to time this for low tide so you can access it better.

It's amazing what nature can carve out.

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.