[VIDEO] Island Escape: Your Perfect Day Trip to Galiano Island

By SweetnSpicyLiving on September 9, 2026 • ( Leave a comment )

If you’re craving a peaceful getaway with forest trails, ocean views, and laid-back charm, Galiano Island is calling your name. Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, this Gulf Island gem offers everything from scenic hikes to beach picnics—and it’s totally doable in a day.

Getting There: The Journey Begins at Sturdies Bay

Your adventure starts with a scenic ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Sturdies Bay Ferry Terminal on Galiano Island. The trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the views of the Salish Sea are worth every minute. If you are driving, be sure to book your ferry in advance, especially during summer weekends.

Otherwise if you do not have a car, then foot passenger should be ok for a walk in. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by calm waters, forested hills, and that unmistakable island vibe.

Explore Nature: Parks, Trails & Ocean Views

Galiano is a haven for nature lovers. Start your day with a hike at Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park, known for its white-shell beaches and birdwatching trails. If you’re up for a challenge, head to Bodega Ridge Provincial Parkfor panoramic views of Trincomali Channel. Want something more relaxed? Bellhouse Provincial Park offers easy trails and stunning coastal scenery. Aside for the Bellhouse Provincial Park, most of the provincial parks are best reach by car. I am telling you, it will not be fun walking to get there.

Welcome to Bellhouse Provincial Park: Small but Mighty

This is the closest park from the ferry station that you can visit without a car. Located on Burrill Point, Bellhouse Provincial Park is a cozy 2-hectare day-use park with panoramic views of Active Pass, Mayne Island, and the Strait of Georgia. It’s a prime spot to watch ferries cruise by, seals splash in the surf, and eagles soar overhead.

A short trail through Garry oak meadows leads to the rocky shoreline—perfect for a picnic, a quiet moment, or some casual fishing.

Bellhouse Park is just 1 km from the ferry terminal, so walking is totally doable. If you plan to explore more of the island, consider bringing a bike or car. There’s no public transit, but hitchhiking is surprisingly common and safe here. Just be sure to check ferry times so you don’t miss your ride home! Ferry to Galiano Island is not frequent, and could be quite long because of stop over to other island on the way to or back.

Beach Time & Wildlife Spotting

Pack a towel and enjoy a peaceful moment at Matthews Point Regional Park, where you can spot seals, seabirds, and maybe even an orca if you’re lucky. The beaches here are quiet and perfect for a picnic or a quick dip. Don’t forget your binoculars—Galiano is a hotspot for marine life and birdwatching.

Things To Do: Kayaking, Arts & Island Wandering

Rent a kayak and paddle along the island’s sandstone shores, or explore Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park if you’re feeling adventurous. Galiano also has a thriving arts scene—check out local galleries like Cedar Grove or browse handmade ceramics and coastal-inspired crafts. It’s the kind of place where you’ll stumble upon creativity in the most unexpected corners.

Getting Around: Navigating The Island

Galiano is long and narrow, so having a car or bike makes exploring easier. If you’re on foot, stick to areas near Sturdies Bay or Montague Harbour. There’s no public transit, but locals are friendly and hitchhiking is surprisingly common. Just be sure to plan your return to the ferry ahead of time—there’s usually only a few sailings each day.

When I planned my trip, I saw a community bus serving the island during the month of July – August. Unfortunately, this was canceled. I already have the plan to go so I decided to do it anyway. It was challenging visiting this place without a car as the places you can visit is very limited. I had to cut my trip short as there is no way I can do other hikes without a car. So learn from my mistake and NOT do what I did. If you plan to go to Galiano Island and experience the best that the island can offer, come with your own transportation. There are beautiful places to visit but it will require a car to get there.

Tips to Visitors: Know Before You Go

Bring cash: There’s no bank on the island, though an ATM is available. Stores accepts cash and card so if you have either, you should be good to go.
Pack layers: Weather can shift quickly, especially near the water.
Book ahead: Restaurants and accommodations fill up fast in peak season because there are very few of them. Either that or pack your own snacks.
Respect nature: Stay on trails and leave no trace—Galiano’s beauty depends on it.

Local Eats & Shopping

Grab lunch at a cozy café near the ferry terminal or enjoy fish tacos at a marina-side shack. For a sweet treat, try locally made ice cream or baked goods. Before heading home, browse the island’s bookstores, artisan shops, and galleries for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Sturdies Bay Bakery

Just few steps away from the ferry terminal is the Sturdies Bay Cafe. This is a popular stop to get quick snack and drinks. There are few other cafe if you walk a bit more.

My Experience Visiting Galiano Island

I am probably not a good one to review Galiano Island as I did not get the chance to fully explore the place. So I will stick to what I saw and what I experience. I was hoping to do a whole day trip in the island to explore few easy hikes.

When I planned my trip, I saw a community bus service for July – Aug and so I decided I can make it without a car. Just my luck, when I checked it again the day that I was leaving, the community bus was canceled. Since I already planned my trip, I decided to go anyway.

It was a Aug long weekend when I did my trip. There was a Saturday farmers market going on and some once a year festival coinciding with it. Without a car, I know I will not be able to follow my original plan, I have to pivot. I changed my plan and just decided to see what I can and go back earlier.

I started by going to the Saturday Farmers Market, did a few walk and explore the place. Next, I went to the Bellhouse Provincial Park which is quite close to where the market is happening. This is the only hike I can do as the others are quite far. It was a hot sunny day so walking is not really that comfortable.

I got to the park and stayed there for a while and had my snacks. It was a beautiful peaceful park with the water views. I ate in silence as I watched ferries passed by. After eating, I went around and walk to explore the place. There is really nothing much there to do but just enjoy the view.

I head back to the Sturdies Bay and decided to get the 11:50AM sailing back to Vancouver. There was one leaving as I get there, so my timing was perfect. The ferry took longer than when going there because of the stop over to Mayne & Pender Island before it go back to Tsawwassen.

I had a lot of plan to visit other gulf island, but after this experience, I had to rethink it. Unless you have a car, going around the Gulf Island is not easy. It was still a good day outside so all ends well.

Whether you’re hiking ridges, lounging on beaches, or simply soaking in the quiet, Galiano Island offers a refreshing break from the everyday. It’s the kind of place that disconnect you from the busy city life which we all need from time to time.

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[VIDEO] Island Escape: Your Perfect Day Trip to Galiano Island

Getting There: The Journey Begins at Sturdies Bay

Explore Nature: Parks, Trails & Ocean Views