Events on Galiano Island: day trip or week-long escape?

Leave airport lineups behind and "walk" to Galiano Island, a 50 minute ferry from Vancouver, AND just a 6 minute walk from the Inn.

RESTAURANT: Our Restaurant is open evenings for your dining pleasure, with a casual, yet special, fine dining experience. Check restaurant hours on our Food and Wine Page.

"PRE-BORED" ANNOUNCEMENT: Why be bored, waiting in the ferry line-up? Get your tickets early and park your car in the ferry lot for your return trip.... and come visit the Inn, check out the Kunamokst Mural, shop in Galiano Books, browse in our Spa or just wander through the Flores del Iris Gardens.
 


Events at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa
 

Galiano Island Books presents STEVE GOLDBERG
Sunday, October 30 at 3 pm
 

Join us this Sunday for a very special afternoon. In a casual atmosphere with ocean views, author and change leader Steve Goldberg will be reading from his book "Finding the Upside". A timely subject presented with insight and ideas. You will enjoy this!

Join us for coffee, conversation and a great author,

at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa, courtesy of the world's best little independent bookstore, Galiano Island Books.

Ongoing Lifestyle Events


Nia classes at the Inn

An exciting and intriguing combination of martial arts, yoga and dance, Nia is taking the fitness world by surprise! Our white belt instructor, Shelley, will be pleased to show you the way to a happy and healthy fitness regime. Classes in our Garden room: Sunday and Tuesday morning at 10:30.

See our Spa page for more information. Private Classes also available.
 

Yoga classes

In the very special glass round Garden room at the Inn, surrounded by trees, flowering plants and lawns, beautiful at any time of year, you can enjoy yoga classes. By appointment, private classes: please call 2500-539-3388. Watch this space for our popular yoga retreats, or sign up for a newsletter.
 

Galiano Fitness Centre

Near the Inn, a short drive away, on Sturdies Bay Road is a Fitness Centre with daily varying hours: Treadmill, Elliptical trainer, stationary and recumbent bicycles, rowing machines, stair climber, Smith Press, universal gyms, bosu ball, assortment of yoga or fit balls, punching bag, free weights.

 

 

2012 Popular Events will be sold out: Book Early!


FEBRUARY: Galiano's 3rd Annual Literary Festival, Friday through Sunday, February 24, 25 and 26.


This annual event brings together readers and writers in the beautiful setting of an Oceanfront Inn. From Famous authors to writers presenting readings of their first novel, with fireside readings to exciting workshops, this island festival has it all.

Expect the unexpected..... and enjoy the very best of British Columbia's writers. New for this year will be pre-festival workshop writer's retreats.

FEBRUARY: A repeat of our very popular NIA Workshop

STAY TUNED FOR TIME!  THE PLACE WILL DEFINITELY BE THE INN!

The October weekend was sold out, please sign up here to be Inn on the News... for the next workshop in the early Spring!

An exciting and intriguing combination of martial arts, yoga and dance, Nia is taking the fitness world by surprise!

Our white belt instructor, Shelley Lawson, is leading two days of Nia workshops that will renew and invigorate. Discover October's schedule here, as a taste of what is to come.


AUGUST: Galiano International Wine Festival Saturday, August 11, 2012

The 2012 Galiano Wine Festival, an event to benefit the Health Care Society, will be held on Saturday, August 11 2011. It is the 20th Anniversary of the Festival, and special features are planned that include live music,

Wine Weekend Packages will be available at the  Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa, that will include a fabulous Winemakers Dinner. 2011's Alderlea Dinner with Winemakers Roger and Nancy Dosman was a sold-out success.. Stay tuned for more information, visit the Festival Website

Adventures

Hiking, Kayaking and Exploring

Galiano Island is "THE" island for beaches, of all the Southern Gulf Islands. Hiking trails on sunny ridges or through cool forest: sometimes even in the 'busy' August and September seasons you will be the only one on top of the world. Kayaking with Gulf Island Kayaking, fishing or touring with Nick at Sporades Tours, or eco-touring and whale-watching with Ian of Gulf Island Safaris...you can do it all from the Galiano Inn. Click here for more information on what to do on Galiano.
 

Zodiac Eco-Marine Tours from the Galiano Inn Dock 

There were a lot of whales visiting Galiano this season: the resident orcas are still in our neighbourhood, plus see sea lions and seals, cormorant colonies and eagles.

All tours require a minimum of four passengers and can usually be combined with a Salt Spring departure. Create your own tour with a visit to a winery or lunch at another island. 

(250) 538 7188,1 888 656 9878
 


Eco and Cultural Tours

From Eco-cultural tours of the First Nations "gathering place" at Montague Beach, to the Intertidal Life and Dock Discovery tour that explores the sea creatures on the beach and in deep water.

Two hour guided tours with an experienced naturalist can be arranged (minimum of two people). Guests can arrange the tours through the Inn.

 
 

Water Taxi

The regular water taxi operates from Galiano Island to Saltspring Island only in the summer months, on Saturdays, picking up our guests and visitors from a dock just 6 minutes walk from the Inn. No charge for bicycles.  Visit the other islands or the Salt Spring Saturday Market, leaving in the morning and returning the same day.

In the non-summer months, Galiano Island's Water Taxi is used as the school boat, "The S.S. Scholarship" (an appropriate name), with morning/afternoon runs Monday through Thursday only, to Salt Spring island. Our guests are able to take the boat based on availability, from the Government dock just 6 minutes walk from the Inn.
 


Ongoing Special Features at the Inn

 

FAMOUS KUNAMOKST MURAL MOSAIC on GALIANO ISLAND !


The Kunamokst Mural has been unveiled in the entrance of the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa, and will continue its show throughout this year and beyond, highlighting the art of the West Coast.

Designed and orchestrated by the artists of Mural Mosaic: Lewis Lavoie, Phil Alain and Paul Lavoie, and the Arts community of Galiano Island: . “Kunamokst”- Coastal Inspirations Mural Mosaic combines artists as young as 16 years old to artists over 90 years old.

190 artists, some of Canada's finest, have collaborated to create a stunning 12 foot x 21 foot mural. There are artists from throughout the west coast: internationally renowned artists, French Canadian artists, Galiano artists like Tish Saunders, Kenna Fair, Penny Prior, Annette Shaw; First Nations artists like critically acclaimed Roy Henry Vickers and April White, and iconic Canadian artist Robert Bateman. Many of the 200 artists have been featured on the world stage as well. Special guest artists include California world renowned whale muralist Wyland and California muralist Judy Baca.

The mural is comprised of 231 ORIGINAL paintings (each 12” x 12” square) that combine to bring to life a new, united image. There are no digital effects, and the artists did not know each other nor did they know what the final image would be. The artists were given a 12” x 12” panel, and were instructed to paint their interpretation of West Coast life, be it sea life, or seafaring life, with the only guideline being to follow the general colour palette and tone of the panel they were given. None had any idea of the larger painting they were creating, until the unveiling....

Kunamokst, Chinook for "Together," represents the best of West Coast artists within the magic of Mural Mosaic. For more information, view the mural on our website. Or view the Galiano Mural website at www.kunamokstmural.com to purchase the mural or souvenir books, and learn more about the creation of the mural. For more information on Mural Mosaic, visit www.muralmosaic.com/kunamokst.html

 

GALIANO ISLAND ELECTS FIRST MAYOR !

While all Gulf Islands are overseen by the Islands Trust, the Residents of Galiano Island have elected a Mayor on their island. And Islands can be, well, different: our first mayor is Humphrey Bogart, the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa's resident Inn Cat. Yes, that's right. We elected a cat. Not just any cat, we will of course point out: Bogart is indeed special, as any of our guests will attest.

Bogart made the front page of the local Galiano newspaper, called the Active Page. He has now pawsed since the rigors of electioneering are over, in order to begin thinking about his platform ... after his catnap of course. He will be soliciting input from islanders and website visitors for his platform. Premier Christy Clark, take note.

Email all input to info@galianoinn.com or follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Galiano.Inn
 


Art and More


Gallery 33 on Galiano Island

Paintings, Sculpture, Photography, Jewelery: all of the arts are on display in a new Gallery just opened on Galiano Island. Works by Penny Prior, Sydney Massie, Nancy McPhee and more. In the Village, at Manzanita Place, walking distance from the Inn and the Ferry.


Insight Art Gallery

The Insight Art Gallery is hosting many shows year-round, showcasing Galiano artists and those more broadly-based. The Gallery is located at 157 Georgeson Bay Road, a 10 minute drive from the Inn, and the ferry.


Galiano Art Gallery

Ongoing art show; in the Village. Hours of operation: by Appointment

Art and Soul Craft Gallery

Work by Galiano and BC artists and craftspeople. Everything from hand-crafted soaps to hand-carved utensils, British Columbia seafood to fine art paintings by well-known artists. In the Village.


Twirly Tree

Crafts by Galiano Island "artists, crafters & entrepreneurs", in the colourful Manzanita building in the Village. Daily 10 am to 5 pm. Twirly Tree by the Sea is open at their Montague Harbour.location on weekends.

 

 

Music


The Galiano Concert Series


Come to the Inn for weekends throughout our "Secret Season" and join us for dinner followed by incredible music. For the price of the ticket alone in the city, you can enjoy dinner and a concert on Galiano Island.  The 2011 - 2012 Season showcases a wide range of musical talent, from classical to Gypsy Jazz... here is a taste of this coming season:

Sara Davis Buechner
October 22 & 23: Saturday – 7:30 pm & Sunday – 2 pm at Whaler Bay Lodge, walking distance from the Inn. Home of a magnificent Bosendorfer piano. Limited seating.

The New Orford String Quartet
Sunday, November 27 at 2 pm for a little afternoon delight in the South Community Centre, just 5 minutes drive from the Inn. Art Exhibit: Rolando and Kasumi Lampitoc

The Pentaedre Wind Ensemble
Friday January 13, 2012 at 7:30 pm in the South Community Centre, A wonderful way to blow the winter blues away, just 5 minutes drive from the Inn. Art Exhibit: Lea Mabberley

The Orchid Ensemble
Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 7:30 pm in the South Community Centre, Blending the best of East and West.
at the South Community Centre, just 5 minutes drive from the Inn. Art Exhibit: Larry Foden

CABARET NIGHT – with Van Django!
Gypsy Jazz on Saturday, May 5., 2012 at  7:30pm in the South Community Centre, just 5 minutes drive from the Inn. Art Exhibit: Kenna Fair