Gateway to the Gulf Islands

GALIANO IS YOUR GATEWAY TO THE GULF ISLANDS….
Gulf Islands, BC, Canada

The island closest to Vancouver, Galiano is an easy ferry ‘cruise’, less than one hour by British Columbia Ferries from the lower mainland. Or merely 15 minutes by scheduled floatplane service from Vancouver International Airport.

Do you want to explore the Gulf Islands but do not want to move from hotel to hotel? Consider our 4 night, 5 day itinerary to see 3 Gulf Islands….

Make the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa your home base for a Gulf Island vacation.

Enjoy a 4 Night Gulf Islands Tour, with 2 days exploring Galiano Island, and 1 day on each of two other islands, returning each evening to your ‘home away from home’: your oceanfront room with floor-to-ceiling ledgerock fireplace, soaker or spa tub, king or queen bed, luxurious duvet, CD player, in-room coffee and tea service, luxurious robes, and of course, dinner in Atrevida, the place to dine in the Gulf Islands, and Madrona del Mar Spa, the luxury health and wellness retreat on the seaside.

Each of the Gulf Islands is unique, with a personality of its own.

Our Gulf Islands in Spring Tour combines a special package with special pricing that allows you to experience three islands, while still retaining the comfort of your own luxurious room: no packing and unpacking!

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Monday on Galiano Island .

Arrive on the morning ferry from Vancouver or Victoria, stop by the Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa and get information on this, the most beautiful of the Gulf Islands: rural and peaceful, waiting to be discovered by you, through its many hiking trails, beaches and unique activities.

Check-in time is 3:00, but if you have booked spa treatments, we can assist you in getting settled in earlier. Spend the day in Madrona del Mar Spa…learn to RELAX in the spirit of the islands. Let us take care of you, perhaps you will try a steam in our luxury West Coast steam room, followed by a relaxing massage.

When you are done, you can check into your luxurious oceanfront room to relax some more before dinner. And dinner in Atrevida is an experience in itself, where you will discover the best of the Coastal Northwest in food and wine…all with a Pacific rim flavour in an architecturally stunning room overlooking the water.

Day 2: Tuesday on Mayne Island

From your room, you can actually see your next destination, the pastoral and picturesque Mayne Island, which is just minutes away via a brief ferry ride. Your choice: take the late morning ferry direct, arriving at noon or, for early risers, take the early morning ferry for a full day on Mayne.
Mayne Island is 8 kilometres long and 6 kilometres wide, with a rural and agricultural feel: it was the heart of apple growing and fishing early in the century. For hikers, bikers, kayakers, or just explorers, there is lots to do in your day on Mayne Island.

Visit the many wonderful Marine Parks: Bennett Bay and the adjacent Campbell Point, currently Pacific Marine Heritage sites, which will become part of the new Southern Gulf Islands National Park currently under development.
Like Galiano, Mayne is a birdwatchers dream.
Take one of our hiking maps and enjoy an easy hike to the summit of Mount Parke or pick up a picnic lunch at the deli and enjoy it while visiting the historical Active Pass Lighthouse at Georgina Point.
Have lunch at the Springwater Pub or the Mayne Inn.
Explore little art galleries, an historical gaol, which is now a museum, and interesting farms: organic greens (where we get our wonderful salad for Atrevida), even a venison farm, and more.

Return to Galiano via the late afternoon ferry in time for a Blackberry Martini (our house specialty). On most days you have the choice of two ferries in the early evening, with either one having you ‘home’ in time for dinner in Atrevida.

Day 3: Wednesday on Pender Island

Your day trip to Pender will start after a leisurely breakfast and a morning in the Spa or exploring Galiano: the noon ferry arrives on Pender early afternoon. Or you can have an early, early start with the morning ferry that gives you a full day to explore.
Pender Island is actually two islands joined by a bridge . Locals call it “The Penders”. Here you will discover different personalities even between these two islands: North Pender is an island whose large population contrasts with South Pender that is smaller and more rural. You will also discover lots of opportunities for activities on the Penders.

There are many hiking trails, and they range from “relaxed” to “challenging”. There are beaches to explore.
Golfers will find a picturesque nine-hole golf course and even a 27 hole “frisbee” golf course.
Kayakers (you can rent kayaks on the island, or perhaps a canoe) can explore the many coves and beaches, cyclists will have new terrain to explore.
There are also many unique art galleries and shops to discover island crafts and foods.
Have lunch at one of the marinas and enjoy watching the busy boat traffic: Pender is a customs stop and all traffic from the American San Juan Islands stop here on there way to explore the other Gulf Islands and the coast of British Columbia.

Return to Galiano via the afternoon ferry; again, you are “home” in time for dinner.

Day 4: Thursday on Galiano Island

Spend the day exploring Galiano Island’s many beaches and hiking trails. Discover an Indian midden and sandstone caves. Play a round of golf, browse for gifts or remembrances. Meander down country roads to visit some of the island’s many artisans’ homes, other shops and scenic spots. Drive almost to the top of the island at Bluff Park where you can enjoy a picnic while watching the ferries glide through Active Pass far below. Go kayaking; try scuba-diving, relax at our beaches, climb a mountain, rent a bicycle, hike the ridge, play tennis …the possibilities are endless. And of course, end your day with a relaxing massage, a celebratory glass of something special from one of British Columbia’s award-winning island wineries in the only licensed lounge on Galiano, and a wonderful dinner in Atrevida. And your last evening will be an evening to remember.

Day 5: Friday on Galiano Island

Your schedule will depend on your choice of ferries and where you are headed next to explore the Beautiful British Columbia Coast.