Gateway to the Gulf Islands
Galiano is your gateway to the Gulf Islands…
The island closest to Vancouver, Galiano is an easy ‘cruise’, less than one hour by British Columbia Ferries from the lower mainland. Or merely 15 minutes by scheduled float plane service from Vancouver International Airport.Do you want to explore the Gulf Islands but not move from hotel to hotel, packing and unpacking? 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 exploration....
Each of the Gulf Islands is unique, with a personality of its own. 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 oceanfront ‘home away from home’ and of course, dinner in our wonderful 'eat' Restaurant, "the" place to dine in the Gulf Islands, and a spa treatment in Madrona del Mar Spa, the best spa experience in the islands.
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 our oceanfront "eat" Restaurant 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 Island 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 farms and shops.
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.
- 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.
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 'eat' Restaurant. 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.Back to top
