Island Activities
The Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa is a small, boutique resort, yet we are also a full service resort…Galiano Island can provide all of the outdoor experiences you can possibly enjoy in one vacation, because of all of the wonderful resources within minutes of the Inn.
- eco-tours and whale-watching
- golf
- kayaking
- hiking
- beaches for exploring or relaxing
- bicycle rentals
- tennis
- sports fishing
- bird watching
- wildlife viewing and photography
- boat rental
- scuba diving
- Saturday market
Touring the Island
Getting around the Island has never been easier....rent one of the Inns' Mercedes "Smart Cars" and explore beaches and trails and hidden corners, tour artisan studios in their forested homes.Eco and Whale-watching Tours
Consider a relaxed cruise through the Gulf Islands to view the wildlife and islands up close... a cliffside cormorant colony or seals on rocks in the channel. Tours are by prior arrangement, either by chartering a boat, or joining a tour. (Tours can be weather dependent; minimums apply).Contact Sporades Tours on Galiano Island 250-539-2278 (or 778-868-3971) or call Marine Safari Tours 1-888-656-9878 to join one of their tours.
Golf
Located just minutes from the Galiano Oceanfront Inn, the Galiano Golf and Country Club is a challenging and beautiful nine hole, 1936 yard course, lush fairways, manicured greens and unique sandstone tee markers. Deer and eagles are your gallery, the natural beauty of Galiano all around you. Amenities include practice putting greens, club and cart rentals.Very friendly staff and even friendlier green fees starting at just $18 for nine holes. Call 250-539-5533
Kayaking
Kayak tours and rentals are available through Gulf Islands Kayaking (250 539 2442). They specialize in introducing beginners to sea kayaking with a relaxed, easy-paced approach. By limiting group sizes, you are assured of individual attention. Sunset tours are particularly popular. Trincomali Channel is known as the ideal paddling area on the West Coast… a long tract of calm, protected water with minimal tide. Sea life abounds: bald eagles, sea otters, cormorants, orca whales.
Hiking
Galiano is a beautiful, wooded island, with miles of beaches and hiking trails to explore. Hike to the top of Mount Galiano and see the Gulf Islands spread out before you, with views from the Olympic Peninsula to Vancouver Island.Or walk to Pebble Beach overlooking the Strait of Georgia, where you may discover a petroglyph and beavers busy felling trees. Vineyard Way stretches along the Strait of Georgia, and Bodega Ridge views over Trincomali Channel to Wallace.
Beaches for relaxing
Enjoy the beach in front of the Inn. Sandstone formations have created an artistic gallery, ocean storms have left large driftwood logs. Relax in the oceanfront hot tub, enjoy a massage in the outdoor cabana or just stay for awhile on the sandy beach that is perfect for relaxing.
Beaches for exploring
Explore the Beaches on Galiano Island: we have the most beaches of any of the Gulf Islands … some secluded, some popular, all yours to explore and enjoy. From pebble beaches to sand beaches, an Indian midden to sandstone caves, each is unique.The waters can be cool for swimming, but refreshing in the hot summer months.
Bicycle Rentals
Just 10 minutes walk from the Inn is Galiano Bicycle Rental (250 539 9906): rent a mountain bike and explore our beautiful island, or take a partner and try a ride on their tandem bicycle.Rentals come supplied with all necessary equipment and good advice on the trails and sights. Bicycle repair service is also available.
Tennis
Enthusiasts can access a tennis court ten minutes of the Inn: an outdoor wooden (yes, you read that right) tennis court.
Sportsfishing
For those who want to experience getting out onto the water and enjoy some recreational fishing as well, you can charter a fishing tour with all equipment provided. A charming Greek fisherman with many years exploring the coast and fishing the waters of Active Pass and Porlier Pass and wherever the fish are...call Sporades Tours on Galiano (250-539-2278) to arrange your west coast experience, or Active Pass Charters on Mayne Island 250-539-5034. .
Bird-watching
A spectacular location in the corridor flight path of many migratory birds, Galiano is a bird watchers’ paradise. There are many species of birds found in this beautiful island environment. Therefore, there is something for everyone, whether you are a birder who has just begun to discover their passion, or one of those avid bird watchers who have travelled the world in order to add to their lists of lifetime sightings.Upwards of 130 bird species are in this area. Galiano Island lies in the waters of Georgia Strait, surrounded by both Active Pass and Porlier Pass, two of Canada’s identified Important Bird Areas.
Wildlife viewing and photography
Whether you are hiking, kayaking, walking, boating or even golfing on the island, you are certain to see some of the abundant wildlife (all friendly).Sea otters and seals, deer, orca whales, and a myriad of bird life all make Galiano their home (and even the Galiano Oceanfront Inn itself, as you can see by one of the "visitors" in the Inn's gardens). Galiano is a photographer’s paradise.
Boat rentals
Small craft rental is available at Montague Marina. The boats are easy to operate (no special license required) and a perfect way to explore Galiano from the water. Novice boaters will enjoy their first time experience with ease. For more information, call Galiano Boat Rental at 250-539-0233.
Scuba-diving
Enjoy the best scuba-diving on the West Coast. The waters are exceptionally clear and clean, and the strong currents and mild waters provide a variety and abundance of marine life that will delight novices and experienced divers.
Moped Rentals
Exploring the length of the longest, narrowest Gulf Island becomes very easy to tour...and a whole lot of fun, as well. You can come to the inn without your car, and enjoy moped-riding (and bicycling and kayaking) as the way to Galiano's many beaches, trails, viewpoints along country roads that are a delight to travel any time of the year. For more information, call Galiano Mopeds at 250-539-0233.
Saturday Market
In the summer time, there is a charming local market of crafts and produce: just a country road walk away from the Inn.Back to top
