Galiano Island cottage rentals

The smell of cedar and salt air washes over you as you climb the sandstone shoreline of Galiano Island, located in the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia, Canada. One of the Southern Gulf Islands, Galiano Island is best known for its shell beaches, mountain and coastal views, and the laidback lifestyle of its permanent residents.

Visitors to Galiano are struck by the serene wilderness of the island, despite its proximity to urban centers like Vancouver and Victoria. Six provincial parks, and several more community and municipal parks, ensure that the island remains a natural oasis. Enjoy quiet walks under the canopy of majestic old-growth forests, hikes up Mount Galiano for island-dotted seascape views, and visits to shoreline caves carved out by the power of the Pacific Ocean.

Like other locations in the Pacific Northwest, the island has a mild climate, ranging from dry summers with warm temperatures to wet winters where the mercury doesn’t drop too far below freezing. From April to September, the clouds and rains dissipate, and the weather warms up to make beach days desirable. Dry days and higher temperatures mean that there is a risk of forest fires during the summer, so be aware that changing conditions could affect your plans. This is also the ideal time to watch for whales, as orca whales hunt for salmon and seals during the summer months and can be seen from shore or aboard a boat. While the rain picks up in October and lasts until March, Galiano almost never sees snow and remains comfortable for outdoor exploration with the appropriate rain gear.

Montague Harbour

An important fishing site for Coast Salish peoples, Montague Harbour has been inhabited for over 3,000 years. The harbor, located on the southwest side of Galiano Island, is a refuge for salmon, shellfish, and over 130 species of birds. In addition to being a natural refuge, the white-shell beach in the protected harbor is the perfect place to bring a picnic and enjoy the warm coastal waters of the Salish Sea. A walk down the beach to Gray Peninsula treats visitors to impressive rock ledges and a saltwater marsh.

Active Pass Whale Watching

The Strait of Georgia and coastal waters of Vancouver Island are known for an abundance of marine life, and people come from all around to watch for orca. In the waters of Active Pass, just off the southern tip of Galiano, it’s common to see the black dorsal fins of these beautiful creatures patrolling for food. If you want to improve your chances of seeing an orca, you can sign up for a whale-watching tour leaving from Salt Spring Island or Vancouver Island.

Sea Caves at Retreat Cove

Centuries of waves have sculpted sandstone sea caves along the shoreline at Retreat Cove, and some of them are easily accessible from Retreat Cove Road. You can run your hands along the walls, which are smooth to the touch, while listening to the waves echo through the cave and smelling the brisk sea air.