With miles of forested trails and dozens of marked shore accesses, Galiano Island is a dream for anyone who loves exploring on foot. Quiet paths wind through mature forests, along rocky bluffs and down to secluded beaches, sandstone shorelines and peaceful coves.
You can hike to sweeping viewpoints on Mount Galiano or Bodega Ridge, wander the white shell beaches at Montague Harbour, or follow trails to Pebble Beach, Cable Bay and Morning Beach. Montague is one of my personal favourites, especially late in the day when the sun is still shining across the water.
Around Active Pass, several shore accesses offer excellent places to watch ferries, birds and, with a little luck, seals, sea lions or whales. Two of my favourite birds are ospreys and kingfishers, both of which can often be seen hunting for fish in the island’s many bays.
There is something for every pace, from short, easy walks to benches overlooking the water to longer trails with steeper climbs and descents. For a more ambitious outing, try the Bluffs walk – where an elk was recently spotted – or make the descent to the beautiful sandy beach at Matthews Point. Many of Galiano’s beaches and viewpoints feel wonderfully hidden, making every walk feel like a new discovery.
A great place to start planning your adventures is the 2023 Galiano Island Parks and Recreation map. It identifies the island’s public parks, trails, conservation areas and numbered shore accesses, along with trail difficulty, facilities and some of the best places for whale and bird watching. Because the map was published in 2023, it is always wise to confirm current trail conditions and access information before heading out.
The island’s numbered shore-access signs make it easy to find your next adventure, but some routes pass close to private property or can become slippery near the water. Stay on marked trails, check the tides and pack out anything you bring with you.
Whether you are looking for a challenging hike, a quiet beach or simply somewhere beautiful to wander, Galiano gives you endless reasons to put on your walking shoes and explore.
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