Galiano Island, British Columbia, is a captivating destination nestled between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland of Canada. This Southern Gulf Island, part of the Capital Regional District Electoral Area G, is home to a permanent population of 1,396 inhabitants as of 2021. Named after the Spanish explorer Dionisio Alcalá Galiano, the island is a treasure trove of history, natural beauty, and cultural diversity.
Before the arrival of Europeans, Galiano Island was inhabited by Indigenous peoples from the Penelakut First Nation and other Coast Salish tribes. Archaeological evidence suggests a history of habitation dating back at least 3,000 years. The island's culture was heavily reliant on native Cedar trees.
The late 18th century brought European explorers to the region, and by the 19th century, the area around Galiano remained relatively undisturbed. However, the discovery of gold on the British Columbia mainland in 1858 sparked interest in the region. The island's primary industries during the early years of European settlement were fishing and logging.
In the 1870s, Asian immigrants, particularly Japanese, settled in the area, bringing with them methods of charcoal production. The island's population continued to grow, and by 1928, the Galiano Community Hall was constructed. The island's culture has been heavily influenced by environmentalism and the 1960s counter-culture, and today, industries such as tourism and a local art scene have replaced logging.
Galiano Island is a long, narrow island located on the western edge of the Salish Sea. The island's highest point, Mount Galiano, rises 314 m (1,030 ft) above sea level, offering hikers stunning views over the Gulf Islands, the United States San Juan Islands, and the distant mainland mountains. The western coast of the island is characterized by unique sandstone formations and caves.
Galiano Island experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The rain shadow effect of the Olympic and Vancouver Island mountains, along with the moderating effects of the ocean, are the dominant influences on the island's climate.
Galiano Island is home to a large variety of fauna and flora due to its mild climate and position in a confluence between two different tidal systems. The island is in a major flight path for migrating birds and is home to hundreds of bird species. Off its shores are resident and transient populations of orca whales, seals, otters, and sea lions, as well as many other varieties of sea life.
Galiano Island is accessible by vehicle via the BC Ferries terminal at Sturdies Bay. Vehicle and passenger ferry service runs from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) on the mainland and Swartz Bay (Victoria) on Vancouver Island most days of the year. Once on the island, most areas can be accessed by paved road.
Galiano is home to many popular public parks like Montague Harbour and Dionisio as well as privately owned parks such as Tapovan Peace Park. These parks offer a variety of recreational activities and stunning natural beauty.
Tourism on Galiano Island is sustainable and offers a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, spa treatments, kayaking, visiting art galleries, golfing, exploring beaches, watching Orca whales from shore, as well as frequent musical events and island festivals.
The powerline HVDC Vancouver Island crosses Galiano Island in a southwesterly direction as an overhead powerline section, which ends at a cable terminal on Parker Island.
