Suggested itinerary: Galiano

Galiano Island’s rugged coastline and secluded forest hikes offer much-needed escape from the stress of weekday life. A Galiano Island itinerary is filled with artistic inspiration, delicious foodie discoveries, and most importantly, a relaxing reset from the everyday grind.

It’s long been the island of choice for Vancouverites, as well as those from further afield. If you’ve never been here before, let this serve as your weekend guide to Galiano Island. Get a taste for island life with a three-day schedule of weekend itinerary ideas for exploring Galiano Island.

Day 1: Arrival & northern exploration

Morning

Book an early ferry on Friday to arrive on Galiano Island with a full day ahead of you. To begin this Galiano weekend itinerary, you’ll arrive at Sturdies Bay, stock up on any forgotten essentials, then make your way to your accommodation.

Drop off your bags, take a deep breath of that fresh island air, and set out north, heading up Porlier Pass Road toward the quieter, more remote end of Galiano. This is where the island really reveals its wild beauty, but it’s not complete without a few delicious stops on the way.

Afternoon

Your first stop today is Pebble Beach, one of Galiano’s best-kept secrets. This quiet stretch of shoreline is perfect for beachcombing (it’s literally an entire beach filled with well-rounded pebbles in a rainbow of colors and textures). Let this be your official transition into island time.

After the beach, make your way to The Pink Geranium Café at Bodega Ridge for a well-deserved pick-me-up. This charming spot serves excellent coffee, house-made pastries, and light bites.

Sit outside if the weather’s nice, chat with locals, and soak in the relaxed Galiano vibe. This is also where you can rent bikes if you’re feeling a two-wheeled, pedal-powered adventure.

Evening

As evening approaches, it’s time for dinner, and Galiano doesn’t disappoint. Lucky for you, there are plenty of gourmet options on the island; just make sure to book your table in advance!

Pilgrimme is one of the best restaurants in the Southern Gulf Islands, known for its hyper-local, seasonally driven tasting menus. Chef Jesse McCleery sources nearly everything from the island or surrounding waters, creating dishes deeply connected to place.

If you’re craving something more casual, pilgrimme is occasionally home to pop-up Charmer Pizza, which crafts wood-fired excellence with locally sourced ingredients.

Bonus: Lola’s

If your Galiano Island itinerary lands on one of Lola’s pop-up weekends, consider yourself especially blessed. This intimate dining experience occurs sporadically throughout the year (though more frequently in the shoulder seasons) and offers an unforgettable multi-course meal in a vibey setting. Their menu is sourced locally and revolves around Southeast Asian flavours.

After dinner, head back to your accommodation for a slow, casual evening. Pour a glass of wine, and step outside to listen to the sounds of island life. This is the heart of Galiano. It’s just you and the gentle rhythm of the oceans and forests of the Salish Sea.

Day 2: Markets & mother nature

Morning

Start your second day on Galiano with breakfast at everyone’s favorite cafe, Oxeye. This is the cutest little Pacific Northwest coffee spot that feels like it was plucked straight from a hygge-inspired daydream.

If your Galiano Island weekend falls on a Saturday in late spring through early fall, make your way to the Galiano Saturday Market at the Lions Park Pavilion. This community market showcases local farmers, artisans, bakers, and makers.

It’s smaller and much more intimate than Salt Spring’s famous market, which makes it all the more special. Don’t be surprised when you strike up conversations, meet the growers and creators behind the products, and leave with a few treasures for your weekend on Galiano.

Afternoon

With snacks and supplies in hand, spend the afternoon at Montague Harbour Provincial Park, one of the most stunning spots in the Southern Gulf Islands. This protected marine park offers meandering hiking trails, a rare white-shell beach, crystal-clear turquoise water (perfect for a chilly but refreshing plunge), and towering old-growth forests.

Pack a picnic (maybe sourced from the Saturday Market) and find a driftwood log to claim as your own to spend the afternoon by the water.

Evening

As evening comes on, make your way to a Galiano institution: the Hummingbird Pub and Family Restaurant. This beloved community hub is the toast of the island, known for its casual pub fare, cold drinks, and lively atmosphere.

On weekends, you’ll more than likely catch live music and an eclectic crowd, filled with locals, visitors, campers, boaters, and everyone in between. Order fish and chips, grab a beer, and settle in for the evening.

Plus, if you happen to be one of the campers or boaters at Montague Harbour Campground or staying at the marina, hop on the infamous Hummingbird Pub Bus. This beloved island tradition shuttles campers and visitors to and from the pub, so no one has to worry about the drive home. It’s free, and it’s one heck of a good time.

Day 3: Slow art tour

Morning

Spend the morning sleeping in and packing up, savouring the slow space of the final day of your Galiano itinerary. Don’t rush your coffee this morning; you still have plenty of time to explore the artistic side of the island.

Afternoon

Welcome to Galiano’s thriving creative community. Unlike organized studio tours on neighbouring islands, Galiano takes a more DIY approach, with studios open seasonally and often at the whim of the artists, making each discovery feel like a secret.

Here are just a few studios, galleries, and artists to put on your list:

• Yellowhouse Art Centre: The heart of Galiano’s creative community, hosting rotating exhibitions, life drawing sessions, and workshops
• Marcia DeVicque Glassworks: Stunning glass art inspired by the colours of the surrounding garden, and moonscapes
• Jeanne Erickson‘s Studio: Evocative landscape paintings that capture the rugged beauty of the Gulf Islands
• Sandra Dolph Ceramics Gallery: A beautiful, open-air studio filled with functional pottery inspired by nature

Keep your eyes peeled as you wander the island. There will be many roadside farm stands and hidden studios along your route that aren’t advertised online. Just look for a sandwich board or open sign, and take that as your cue to go in.

Evening

Plan to arrive at Sturdies Bay terminal at least 45 minutes before departure (earlier in summer). Book a reservation during peak season to avoid long waits.

Need more help planning your Galiano Island weekend getaway? Here is more information on how to get here (and just about everything else you need to know).

With a Galiano Island weekend spent wandering along a white-shell beach, browsing local art studios, and savouring farm-to-table cuisine, this island has a way of slowing you down and reminding you of what matters. 

Use this weekend guide to Galiano Island as inspiration, but trust there will be much more to discover once you arrive. On Galiano and across the Southern Gulf Islands, not everything gets posted online, and that’s part of the magic.