Galiano Island
From Free net encyclopedia
Galiano Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland Pacific coast of British Columbia, Canada. Located in the Strait of Georgia, it is 27.5 kilometres long, 6 km at its widest point, and 1.6 km across at its narrowest point. On the western side of the island there are a series of sandstone caves. Image:GalianoMap.jpg
Named after the Spanish explorer Dionisio Alcalá-Galiano, who explored the area in 1792, the island was long inhabited by aboriginal people from the Coast Salish nation. Midden pits at Montague Harbour suggest 3000 years of inhabitance. According to the 2001 Canadian census, Galiano Island has 1,005 full time residents. Industries of the past were logging and fishing, although today tourism and the arts are the most common methods of employment.
Government bodies that oversee the island include Federal, Provincial and Regional agencies as well as the Islands Trust who's mandate is to establish land-use bylaws to "preserve and protect" the island, most notably in terms of development. For most of the Twentieth Century roughly half of the land on Galiano was owned by a large logging firm, MacMillan Bloedel. As a result, Galiano was not as extensively developed as neighboring islands. When the firm sold its holdings on Galiano, debate about development issues sharpend, and the Islands Trust set minimum lot sizes to limit development.
Local elections are held every three years to determine who will be the island's 2 Trustees.
Sturdies Bay, "Downtown Galiano"
Soon after getting off the ferry one passes through a very small town, which at the same time is most densely populated part of the island. There you can find a few amenities such as;
The Trincomalli Bakery and Deli: It has a tasty variety of fresh baked breads, pastries, and the local favourite "Cinnie Buns". The deli (located in the same building) has a nice selection of deli meats and cheeses, a substantial sandwich can be found here, using the bakeries fresh breads no doubt!
Scoop's Diner: In the same complex there is also a small diner "Scoop's" serving diner food, such as burgers, onion rings and shakes. This is a great place to people watch. The locals often are found chatting each other up here.
Galiano Island Garage: They offer the neccesities such as gas, groceries and smokes of course! Image:Sturdies Bay.jpg The area around Sturdies Bay also includes: Grand Central Emporium ( a great restaurant for it's Open Mic nights" Galiano Island Books: For all those readers out there this is the place for you, the shopkeeper is always very attentive and helpful. Art and Soul Gallery: Looking for some local artwork and pieces? This is where you'll find it. Max and Moritz Foodstand: A great little trailer just next to the ferry dock. They offer some of the best grub on the Island, authentic Indonesian and German food. An odd combination, but you will be satisfied. Overall the Island has almost everything you need, except for a bank (but there are ATMs), without being too overpowering.
Montague Harbour Provincial Park
Montague Harbour is one of the most popular and idealic parks in the Gulf Islands, it's camping grounds are especially popular during the summer. The park also includes a boat launch, nature house and hiking trails. The park has a very picturesque setting and during the warm months is a haven for true British Columbian campers and tourists alike. The park is unique for its Shell Beach, which is a westernly facing beach with ice cold water but beautiful worn shells covering the whole expanse of the beach instead of sand. When the tide recedes there are many tidal pools where small sea creatures seek refuge from children toting buckets and nets. Montague alone has a huge variety of animals and plants, including the arbutus tree, herons and cormorants. The island of Galiano alone has hundreds of different birds, many of which can be seen in Montague.
Montague Harbour is also very popular with the recreational boating community, the harbour is often crowded with yachts and sailboats during the warmer months June, July, and August. This is thanks to the marina with the same namesake as the park.
Kayaking is also a favourite activity in the waters off the park. It is not uncommon to paddle within metres of wildlife, such as seals and otters. And after a few hours paddling around you can visit a boat that sells fresh baked goods to boaters in the harbour. Nothing like a fresh cookie to finish off an idealic trip.