Located only 68 km and short ferry ride away from Vancouver, this edition of Loose Lips’ Weekend Getaway features a Southern Gulf Island gem: Galiano Island
By Brittany Tiplady
@yellowbird888
BC’s Gulf Islands are an idyllic paradise for both Vancouver locals and intrepid tourists. While island hopping is highly recommended, for a quick weekend away, we are partial to a Galiano visit.
SLEEP
Located on the Northwest corner of Galiano Island is Bodega Ridge: a cabin resort home to retreats, events, weddings, and an ideal getaway for a couple looking to escape the city.
The resort is composed of seven three-bedroom, two bathroom, log cabins and a main lodge on 22 acres of vast landscape. Each self-contained cabin feels like home. We spent our first night BBQing on the patio, taking in the celestial sunset and playing board games by the fire (firewood and kindling is provided).
An added bonus: Bodega Ridge cabins have the best wifi on the island if you are not willing to completely disconnect.
DO
Galiano Island is ideally located in the rain shadow of the Vancouver Island mountain ranges, which means that the island’s rainy forecast will often be a bluff. The island offers an abundance of outdoor activities with a variety of hikes, beaches, marinas, and protected parks ideal for all types of recreation.
We opted for a hike through the Bodega Ridge Provincial Park. The top of the ridge can be reached in approximately 30 minutes through forested trail and cliff edge. The reward is a spectacular view of vistas of Trincomali Channel, Vancouver Island, and the Strait of Georgia.
EAT
There are small selection of pubs, restaurants, and cafes surrounding Sturdies Bay Village and Montague Harbour, but if you are visiting Galiano with a more refined palate, we strongly recommend making a reservation at Pilgrimme. Tucked away by Montague Provincial Park, the restaurant was voted #3 Best New Restaurant in Canada by enRoute Magazine in 2015 and continues to earn that title with beautiful farmed and foraged food. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance; the quaint space fills up quickly.
Brittany Tiplady is a part-time poet, and a full-time goat cheese enthusiast. She loves the indoors, fast wifi, collecting maps, and a generous glass of red wine.
