Photo Essay: A Bird-Eye View From Galiano Island

View from The Bluffs

Last Updated on June 20, 2022

We had such a stunning time exploring Galiano Island to start winding down our summer adventures in beautiful British Columbia. I love exploring from ground level, but it is so mind-blowing to see the beauty from above as well. Luckily, we were blessed with sunny days while on Galiano Island, so we were able to get a clear Galiano bird-eye view of our surroundings!

Looking at Galiano Island from a bird-eye view, it’s easy to see why so many people love it here. The island is absolutely beautiful, with its rocky shores, lush forests, and pacific northwest beach vibes. It’s no wonder that so many people come here to relax and enjoy the incredible views.

It was so interesting to see the rugged beauty of Galiano Island from an aerial view. I am always so amazed at how different scenery looks from above. Seeing the island from this perspective also really helped us to appreciate its beauty that much more.

Where Is Galiano Island?

If you’re looking for a great getaway from Vancouver, consider spending a few days on Galiano Island. This beautiful island is located just a short ferry ride away from Vancouver, and it offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, go for a hike in the forests, or explore the island’s many quaint shops and cafes, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you busy on Galiano Island. It is incredible that it is only a short hour-long ferry ride to Galiano Island from the Tsawassen ferry terminal.

Exploring the island, it really felt like you were much farther away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We felt totally removed from our everyday life, feeling completely immersed in the joy and excitement of discovering somewhere new.

From these bird-eye views, you can see that Galiano Island is an amazing place. It has gorgeous waters and beautiful scenery all around it:

Pebble Beach (Cable Bay)

Galiano Island is a beautiful location for a beach getaway. One of the island’s most popular attractions is Pebble Beach, a secluded spot with stunning ocean views. The beach is made up of small, smooth pebbles.

The rocks are a photographer’s dream with all the colors and textures found on our west coast. At low tide, admire the tide pools to find sea life. If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot a River Otter; we spotted a very curious one.

When you visit with the tide in,  you can hear the roar of the waves crashing as you approach the end of the trail.  Early the next morning, the tide was out and it felt like a different beach.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax or an adventurous day trip, Pebble Beach on Galiano Island is the perfect location to spend some time.

Aerial view of pebble beach on Galiano Island
Wandering the rugged beach at Pebble Beach at low tide

Mount Galiano

Mount Galiano is the tallest mountain on Galiano Island, rising 311 m above sea level.  The views from the summit are incredible, and on a clear day, you can see views over the Gulf Islands, the United States San Juan Islands, and the distant mainland mountains.

The Mount Galiano trail is one of the most popular hiking trails on Galiano Island, and it’s easy to see why. The views from the top are simply breathtaking, and the trail itself is well-maintained and easy to follow.

Don’t forget to bring your camera – you’ll want to capture the memories of this special place.

Views from Mount Galiano on Galiano Island

Views from Mount Galiano on Galiano Island

Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park

Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park is a beautiful, natural place to enjoy the outdoors. Located on the southwest side of Galiano Island, the park offers visitors a wide range of activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park also has a rich history dating back to the days of the early settlers. Today, the park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, for those looking to escape the busyness of everyday life and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Visitors can explore the many hidden coves and beaches, or take a leisurely stroll through the lush forest. With its stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife, Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park is a place that everyone can enjoy.

The park is best known for White Shell beach, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

The distinctive white shells of Montague’s gorgeous beaches are the result of centuries worth of history. Shells left behind after harvesting were eventually worn down by waves to form what we see today-a stunning sight! Galiano was an important seasonal home for Aboriginal people since at least 3000 BC.

 

Montangue Harbour on Galiano Island
Montague Harbour was so pretty! How dreamy does this look?

Morning Beach

Morning Beach is Galiano’s best sand beach and warmest bay. Enjoy the silky smooth sand as you build sandcastles. The velvety-soft sand felt so good between our toes.  It was an all-around amazing experience to be out in this beautiful space with the sun shining.

It is a great spot to go for a swim, sunbathe, or kayak. At low tide, walk along the rocks to explore tidepools.

Morning Beach – The sand at this beach was so soft!

The Bluffs

One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Galiano Island is by hiking the Bluffs Trail. The trailhead is located just off Sturdies Bay Road and the hike itself is relatively easy, and suitable for all levels of fitness. The path takes you through a dense forest before opening up to panoramic views that reach as far as Saltspring Island and include Mayne Island, Active Pass, Navy Channel, and the Pender Islands.

Aerial views at The Bluffs on Galiano Island
Views from above The Bluffs lookout

Sturdies Bay

The Sturdies Bay ferry terminal on Galiano Island is a busy place, especially in the summer months. The ferry schedule can be found online, and tickets can be purchased in advance. The crossing takes about half an hour, and the fare is relatively inexpensive. The Sturdies Bay ferry terminal is a convenient way to reach the island, and it offers travelers a variety of amenities. Make reservations ahead of time to avoid the disappointment of showing up and the ferry being full.

Galiano bird's eye view at Sturdies Bay
Ferry Terminal

Related Story – A Rustic Cabin In The Woods On Galiano Island

Galiano bird's eye view at Sturdies Bay
How beautiful is this view?

Bellhouse Provincial Park

Visitors can explore tide pools, go beachcombing, or simply enjoy the stunning views. You will also find a variety of marine life in the waters, and endless starfish will appear at low tide. There are some amazing things that get left behind when the tide goes out.

Bellhouse Park is also supposed to be a fantastic place to sit and whale watch. We were not graced with the presence of any whales while we sat and watched. That is just our luck, though!

 

What place unexpectedly blew you away from a bird-eye view? 

 

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