Galiano Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands located in British Columbia, on the West Coast of Canada. Named after Dionisio Alcala Galiano, a Spanish explorer and cartographer. Galiano sailed the Sutil (Nuestra Señora del Carmen) up the West Coast continental shore-line in 1792. His mission was to study the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which was thought by the Spanish to be theng to the Northwest Passage.
Before Galiano's expedition, the Coast Salish Native American's had long been residents on the island. The Gray Peninsula at Montague Harbour Provincial Park is the sight of an ancient aboriginal village and evidence of midden pits (refuse heaps) suggests that Galiano Island has been inhabited for at least 3000 years. The first Europeans settled on the Island in the mid 1800's. Fishing and logging were the main industries that sustained Island residents for a time. Now tourism and the arts are the predominant industries.
Galiano Island, BC is one of the Southern Gulf Islands on Canada's West Coast. It's located between Vancouver Island and the Mainland (city of Vancouver), just North of the US border. 57 square kilometers in total, Galiano Island is 17 miles long and 3 miles wide at its widest (southernmost) point. In some places, the island is little over 1 mile wide, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Galiano is the second largest of the Gulf Islands, Salt Spring being the largest.
Climate
The Gulf Islands are the only place in Canada with a Mediterranean climate. And Galiano has the best weather of them all! In fact, Galiano enjoys a unique micro-climate with more sun and less rain than any other Gulf Island. Because of the sheltering effect Vancouver Island has on Galiano, it is the driest of the Gulf Islands. Around 25 inches of rain per year. Not bad for coastal climates!
The People
Of all the Gulf Islands, Galiano is known for its residents being the most welcoming to visitors. They've relied upon tourism in order to maintain their livelihood and their beloved community. Very early settlers on Galiano Island offered space in their homes to tourists in order to earn a living. Today there are an abundance of Bed & Breakfast's, cottage rentals, and guest homes available for visitors. Many residents are artists, and fittingly, there is a great little gallery and a handful of eclectic shops...even an organic market.
The diverse mix of talents and personalities that make up the population of just over 1000 is inspiring. There's a spirit of cooperation and genuine care for their Island. Conservation is a major focus for Islanders and should be on the minds of visitors as well.
Galiano Island...Your Adventure Awaits!
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