Trip 249 - May of 2022

Galiano Island Shore Access Points

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Shore Access Points Location: Throughout Galiano Island - 31 in total.

Liked: Numerous fine shore views, tidal pools, unusual sandstone formations, various marine traffic.

Of Note: Uneven and slippery ground, loose rocks and logs, some steep trails - hiking poles are recommended, and hiking boots are highly recommended.

Vancouver Island, Victoria & Gulf Islands Backroad Mapbook (9th edition) Galiano Island Coordinates: Page 20 (Galiano Island) - main map and inset.

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In addition to such fine hikes as Mount Galiano and Bodega Ridge, Galiano has 30+ shore access points throughout the island, which feature views from "ok" to "great". A map with all these access points can be picked up at an information booth adorned with a "Welcome to Galiano" sign and located on the right side just as you exit Sturdies Bay Ferry Terminal. As an alternative, photos of the map are provided in this trip report.

There are a lot of interesting things at those shore access points, from fabulous shore views, to all kinds of marine traffic (especially BC Ferries), herons, crabs, sea stars, and very unusual sandstone formations. Of course, coming during low tide would allow to see more of the shore and tidal pools. Apparently, it is even possible to observe whales from some access points (which are marked in the map as such), but we saw no whales during our visit.

At all access points the ground can be quite slippery and the terrain occasionally challenging (including on access trails), and, fairly often, it's more than just a simple walk in the park, and proper preparation and caution are in order.

Many of these access points are located on fairly narrow side streets, and any vehicle larger than a full size pickup truck may find it difficult turning around at those locations.

There are 31 access points, and they are numbered from 3 to 69. Since the number goes to 69, but there are only 31 points, it is unclear whether there were other access points which have since been deactivated. In any case, in the table below we list these access points in numerical order, subjectively rate their "view value", and put relevant notes. The map with access points has a brief description of each point as well.

Finally, a big kudos to whoever created these access points - they make an otherwise a highly enjoyable visit to Galiano Island that much more special.

Galiano Island Shore Access Points:

#

To Shore

Views

Notes

3

15 m

Good

4

40 m

Good

Met a heron

5

50 m

Good

Passing ships

10

105 m

Good

11

45 m

Ok

13

0 m

Ok

14

190 m

Good

Passing ships

15

600 m

Good

Steep trail at the end. Sandy beach with a swing. Passing ships.

17

130 m

Good

23

140 m

Ok

Close to marina

26

230 m

Good

A small waterfall

27

80 m

Ok

31

110 m

Good

Zig-zagging creek

33

70 m

Ok

34

25 m

Good

A fine tree view

37

70 m

Ok

Steep trail

38

35 m

Ok

45

20 m

Good

48

100 m

Ok

49

520 m

Good

Parking lot is down a short steep road – park on main road, unless 4x4

50

470 m

Good

Steep trail at the end – has stairs

53

140 m

Great

Excellent tidal pools & sandstone

55

110 m

Ok

A small leaning tree

57

270 m

Great

Tidal pools. Weird round-shaped sandstone

58

55 m

Ok

59

200 m

Good

60

30 m

Good

Tidal pools

61

40 m

Ok

62

25 m

Ok

Met a heron

65

40 m

Ok

69

200 m

Good

Sandstone

33-36. Shore Access Point #15 (Bluff Road).

To the shore: 600 meters. Views: good.

This access point is a sandy beach with a swing and passing ships. The only more-or-less truly sandy public beach we could find on Galiano Island. Coordinates: N 48°51.731’ W 123°19.293’. The trail gets very steep the last 100 meters or so, and there is a rope for assistance.