By Sea
To get to Galiano Island, you’ll need to take a BC Ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen Terminal), bound for Sturdies Bay, Galiano Island.
We strongly suggest reserving your preferred sailings (a return trip) for the ferry as soon as possible. Ferry bookings do sell out, and it’s common to have multiple sailing waits if travelling without a reservation, so please make a booking!
Be sure to book a direct sailing (approx duration 55 mins) as there are options for sailings that make multiple stops on the way. Make sure to reserve a spot for your car, both ways.
Head over Friday morning if you plan to explore the island a bit, or opt for the late afternoon sailing in order to arrive in time for the welcome dinner at 7pm.
https://www.bcferries.com/book-sailings
If you have any difficulty with or questions about the ferry, our sister Katie has kindly offered her support. Her email is kathrynjohnstone13@gmail.com
By Air
If preferred, you can travel by float plane from Vancouver to Montague Harbour, Galiano Island. In this case, as you would not have a car on the island, we can help with a pick up to get you to your accommodations if you let us know in advance.
To book a flight, visit seaairseaplanes.com
Accomodations
Our wedding group will basically be invading this tiny island! You’ll need a place to lay your head on Friday July 11th and Saturday July 12th. The wedding is on July 12th, but because of ferry schedules and possible delays, we strongly recommend staying over on Friday night. Also, as Galiano is a popular summer holiday destination, we recommend booking your accommodations ASAP. The main Lodging options are:
Driftwood Village Cabin Rentals
The island has some homes available for rent on Air BnB + VRBO as well as several small traditonal BnBs. If booking a rental like this, just be sure the property you book is on Galiano Island and not a neighbouring island.
Bodega’s List of Alternate Accommodations
galianoisland.com/where-to-stay
If you are having trouble finding a place to stay, reach out to our wedding planner at erin@filosophi.com.
Getting Around
We will be arranging shuttle busses to bring all guests from the various accommodation sites to the venue (Bodega Ridge) and back again afterwards. There is no taxi or bus service on Galiano Island, so we do recommend bringing a car if you plan to do any sight seeing while there.
Exploring Galiano
While technically not a far journey from Vancouver, visiting Galiano Island is like stepping into a different world. On this little island with small town appeal, nature and relaxation are the keys of life. Galiano has a few restaurants, a pub, a small grocery market, a gas station that is sometimes open and sometimes not - it’s best to come prepared. Fuel up your car and bring along some snacks/groceries/drinks to have on hand for those after hours cravings.
If you’re interested in getting out to explore Galiano, our top three recommendations are hiking the ridge at Bodega Ridge Provincial Park, renting a kayak in Montague Harbour, or taking a stroll around Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park - the waterfront trail offers plenty of spots to sit and take in the scenery, and is a very easy stroll. Galiano has NO bears or cougars, just in case you were wondering, but does have a plethora of (non-lethal) wildlife like deer, mink, raccoons, otters, eagles, and orcas can often spotted from shore.
For more Galiano activities, click here
