British Columbia - Island Escape

26th May 2008

Galiano Island
If it wasn't for Wally, I probably wouldn't have set foot on Galiano Island this past weekend. Over a week ago we briefly talked about the Queen of Tsawwassen, one of the original BC Ferries vessels that is due to retire later this year. It was recommended that I do a day trip before this ferry sails off into history. Nicolas had yet to visit one of the Gulf Islands. So this made for the perfect trip.

After a 1 hour ferry ride, Nicolas & I arrived at Sturdies Bay. We stopped off at the Grand Central Emporium for lunch, where we tried out the halibut & salmon burger. Highly recommended place to eat! And don't forget to visit the island's only bookstore. For the remainder of the day, we explored the southern tip of Galiano Island. There were bald eagles in Bellhouse Provincial Park & around Whaler Bay. The hike along Sturdies Bay Trail was quite interesting. Never knew it existed until we saw the signs. Before hopping on the ferry for the return trip home, we made a pit stop at a few local shops & galleries. Our ride home, on board the Queen of Tsawwassen, was quite full. But I am happy to say that I had the opportunity to be a part of history and at the same time had a chance to visit a Gulf Island that I haven't set foot on before.

Queen of Tsawwassen arriving (Delta, BC)	Ferry fans taking photos on outer deck (Delta, BC)	Passengers relaxing (Delta, BC)	White ships on blue seas (Strait of Georgia)
Arriving at Sturdies Bay (Galiano Island, BC)	Grand Central Emporium (Galiano Island, BC)	Need a map? (Galiano Island, BC)	Buying a book? (Galiano Island, BC)
On the way to Bellhouse Park (Galiano Island, BC)	Bellhouse Provincial Park (Galiano Island, BC)	Bald Eagle (Galiano Island, BC)	Spotting another bald eagle (Galiano Island, BC)
Nicolas at Active Pass (Galiano Island, BC)	Hello horsey! (Galiano Island, BC)	Whaler Bay (Galiano Island, BC)	Garter snake (Galiano Island, BC)
Nicolas spotting more birds (Galiano Island, BC)	Sturdies Bay Trail (Galiano Island, BC)	3 Queens - Saanich, Vancouver, Cumberland (Galiano Island, BC)	Walk-on passengers at Sturdies Bay (Galiano Island, BC)
Dinner time! (Galiano Island, BC)	Relaxing on the outer deck (Strait of Georgia)	Queen of Saanich sails off into the sunset (Delta, BC)