January 04, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Galiano Island, Hiking
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On New Year’s Day, five of us packed up sandwiches and headed to the Mount Galiano trailhead on the south end of Galiano Island.
The trail was mainly gentle switchbacks with lots of ferns and mossy trees lining the route. We were a little surprised that we didn’t see more hikers on our trip, but we did end up seeing two locals walking their horse down from the viewpoint – a unique trail companion!
A little under an hour from the trailhead, we reached the top (we missed a turn in one spot, but it all worked out). Once at the peak, we were treated to an amazing view: blue sky and sparkling water stretched between dark green forested islands – there were even snowy peaks in the distance. Soft, thick moss made the ultimate seat for our picnic lunch.
We spent almost an hour relaxing and watching Gulf Island life from the peak – bald eagles soaring below, and a BC Ferry navigating through the tight channels – before packing up our bags and trekking back down to our car. The view from the top of Mount Galiano (along with the good company) made this my most memorable New Year’s Day to date.