Island time on The Southern Gulf Islands
The Southern Gulf Islands – British Columbia’s best backyards are back in business. How about a visit to Salt Spring, Pender or Galiano Islands – or maybe all three.
I have great memories of past visits to these islands but this time everything was better, mostly because I had been cooped up for so long.
Galiano Island
We drove to Montague Park and strolled the white clamshell beach and the shell middens are evidence that Indigenous settlements were here thousands of years ago. For the best views, go southward to the bluffs – you can drive to the top of the high rock cliffs and see Mayne Island just across Active Pass.
When the wind picked up we tucked into a bay on Parker Island.
Kayaking connects people; it brings them together but at a distance. “Unless you’re in a kayak for two, which can lead to divorce,” chuckled Miltner.
We checked into the Galiano Inn within minutes we were perusing Atrevida’s dinner menu. I get excited to see local and foraged items and the nettle soup with poached duck egg didn’t disappoint. (Nettles aren’t available until spring but they are involved with the Gleaning Project, partnering with residents to pick excess fruit and veggies.)
Despite COVID protocol that moved Bodega Ridge from indoor dining to counter service at Nimma Nimma Restaurant , an outdoor shipping container, pre-ordered “heat and eat” meals prepared by chef Elmark Andres and delivered to your log cabin—with a hefty stack of wood by the fireplace– are outstanding.
