We feel so fortunate that we’ve been able to do some local travel this year, and we’ve explored some truly beautiful destinations just a couple hours outside of Vancouver. One of our favourite places that we visited together this summer was definitely Galiano Island! Galiano is one of BC’s southern gulf islands, and it’s just a couple hours outside the city. With gorgeous parks, beautiful beaches, and great food and accommodations, it makes for a perfect getaway from the mainland. We spent half of our stay cozied up in a cabin at Bodega Cove, the waterfront sister property of Bodega Ridge. Located on the quiet and secluded north end of the island, Bodega Cove was the perfect place to relax for a few days and get away from it all. Keep reading for details on the cabins, and more information about beautiful Galiano Island!
How to Get There
The main property of Bodega Ridge and the waterfront cabins at Bodega Cove are about a thirty minute drive from the ferry terminal at Sturdies Bay on Galiano. There is one main road that takes you up to the north end of the island, and it’s a beautiful drive! Most of the services on Galiano are located near town, so be sure you have what you need before heading up to your cabin. The ferry from the mainland leaves from Tsawwassen and takes about one hour. The full trip is quick and easy if you’re coming from Vancouver or the Fraser Valley! If you want to do some sightseeing on the island it’s probably best to come over in your vehicle, and drive yourself up the island. There is ample parking at Bodega Ridge and Bodega Cove so you can bring everything you need for a comfortable cabin stay.
Bodega Ridge and Bodega Cove
Bodega Ridge consists of two properties, the main cabins which sit on 22 acres at Bodega Ridge, and waterfront cabins just down the road at Bodega Cove. Both properties offer gorgeous pet-friendly cabins, all with amazing amenities and beautiful interiors. Bodega Ridge has seven cabins, all with three bedrooms accommodating up to six guests. The log cabins have cedar decks, queen size beds, and beautiful bathrooms that make for a comfortable stay. There is also an on site restaurant called Tranquilo, which offers a Baja inspired menu with local ingredients. A couple minutes down the road at their sister property Bodega Cove, you will find three one bedroom cabins, and two two bedroom cabins. Modern amenities at Bodega Cove include beautiful bathrooms with deep soaker tubs, full kitchens, and wood burning fireplaces. It really is the perfect place to get away and connect with nature!
The Cabins
With one, two, and three bedroom options, these properties can accommodate so many different types of travellers, and it’s a major bonus that furry friends get to come along. We stayed in a one bedroom cabin at Bodega Cove, and our dog Theo absolutely loved it. We highly recommend Bodega Cove for solo travellers or couples, as it’s the perfect amount of space for one or two people. We had a full kitchen with everything we needed to prepare meals, and the soaker tub was perfect for relaxing in at night. The cabins at Bodega Cove are incredibly charming, with both vintage vibes and modern luxury coming together. The wood burning fireplace made for cozy evenings, and the outdoor deck was the perfect spot to relax and drink coffee in the morning. We drove up to Bodega Ridge during our stay to check out the property and the other cabins, and they look just as beautiful! The larger cabins are perfect for families and groups, there really is something for everyone!
The Island
Galiano truly is a special gem in BC’s gulf islands. With well kept provincial parks and sandstone cliffs and caves, it has it’s own unique beauty. We highly recommend taking some time to explore the island as there are some gorgeous hikes and look out points. Our favourites were Montague Marine Provincial Park and Bodega Ridge Provincial Park. If you’re into kayaking, be sure to check out Gulf Island Kayaking and arrange a rental or a guided tour! For a full list of things to do on Galiano Island, be sure to read our full guide here. We loved our visit and will certainly return one day. We found it to be incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly, and we can certainly recommend it as a safe destination for other same-sex couples. The staff at Bodega Ridge and all of the locals and business owners we met during our stay were very warm and welcoming to us. Be sure to add this spot to your BC travel list!
For information on Bodega Ridge and more about Galiano Island, you can visit their website here.
Has anyone else been to the Southern Gulf Islands in BC? Let us know in the comments!
Disclosure: This post is in no way sponsored by Galiano Tourism or Bodega Cove. Bodega Cove did generously host us (and Theo) in one of their cabins for a portion of our stay on Galiano, and we are so excited to share them with you. We had a great experience and highly recommend both this property and destination!