Exploring our islands

Have you ever been to the Galiano Island? Or, as a matter of fact, to any of the Gulf Islands? If your answer is no, I can safely say that you have been missing out on memorable experiences!

There are five islands served by local ferries from the Swartz Bay terminal in Victoria: Salt Spring, (the largest one), Pender, Mayne, Galiano and Saturna islands. With the exception of Salt Spring Island, a ferry-run serves all the remaining islands starting from Swartz Bay and returning hours later to the initial port. You may take a six-hour round trip as a foot passenger. It is a most beautiful and an enjoyable trip. And relatively inexpensive, too! The advantage is that you do not need to take a car; you can stay on the ferry and visit all the ports at Otter Bay (Pender I.), Village Bay (Mayne I.), Sturdies Bay (Galiano I.), and Lyall Harbor (Saturna I.). Just pick a nice sunny day and you can have a picnic on board with a majestic view all the way along. I have done this trip solo, as well as with friends many a time and enjoyed the experience on every occasion. I have managed to discover new shoreline sceneries, watch mysterious pond of orcas surfacing, did sun-bathing and socializing with fellow passengers. Every trip is different and leading to new surprises.

My most frequent trips – in the past 15 years - however, were to Galiano Island - a cigar- shape land with a population of approximately 1000 people. I have close friends living there, Barbara and Steve Ocsko, previous owners of the Bodega Resort. (They have sold the Resort last August, but happy to say, they are staying on the Island!) What wonderful times I have spent with the Ocskos doing garden work, splitting firewood, or just plainly having fun by trail walking, horseback riding, corralling sheep and giving a hand in other resort chores. I usually take my car along in order to be able to reach some other destinations and fully enjoy the amenities of the area.

My monthly visits last for three-four days, as a result I am quite familiar with the activities of the island people. Who, as I  have come to realize, tend to shut themselves off the

outside world, in order to maintain a peaceful coexistence with nature. Although modern amenities, such as electricity, TV, phone, restaurants and coffee shops are readily available, the environment is definitely tranquil and rural.

You don’t  have to worry about having friends to visit any of the islands. You can play the tourist and be on your own. Take your car and explore the country roads, the camping sites, the picnic grounds and viewpoints, as well as the historic sites. Admire the miles of beaches, the home crafts and the friendly business establishments. You may also do “island hoping” and return to Victoria the same day.

So, don’t hesitate, pick up a sailing schedule and brochures at the downtown tourist office and plan a trip with the family or friends. Considering our mild winters, a trip this time of the year can still be a memorable experience. If you’re planning to take a round trip as a foot passenger, you may save money by taking   the No.70 bus to/from the ferry terminal.

Happy sailing! May the favourable winds carry you to your port!

Ted Szamecz