How do these islands compare to the San Juan Islands. We had a wonderful time last year on Orca Island and wonder which Gulf Island would be the best for day hiking? Also, does anyone have suggestions for restaurnats and a B&B?

Furthermore to my response to your Whistler Inquiry I've done some checking on B & B's in the Gulf Islands. As mentioned Saltspring is by far the most developed and has some very nice B & B's, mostly in the main town of Ganges. The Salt Spring Spa Resort is not a B & B but has individual fully stocked cottages and a pretty good Health Spa and beach. <BR> Annies Oceanfront Hideaway B&B is probably the best on the Island but it only has 4 units so long term advance reservations would be required. <BR> <BR>Galiano has a few good country style Inns The Bellhouse B & B, & Woodstone Country Inn are considered the best <BR> <BR>On Quadra Island there is the Taku Resort on a secluded bay, (Breakfast Extra), with a full range of recreational activities aailable. <BR> <BR>On Mayne Island there is the Oceanwood Country Inn with lots of outdoor attractions and is also on a beach. <BR> <BR>The other main Islands - Gabriola, Texada, etc. are mostly settled with private cottages and artist colonies and don't have really developed facilities. Except for Saltspring the restaurants are pretty plain and the quality of food often depends on how the Chef is feeling and what he has to work with. Expect a lot of seafood, lamb, (sheep farming is big on the islands), and home grown vegatables. <BR> <BR>For hiking, all the Islands are rather hilly with low earthquake caused ridges so you con hike to lots of great vantage points. None of the Islands is so rustic as to be dangerously isolated and you can use a cell pohone through all of them as far as I know. There is no 'cold' season since the climate is semi-meditterranean - you'll even come accross the odd grove of Palms - but I would still avoid late October to Early March because the blustery, rainy weather can make outdoor activities less than enjoyable.

We stayed on Galiano a couple of years ago at a lovely B&B. It was next to a small inn, where we had dinner. I can't remember the names offhand, but could look them up if interested. <BR> <BR>We did have some trouble using our cell phone on Galiano. We were meeting friends who were coming in on their boat. It turned out that our B&B was in a little dip on the island where cell phones didn't work! (Rather amusing given that the owners were former BC Tel employees and I too come from the telco world.)

My experience with Hiking in the GI's is that a lot of private property makes access very difficult; one often ends up walking along the narrow, twisting roads for long distances, or as long as distances are on the GI's. <BR>OTOH-They are fine for Bicycling and rentals are widely available, on Saltspring some of the Cabs have Bike racks on the back! <BR>I've only stayed in private homes, rented shacks or tented over there but I know that Saltspring has some lovely places ($$$$). <BR>Ganges is NOT the place to stay it's just a smear of urban sprawl in the country. <BR>Dining is limited as you might imagine in a place with a 5 month season.

Susan could you check the name of the B&B you stayed at?

The B&B on Galiano is called Moonshadows - website is http://www3.telus.net/moonshadowsbb. I just looked up their website and it looks as though they are for sale, so I don't know if they are still operating or not. The place was extremely comfortable. They had 2 cute little dogs and a whole pile of ducks!

We have family friends who own a home on Galiano on Sticks-Alison Road - all homes on that street are located on a cliff and have beachfront access with gorgeous views of the Georgia Straight. I found a few links to bed & breakfasts on that road if you're interested: <BR> <BR>Island Time B&B - http://www.gulfislands.com/islandtime <BR> <BR>Sunrise Sunset B&B - <BR>http://www.aebc.com/sunrise <BR> <BR>Some websites that might help give you more info about the Gulf Islands: <BR> <BR>http://www.gulfislands.net <BR>http://www.gulfislandsguide.com <BR>http://www.galianoisland.com <BR>

Ooops! I forgot to add, I did spend several summers in that Galiano home of my friends, so I can definitely recommend that part of Galiano Island! One of my fondest memories was just exploring the tidal pools when the tide was out...