Salt Spring Island/Galiano
 

We'd like to take a day trip to either Galiano Island or Salt Spring while in Vancouver. Would it be necessary to take your vehicle or could you go on a ferry as a walk-on and still see lots without a car? Also, any ideas which place would be nicest to see in only 1 day?

I think it would be difficult without a car or at least a bicycle. On Saltspring there is nothing of particular interest by the ferry terminals. I like to go to the top of Mt. Maxwell for the view but have only done this by car. I haven't been to Galiano in some time so can't really make a comparison.

While I haven't been to Saltspring, I've been to Galiano many times. Galiano's a very long and narrow island. The parks, caves, lookout points, beaches, marinas, etc are scattered throughout the island. You'll definitely need some sort of transportation - a car or a bike will do. Just keep in mind that the island's very mountainous, so don't bring your bike unless you're prepared for a workout :) A car is probably your best bet. <BR> <BR>http://www.galianoisland.com/ is a good site with a detailed map that shows you where the "must sees" on the island are.

the ferry to Saltspring is the same one that goes to Galiano,generally a real 'donkey express' see www.bcferries.com. <BR>it can take as much as 3.5 hours for a trip to Saltspring,stopping at 3 other islands,a great chunk of time out of a day trip. <BR>

If I remember correctly, Galiano Island is the first stop on that "donkey express" ferry (I love that name!) I remember taking my bike on that ferry with my dad and my sister in 1993 for a day trip. It's the first stop in the morning, and the last stop at night - which gives you more time on the island.

This is from a while ago, but I thought I'd reply in case anyone else has the same question in the future. I used to live on Galiano, and would go there rather than Salt Spring in a heart beat. It is the first stop on the ferry route. One could walk on, and take a taxi around, but I would suggest your own vehicle. A bike would be great too. If you are only there for one day go to Montague Harbour and the Bluffs.