B.C. Travel Guide

Galiano Island Montague Harbour Provincial Park

Montague Harbour Provincial Park is located within the southern Gulf Islands on the beautiful island retreat of Galiano. Montague Harbour Provincial Park covers over 95 hectares of picturesque marine landscapes including the unique, reflective white shelled beaches, the open far reaching grassy knolls, the looming forests, the rocky clefts and many tidal pools.

One of the highlights of the park is Gray Peninsula. It was first occupied in 1792 by the First Nations people before the arrival of Dionisio Galiano, a Spanich explorer. Thousands of years ago the area was once covered in glaciers and, today, there is still evidence of the glacier retreat left behind by nature's carvings on the rock ledges near the northwest side of Gray Peninsula. A daily reminder of the environmental past of the islands.

The white shells, called middens, cover the beach area of Montague Harbour Provincial Park. The vast accumulation of white shells stems from the First Nation's harvest of the shellfish some 3000 years ago. The crushed white shells is the result of waves crashing and mulching the shells into smaller bits. Archaeological digs of these protected middens have found arrows, spearheads and stone carvings, depicting the life and culture of the earlier First Nations cultures and traditions.

Montague Harbour Provincial Park is a haven for over 120 species of birds drawing hundreds of birdwatchers every year to the area. Many come to see the Buffleheads, Goldeneyes, Ravens and Mergansers. Because of the hot and mild temperatures of the region, Montague Harbour Provincial Park also is fortunate to be a live museum for many rare west coast plants.

Montague Harbour Provincial Park is unique in that it starts at 5 metres below sea level climbing up 180 metres to a high viewpoint overlooking the ocean waters and looking down on rocky cliffs. The day use area with picnic tables is ideal for visiting Montague Park for a picnic and a full day of exploration visiting the Floating Nature House. Operation times vary with seasons.

Montague Harbour Provincial Park has a good selection of trails ranging from easy to easier. The main route exploring along Shell Beach and around Gray Peninsula. Tons of views of the surrounding islands, local marine life and wildlife. Again do not stray off trails so to protect the sensitive soils and greenery.

Montague Harbour Provincial Park is able to service all explorers types. There is wilderness camping in tents, moorage for boats and room for the self contained RV visitors. There are 25 drive-in campsites within the forest areas and all have close access to the beach. Most campsites are on a first come first serve basis. There are 15 walk-in/cycle in tenting sites available also. Camping fees apply. Pit toilets, water tap are available. There is no showers or sani-station.

How to get to Montague Harbour Marine Park

Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park is located on the southwest side of Galiano Island only 10 km northwest of Sturdies Bay. BC Ferries provides vehicle and passenger service to Sturdies Bay from Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island and from Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver. The park is located on Montague Park Road.

HOMEPAGES:
- British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Island
- Gulf Islands

Nature Parks

Pacific Rim Parks - Long Beach - Broken Islands - West Coast Trail North Island Parks - Cape Scott Park - Strathcona Park - Schoen Lake - Morton Lake - Elk Falls - Rebecca Spit Marine - Miracle Beach Central Island Parks - Cathedral Grove - Stamp Falls - Sproat lake - Horne Lake Caves - Little Qualicum Falls - Englishman River Falls - Rathtrevor Beach South Island Parks - Newcastle Island - Gordon Bay - Cowichan River - Carmanah Walbran - Roche Cove - Galloping Goose - Elk Beaver Lake - Juan de Fuca - French Beach - Goldstream - Sidney Spit - Ruckle Park - Montague Harbour Island Adventures - Island Fishing - Golf Courses - Surfing - Whale Watching - Wineries & Vineyards - Kayaking