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.
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