Reunion At Montague Harbor

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Friends are one of the reasons we enjoy boating in the San Juan and Gulf Islands.  Several years ago we met John and Brenda while visiting Refuge Cove in the Desolation Islands.  They cruised there on John's 30' diesel cruiser, Salish Dream.  Next time we saw them we linked up on Gabriola Island where John gave us an Island tour. Following the tour we visited his sister and her husband who have a home overlooking Dodd Narrows.  

Prior to departing for the Pacific Northwest this summer, we arranged to meet John in Montague Harbor on Galiano Island.  He grew up near Parksville, on Vancouver Island and has cruised these waters for many years,  He has willingly shared his extensive knowledge of local anchorages, harbors, sights, and experiences to enjoy.



John was in Ganges getting groceries when we arrived.  We anchored just outside the Provincial Park mooring field and set about boat chores while waiting for John's return.  As we waited, float planes brought and retrieved passengers to/from the island.  

Once you find yourself back amongst friends it is as if no time has elapsed since your last meeting.  You just continue conversations and fill in with all that transpired since your previous visit.


Dinghy ride to shore to start a hike



Ashore, and ready to start our hike


Pleasant trails to enjoy

We all felt some exercise was appropriate so we dinghied to shore for a hike.  We followed the perimeter trail which surrounded us in a mixture of deciduous and fir trees.  The madrones added color and the apple tree we encountered provided a snack!  The island also hosted a nice campground.




It felt good to stretch our legs and build an appetite as that prepared us a visit to the legendary Hummingbird Pub.  The Pub is located some distance away in the island's interior.  The "Pub Bus" whisks patrons from the anchorage to the establishment in about 20 minutes.  Once aboard, all riders are issued a musical instrument so you can sing and play along with the music emanating from the bus's ancient sound system.  As John's legs were better looking than mine, I choose to wear long pant and let him attract all the ladies!


The driver delivered us safely to the pub, we replace our instruments in the bin, and exited to find a truly unique island pub with a savory menu of comfort foods.


We ordered the "Starv'n Marvin" plate.  It was basically a classic mid-west open face hot roast beef sandwich smothered in brown gravy.  Delicious!  Took me right back to my mid-west roots.  I washed it down with an Island beer. The sound track for the evening was '60s and '70's standards for which everyone knew the lyrics and sang along or danced to in the bar.  This is a must visit location if you visit Galiano Island


We enjoyed our visit with John.  It was time well spent.  Galiano Island also revealed some secrets we had not previously discovered.  I'm sure we will return in the future to continue our explorations.


View from the north side of Montague Harbor





See you next time!!






Location: Montague Harbour, Galiano Island, BC V0N 1P0, Canada

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