Although Galiano Island is undeniably lovely in the summertime, we think that shoulder season is really ‘where it’s at’. Between the fewer ferry lineups, emerging autumn colours, and shifting wildlife patterns, there is so much to see! But there is another reason to hit up Galiano this Fall: recently opened The Pink Geranium, by Bodega Ridge.

In the event that you are not already familiar with the situation, let me set the stage: Bodega Ridge is a 22-acre stretch of field and forest, that walks the line of being comfortable but never over-manicured (the grass is long, the flowers are wild, and the roads are unpaved). This is a place that genuinely works with the landscape and respects its natural surroundings.

Cabins at Bodega range from cozy one-bedroom spots located at Bodega Cove (the lower, almost waterfront portion of the resort) to three-bedroom cabins for up to six people, perched on the ridge, featuring log interiors and views of the ocean. They’re all rustically stylish, with simple furnishings and wood-burning stoves stocked with complimentary firewood and kindling.

Situated at the North end of Galiano, Bodega is a healthy hike away from the sandy beaches at Dionisio Point Provincial Park, and about 22km from the ferry terminal at Sturdies Bay, accessible down winding, tree-lined roads. Despite the fact that resort offers all the modern connectivity you might need, it’s easy to slip into a cellphone- and wifi-free world where all you need is a fire, a good meal, and the quiet of nature around you.

As much as I appreciate Bodega’s out-of-the-way location, the seclusion does have its drawbacks. For instance, I have often returned to my room after a day spent wandering through the woods and combing the beach, ready for a long, hot bath before activating my plan to collapse on the couch with a bag of chips – only to realize I  didn’t bring any. And when you’re hit with the harsh truth that your choices are no chips or a 22km drive under cold rain just to get a snack, it can be a bit of a downer…

Happily, those days are over! Bodega Ridge has levelled up with the addition of The Pink Geranium — a stunning, cedar-shingled, Bocci-lit and fireplace-equipped café and mini grocery store situated on a gentle plot of land set just off of Porlier Pass Road (and right next door to Bodega Cove Cabins).

Inside, vases of dried flowers sit on vintage wooden tables under stained glass windows, adding to the country-cool ambience, and shelves are stocked with everything from ceramics and skin care products, to heat-and-serve meals, fresh salads, preserves and snacks of all kinds. The centrally located bar serves hot drinks, house baked goods (do not miss the Cardamom Oat Cookie!) and a solid line-up of satisfying sandwiches (think Roast Beef, Fried Chicken, or a Falafel packed with house-made baba ghanoush and fresh mint grown on the property). Hot soup and fresh sourdough? Totally doable. A prepared salad (they are growing a lot of produce on site!), chocolate bar, or tea? All options.

Bodega Ridge owner Jesse Keefer acquired The Pink Geranium in 2021, with a vision to transform the aging structure (formerly home to a much loved restaurant; see full story below) into a community grocery store and cafe. As Keefer explains: “The Pink Geranium was truly beloved and could never be replicated. I had no intention of trying to recreate it, especially considering that what Jesse [McCleery] and Mel [Witt] have built at Pilgrimme captures much of what made the original Pink Geranium so special. But, after talking with locals, it became clear that what was really needed was a cafe and general store [on the North end of the Island], which also complements the experience for guests at Bodega Ridge and Bodega Cove.”

Together with Bodega Ridge’s Chef Elmark Andres and General Manager Reesa Osing, Keefer worked to build out a well rounded offering of ‘grab-and-go’ and seated meal options, bringing together a good cross-section of convenience and indulgence items for guests and locals. The concept came together slowly, finally launching for real last month (September, 2024). “I loved working on this property and did all the shingle work and a lot of the landscaping myself. While not a natural general contractor, I managed to run a team of talented and eccentric trades to get the project to completion,” says Keefer. “I couldn’t have brought this project to life without the help of some incredible people. TwobyTwo Architecture Studio was instrumental in shaping the interior and exterior architecture and design. Laura Margaret Macdonald assisted with the landscape architecture; Dan Danku worked alongside me on the execution; Galiano’s Stu Georgeson helped with the hardscaping and a million other things, I thought of 2 things! I forgot to mention the farm and that we’re selling produce that we are growing ourselves at the Ridge Kevin Abel did all the painting and much of the painstaking restoration work of the original windows, Pattern Builders did the millwork; and my wife Christine, daughter Edie, and dear friends Josh Pekarsky, Marla Guralnick and James Langford-Smith helped make this dream a reality from the very beginning.”

Now that doors are open, “Pinky’s” (what locals call it) is also the new check-in spot for resort guests; which means that you can grab your room code and stock up on some food the moment you arrive. No more wish-I’d-thought-of-that-when-we-got-off-the-ferry-and-the-only-store-in-town-was-right-there trips into town for supplies! Although, if you do feel like venturing out, then take note that Pinky’s also rents out e-bikes. Short story: The Pink Geranium carries on a rich history, and they have your back from 10am to 4pm seven days a week. Island isolation without inconvenience: we’re in!

How To Get There: Galiano Island is a quick ferry trip from Vancouver on BC Ferries: Hit Tsawwassen to catch the boat (even during shoulder seasons, it’s important to make a reservation to save yourself waiting at terminals or dealing with unnecessary transfers). Take care to carefully select which sailing you want (some are direct, and others involve multiple stops). The ride is beautiful – keep an eye out for whales! DETAILS.