Bodega Ridge

I can’t say enough good things about Bodega Ridge. From the spectacular views to the quaint and immaculate cottage we stayed in, it was simply a dream come true. Jessie, the owner, and his staff is friendly and accomodating without being overbearing at all. You can mosey down to the lodge for conversation or stay in your cottage all weekend and not talk to a soul. The energy of the place is one of community and peace, and this made my morning yoga practice absolutely magical.
It’s best to have a car and is about 30 – 40 minutes from the ferry. Stock up on groceries and supplies before you head up to Bodega Ridge as there aren’t any stores nearby. Amazing people, a pristine environment, and tangible true peace. Seriously. Go.

Recently stayed at Bodega Ridge with some pals, and had the best little weekend getaway ever. Galiano Island is just a quick little ferry ride over from Vancouver, and it’s one of my favourite Gulf Islands. After driving through the island’s winding, forested hills, we arrived at Bodega and were immediately blown away by the incredible sweeping views of the islands and ocean below. Each night we were lulled to sleep by the croaking of frogs, and each morning we were woken by the gentle chirping of song birds.
Our cabins were well stocked, clean, and extremely comfortable (the beds were like their own little cushioney pieces of heaven).
Jesse was the perfect host, and the staff were all extremely helpful and professional and also just seemed to genuinely love their jobs.
If you’re looking for a quintessential «Beautiful British Columbia» experience on the coast, Bodega Ridge is the place for you.
FIVE STARS.

(get ready, this is a long one)
After a few very different stays at Bodega, I can honestly say that it’s one of my absolute favourite places in the world.
. The staff not only take an unfathomable amount of pride in their work, but are friendly, professional, and entirely accommodating of just about any reasonable request. One of their star employees, Dave, has always made me feel as though I am not just a guest, but am visiting my second home. And I imagine that I’m not alone when I say that after the first visit and meeting with the owners, Jesse and Chris, that I felt as though I’d gained two new best friends. Talented, whip smart, and cool, they are the perfect proprietors of such a place. Island life can be tricky, teetering between too hippie and too stuffy, but they’ve found a real balance by being themselves, and the property at Bodega reflects this.
With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen in each of the seven cabins, this is not what I’d consider roughing it by any stretch of the imagination. A classic log cabin inside and out, the modern touches are what make it cool. Plush leather couches, filament bulb lamps, Pendleton blankets, reclaimed Douglas Fir tables – the could-​be twee aspect of cabin life is exonerated by sensible design. There’s even a flat screen TV in each cabin with a small library of movies in the main lodge to choose from, but I wouldn’t bother – there’s so much to see and do at or nearby Bodega Ridge.
Spectacular meadows, forests, and wildflowers surrounding the property, Bodega is positioned so that it’s almost always bright and sunny. The staggeringly beautiful trails along the ridge offer one of the best views of the gulf islands, and the ocean is close enough to walk to in a matter of minutes. Also, bonus: the weirdly infamous Stoneworld (as seen here:
) is a worthy stop on the way to a serious magical forest hike.
Free wifi throughout the property, an amazing main lodge that can accommodate up to 70 dinner guests, and wonderfully knowledgeable proprietors who will have a recommendation for just about anything – all a quick boat ride from Vancouver. I don’t know that I have the words to describe just how amazing Bodega Ridge is. Bringing the city to the island, staying rustic and real, this place has it all.
**of note: Bodega is located about a 40 minute drive, or a few leisurely hours by bike from the ferry. Arrive prepared.

Set in lush temperate rainforest of douglas firs and maples, Bodega Ridge is the place to stay when you visit Galiano Island. We stayed for a three day yoga retreat and found the air clean, the cabins cozy, and the food gourmet.
Jesse and his staff are super accommodating and just good people.
I know you can rent out the entire site for weddings and other events. I’m super tempted to do just that even though I’m already married, I’ll have to come up with some other event to celebrate.
Bonus: There are a bunch of different apple trees all over the property. Jesse graciously said we were more than free to pick and eat at will. First time I had an apple from a tree.