We enjoyed a lovely week at Galiano Getaway with our little 1-year-old and 3-year-old. The island is a great place to explore with young kids, especially if you're armed with insider information from Amanda. Morning Beach was incredible; we spent three different days there, splashing around in the shallow (and surprisingly warm - for the Pacific) water and hunting for starfish and crabs. We also loved Spotlight Cove (10-15 minute walk from the house) and Retreat Cove.

We had a few solid meals out (Babes in the Woods; Black Dog; Robin & Crane) but ended up cooking and eating most of our meals out on the deck of the house, which is splendid. The entire house is filled with charm. You know how there are some VRBOs that seem set up just as money-makers, and others where the owners clearly spend time there? Galiano Getaway is obviously in the latter camp. There are all sorts of signals - deck shades to help block the afternoon sun, a hanging lighter to light evening candles - that the owners care about and love this home.

We all slept great in comfortable beds (our 1-year-old was very happy tucked away in a pack-and-play in the downstairs bedroom) and thoroughly enjoyed the layout and overall feel (light, airy) of the house.

Amanda was a terrific resource: friendly, responsive, and chockful of information. One of our most memorable experiences was the Wednesday night North End market, which was 100% an Amanda rec. It basically felt like we got to crash a large family reunion; we'll never forget that scene, with our kids running around in the grass and dancing to guitar music. The entire time on Galiano was fabulous. We intend to return.