Middens contain many of the archaeological clues that help to unravel the stories of earlier cultures. Wave action erodes the middens, crushes the shells and redeposits them to create Montague’s white shell beaches. Castaway shells left by centuries of harvesting form berms on the foreshore in many areas of the park. The white shell beach on the north side of the park marks one of several shell middens (refuse heaps) that indicate native occupation that dates back more than 3,000 years. Montague Harbour, with its sheltered waters and abundant salmon and shellfish, has a rich human history. Naturalists and bird watchers enjoy a climate and ecology found nowhere else, making Galiano Island a haven for many rare and protected plants and more than 130 species of birds. Montague Harbour is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers in any season, but particularly during the long hot days of summer. Archaeological excavations of these protected middens have unearthed arrows, spearheads and stone carvings, helping to unravel the stories of earlier cultures. The white shell beach on the north side of the park marks one of several shell middens, providing evidence of native occupation dating back more than 3,000 years. Montague Harbour, with its sheltered waters and abundant salmon and shellfish, is heir to a rich history. Skirting the northwest edge of the peninsula is a spectacular rock ledge that was carved into rippling patterns by the movement of glaciers thousands of years ago. Located within the park is Gray Peninsula, which was inhabited by First Nations peoples before the arrival of Spanish explorer Dionisio Galiano in 1792. The park is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or afternoon of exploration. Visitors can moor their boats to one of the 35 buoys in sheltered Montague Harbour or come by ferry and camp in one of the scenic vehicle-accessible or walk-in campsites. The park starts five metres below sea level and climbs 180 metres to a steep rocky precipice. Beaches, open meadows, tidal lagoons, towering forests, craggy headlands and abundant bird life are just a few of the things that attract visitors to this park in the southern Gulf Islands. Montague Harbour Marine Park on peaceful Galiano Island.
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