Set sail for Gabriola Island and discover what this vibrant, artistic and friendly Gulf Island community has to offer.
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo harbour, Gabriola’s natural wonders, outdoor adventures and diverse culture are easy to access, whether you have hours or days to spend here.
With a population of about 4,200 residents, the island is home to a high density of artists, with a diverse community that welcomes visitors throughout the year for festivals, weekly events, workshops, classes, retreats and outdoor adventures.
While it is easy to relax on Gabriola, make no mistake, there is plenty to do, see and experience and the island has all the amenities you need to enjoy your stay no matter what time of year you visit.
Take a yoga class, learn how to make cheese, enjoy a pampering massage, spend a day beach combing, de-stress along the moss-lined forest trails, or cozy up with a good book by a warm wood stove.
No matter when you visit, you can bet that you will leave the island more relaxed than when you arrived.
What to do on gabriola island
Beaches and Parks
With 98km of coastline and over 170km of trails to explore, Gabriola offers several Provincial, regional and community parks where you can reconnect with nature.
- Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, known as Twin Beaches, features two popular family-friendly sandy beaches. A wonderful spot for picnics, sandcastle making and taking in spectacular ocean and mountain views.
- At Orlebar Point, you can look out on the Entrance Island Lighthouse from naturally carved sandstone shores. A perfect place for watching orcas, sea lions, coastal birds and marine life.
- Along North Road is a group of sandy beaches known locally as the “Whalebone” beaches that include Sandwell Provincial Park and Joyce Lockwood Community Park. With many access points, it is possible to walk between these beaches at low tide.
- Malaspina Galleries is a stunning curved sandstone cliff carved out by a millennia of crashing waves. It is a popular swimming spot and a beautiful place to watch the sunset during the summer
- Drumbeg Provincial Park on the south end of the island is a notable spot to dive, hike and view wildlife.
- 707 Community Park is a 1000+ acre community park in the centre of the island that offers 40km of mixed walking, cycling and horse riding trails to explore.
Outdoor activities
Gabriola has plenty to offer those who enjoy some adventure with their outdoors.
Rent a kayak from Page’s Resort and explore some of Gabriola’s 98 kilometers of coastline; challenge yourself at the 9-hole Gabriola golf course; rent a mountain bike or head out on foot to explore over 170 kilometers of hiking trails; discover world-renowned diving spots or book a salmon fishing expedition.
Local food is another significant part of island culture that you can enjoy year-round at Gabriola’s restaurants, cafés, farm stands and farmers markets. Purchase a wide selection of fresh, Gabriola-grown vegetables, fruit, baked goods, eggs, meat, and beverages from local stores, and directly from the island’s farmers and producers.
History and Culture
Gabriola Museum is a great starting point to learn about the history of Gabriola, including how its First Nations community utilized the natural environment. Outside the museum, you can find replicas of over 30 Petroglyphs (Stone Carvings) found across the island.
The artistic culture on Gabriola is alive and kicking with over 70 artisan studios that can be visited on a self-guided tour. Many cultural events including performances, art shows and workshops are held throughout the year supported by the Gabriola Arts Council.
Shops and Markets
In addition to two thriving artisan markets and a plethora or farm stands are artisan studios, Gabriola has plenty of shopping options for your everyday needs too.
Gabriola’s passionate and hardworking farmers and growers are keen to share their produce with visitors. Look out for the green roadside flags that indicate a farm stand is open.
Locally grown produce can also be found at the Saturday farmer’s market at Agi Hall and the Silva Bay Market on Sundays.
The Folklife Village on North Road is the hub of the island’s shopping and services with everything from grocery and hardware stores, to gifts, jewellery and clothing.
Food and Drink
You won’t be short of something to eat or drink on Gabriola. Locally grown food can be enjoyed year-round direct from farm stands or at Gabriola’s restaurants and cafes. From cozy coffee shops to woodfired pizza and spirited community pubs, Gabriola has plenty of options when it’s time to eat. Choose to grab something to go for a picnic on the beach, or take the time to enjoy a break in a welcoming setting.
Stay on Gabriola
Need more time to explore Gabriola properly? There are many choices for accommodation on the island including motels, lodges, guest houses and bed and breakfasts. Two island campsites can accommodate recreational vehicles and tents.
How to Get Here
Ferry: A 22-minute voyage from Downtown Nanaimo with sailings from early morning to late evening. Visit bcferries.com for details.
Float Plane: Gulf Island Seaplanes operates flights from Vancouver International Airport to Silva Bay. Visit gulfislandseaplanes.com for details.
Personal Watercraft: Gabriola Island is accessible by personal watercraft with full-service marinas located in Silva Bay. Visit silvabay.com and pagesresort.com/marina for details.
GETTING AROUND GABRIOLA island
Walking and Hiking: Walking is possible but be aware that there are no sidewalks on the island. Walk single file on narrow road stretches and practice pedestrian safety such as wearing reflective clothing and carrying a light at night. A trail guide is published by the Gabriola Land and Trails Trust. Visit galtt.ca for details.
Community Bus Service: Ride GERTIE, the local community bus service that operates on a limited schedule Monday to Saturday.
Taxi: Gabriola Island Taxi operates on a limited schedule. Note that only one cab serves the island; it is best to pre-arrange pick-ups and drop-offs rather than call when needed. Call 250-247-0049 for schedule and availability.
Driving: Gabriola’s default speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour and there is a stretch of North Road and South Road with a speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour. Exercise caution on all roads because you are sharing them with cyclists, pedestrians and wildlife.
Bicycles & E-Bikes: Ride single file and be aware of narrow road sections, poor road conditions and uneven edges. Exercise caution as there are no dedicated bike lanes. If you are cycling the North-South Road loop, consider heading down South Road first to go downhill on the steep Brickyard Hill unless you are up for a challenging hill climb.
For more information on where to stay and what to do on Gabriola Island, see Tourism Gabriola Island.