Gabriola Passage on Vancouver Island is one of the best Nanaimo's diving locations, with shores and boat access. Gabriola Ferry in the downtown of Nanaimo is a way to the end of the island near Drumbeg Provincial Park. Gabriola Passage leads to Valdes Island. The mighty currents with great drifting experience increase the amazement of diving.
Gabriola Passage is on Gabriola Island's southeastern part. This place is accessible both via boat and from the shore. Some other diving spots near Gabriola Passage include Breakwater Island, Dodd Narrows, Carlos Island, Keel Cove, Porlier Pass, HMCS Cape Breton, Clark Rock, Orlebar Point, Rivtow Lion, and Jesse Island.
Latitude: 49.1291° or 49° 7' 44.7" north
Longitude: -123.7045° or 123° 42' 16.3" west
Nanaimo:
Getting to Gabriola Passage from downtown Nanaimo is via Gabriola Island Ferry and N Rd. It is 21.3 km (13.2 miles) and takes about 55 miles.
Take Wallace St and Front St to Gabriola Island Ferry for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Take the Gabriola Island Ferry to Gabriola (Toll road) for 5.7 km (3.5 miles) and Follow N Rd to Peterson Rd. After 10.3 km (6.4 miles), turn right onto Peterson Rd. Continue for 2.1 km (1.3 miles) and turn left onto South Rd. After 850 m (2788.7 ft), continue on Martin Rd. Take Sir Williams Dr to St Catherines Ave. Drive 1.2 km (0.7 miles) more to reach Gabriola Passage.
From Victoria:
The access to Gabriola Passage from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 131 km (81.4 miles) and takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and drive 109 km (67.7 miles). Take Front St to Gabriola Island Ferry and after 650 m (2132.5 ft), take the Gabriola Island Ferry to Gabriola (Toll road). Continue for 5.7 km (3.5 miles) and go on toward N Rd. Take Peterson Rd to St Catherines Ave. After 14.4 km (9 miles) more, you will reach Gabriola Passage.