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Vanislander / Landmarks / Islands / Gabriola Island

Gabriola Island

Discover the Charm of Gabriola Island ;Nestled in the Strait of Georgia, just a short ferry ride from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island is a serene escape known as the “Isle of the Arts.” With its sandstone beaches, lush forests, and vibrant community, this Gulf Island offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. Whether you’re drawn to hiking trails, ancient petroglyphs, or local art studios, Gabriola promises an unforgettable adventure. Start planning your trip to this British Columbia gem today!

why Gabriola Island ?

Gabriola Island offers an ideal vacation escape, blending stunning natural beauty, significant Snuneymuxw history, and a vibrant arts community. Explore petroglyphs, kayak Silva Bay, or simply embrace the island's relaxed atmosphere. Gabriola boasts public beaches, forests, shops, restaurants, a library, a school, and a museum. Known as the "Isle of the Arts" for its numerous artists and cultural events, including annual festivals celebrating art, poetry, gardens, music, boating, and fishing. Book your ferry or floatplane and begin creating lasting memories.

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Exact Location of Gabriola Island

Where Is Gabriola Island Located? Gabriola Island lies in the Strait of Georgia, approximately 5 km east of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Spanning 58 square kilometers, it’s one of the Southern Gulf Islands, comparable in size to Manhattan (59 sq km). Accessible by a 20-minute ferry from Nanaimo or a 25-minute floatplane from Vancouver, its coordinates are approximately 49.1667° N, 123.8333° W.

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How to Get to Gabriola Island From Nanaimo

From Nanaimo: Duration: 49 min (17.9 km) via Gabriola Island Ferry.
Start at Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, Nanaimo, BC V9S 2X9.
Continue to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S (500 m, 2 min).
Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S to Gabriola Island Ferry (4.0 km, 7 min). Take the Gabriola Island Ferry to Gabriola (5.7 km, 34 min, toll road).
Take South Rd to Coats Dr (4.1 km, 5 min). Continue on Coats Dr to McCollum Rd (3.6 km, 5 min).
Arrival: Gabriola Island, BC.
Permit : No permits required; book vehicle reservations in summer.

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How to Get to Gabriola Island From Victoria

From Victoria: Duration: 2 hr 12 min (124 km) via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N.
Start at Victoria Harbour Ferry, Victoria, BC V8W 9A4. Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N (1.2 km, 4 min).
Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N (109 km, 1 hr 28 min). Take Front St to Gabriola Island Ferry (650 m, 2 min). Take the Gabriola Island Ferry to Gabriola (5.7 km, 34 min, toll road). Take South Rd and Coats Dr to McCollum Rd (7.7 km, 10 min).
Arrival: Gabriola Island, BC.
Permit : No permits required; book ferry reservations for peak seasons.

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Vancouver Island Activities Near Gabriola Island

Nanaimo Diving

Nanaimo Diving

Ranked as the best cold-water diving destination in BC, Nanaimo waters are saturated with new diving experiences. BC Ferries, dive shops, accessible shores, and the chance to observe cute beaches have made Nanaimo an ideal destination for visitors. Diving enthusiasts find themselves in the heavens when they come to Nanaimo, for it is home to spotless diving spots.

Elliot's Beach Park Diving

Elliot's Beach Park Diving

Make your time on Vancouver Island count and go diving in Elliot's Beach Park. It is a pristine diving location for professional diving, but it has opportunities to discover underwater for ordinary folks.

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop is a lovely urban walk along a river with stunningly beautiful nature that promotes a rich forest, a waterfall, and a scenic pond. This easy hiking trail is so well maintained with lots of facilities. Spend hours hiking on this loop as part of the Trans Canada Trail and have a memorable day in the park, great for different kinds of activities.

Keel Cove Diving

Keel Cove Diving

Looking for a way to add a challenge to your adventure? Visit the Keel Cove Diving site. It is a shore diving destination with high chances of observing marine mammals. But, there, you would find a steep trail leading to the beach, which has made visiting there a little challenging.

Orlebar Point Diving

Orlebar Point Diving

As another diving destination around Nanaimo, the Orlebar Point Diving zone is a bit significant, for its accessible by ferries from Nanaimo. These crystal-clear waters may contain enormous waves, which require safety measures for the visitors. However, the environmental features of this diving site bring the chance to explore nature and various living creators.

Camping in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground

Camping in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground

Nothing can feed your spirit like a clean, relaxing vacation. To do so, you have fantastic chances to camp in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground and let your lungs to be flourished by the fresh air you let in. These oceanside campgrounds have a lot to offer: ample amenities, various wildlife and astonishing scenery. Camping at this campsite is something that happens once in a lifetime.

The wreck of the Robert Kerr Diving

The wreck of the Robert Kerr Diving

Get out of your comfort zone and go diving in one extraordinary place with quite a history behind it. The wreck of the Robert Kerr is the graveyard of a ship that sank about 200 years ago. Still, now it is a habitat for several marine creatures and offers excellent opportunities to dive deep and explore the underwater world.

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

If you are trying to get away from your lethal daily routine and your adventure flow has been stopped, why don't you plan a trip to the only multi-functional port city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo? An assemblage of several distinguished bodies of water has made Nanaimo one of the best paddling locations in the world. You are provided with tons of other activities on both land and the sea.

Nanaimo Whale Watching

Nanaimo Whale Watching

On Vancouver Island, you can spend every single day arriving in a new city comprising magnificent adventures. While you stay in the second-largest city on the island, you may enjoy several incredible activities, including whale watching. Whale watching in Nanaimo gives you the chance to explore the Salish Sea ecosystem and observe marine life from April-October.

Madrona Point Diving

Madrona Point Diving

Being a famous diving zone. Madrona Point provides divers from all skill levels with undeniable diving opportunities within a short distance from Nanaimo. It includes three walls: Small, Mid, and Maze walls, of which an amazing marine life is observable near the Small wall and deep-diving near the Maze wall.

Local Tips for Gabriola Island Visitors

Shop Local: Visit the Saturday farmers’ market for goat milk soaps or beet and chocolate muffins from Ground Up Cafe.

Your Adventure Starts with Vancouver Island Tours

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Explore Whales, Bears & Coastal Rainforests
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Top Attractions on Gabriola Island

Gabriola’s natural and cultural gems are unforgettable. Here are the top attractions:

Malaspina Galleries – Nature’s Masterpiece

 Carved by waves, the Malaspina Galleries form a 90-meter sandstone cave overlooking the Strait of Georgia. A must-see for photographers, it’s family-friendly.
Permit : No permits required; stay on marked paths.

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Drumbeg Provincial Park – A Coastal Haven

 In the island’s southeast, Drumbeg Provincial Park offers arbutus-lined trails, tidal pools with starfish, and sandstone coves. Ideal for hiking or swimming, it’s a hidden treasure.
Permit : No permits needed; limited parking.

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Gabriola Sands Provincial Park – Twin Beaches Bliss

 Known as Twin Beaches, Gabriola Sands Provincial Park features two stunning sandy shores ideal for swimming, picnicking, and tidepool exploration. A favorite for families, it offers scenic views of the Strait of Georgia. Permit Note: No permits required; parking can be busy in summ

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What you Can Expect to See Near Gabriola Island

Gabriola Island

Gabriola Island

Nestled in the Strait of Georgia, just a short ferry ride from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island is a serene escape known as the “Isle of the Arts.” With its sandstone beaches, lush forests, and vibrant community, this Gulf Island offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. Whether you’re drawn to hiking trails, ancient petroglyphs, or local art studios, Gabriola promises an unforgettable adventure. Start planning your trip to this British Columbia gem today!

Duncan

Duncan

The city of Duncan is famous for its totem collection. Duncan's tourist attractions and activities include shops and restaurants, great vineyards, kayaking the rivers and ocean, hiking the Trans Canada Trail, or the farmers' market. The city offers Cowichan Performing Arts Centre with amazing shows, restaurants, pubs, and Duncan Showroom (a live music venue) for entertainment.

Langford

Langford

Langford is a city on the south coast of Vancouver Island and heaven for golfers. You can stay at lodgings and play at challenging hillside courses and enjoy yourself at luxurious advantages like the Amatista Spa. Beautiful parks surround the city, so go hiking through scenic forests or have peaceful moments beside lakes. Langford offers shops, family activities, sheep farms, and a bike park.

Ladysmith

Ladysmith

Ladysmith is a historic town famous for monuments, battlefields, and memorials commemorating. Tourism in Ladysmith is based on natural beauties like waterfall, great parks, scenic hiking trails, and fun-filled events suitable for all ages. The best time to visit is from mid-July to mid-August. Enjoy many good restaurants and pubs where you can have a drink or a nice meal.

Parksville

Parksville

Parksville is known for its scenic, superb sandy beaches. This city is also famous for hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife, parks, entertainment centres, and many fantastic restaurants and pubs. The city's most popular annual festival is Sandcastle Competition. Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Englishman River Falls Provincial Park are among the most visited places.

Nanaimo Lakes

Nanaimo Lakes

It takes a short drive to Nanaimo Lakes south of Nanaimo. The pristine nature gives you a chance to stay away from technology. It is tranquil and peaceful around the lakes with scenic spots in the forest, great for a long walk or camping. The warm lake water makes it a fantastic spot for swimming and kayaking. Mountain climbing, hiking, and fishing are other possibilities.

Colliery Dam Park

Colliery Dam Park

Colliery Dam Park with Chase River, huge trees, Granny Falls, and two small ponds is a tranquil and wooded park. The spectacular views with some nice bridges make the park a good choice for photographers. It is possible to walk your dog off-leash at the upper dam. You can go hiking, seasonal swimming, boating, and fishing for rainbow trout.

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park is a waterfront park with a perfect view of Nanaimo Harbour. It is a family park mainly known for its nice walking trails, playground, and picnicking areas. Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Fishing Pier is a nice spot located southeast of the park for fishing and swimming. This scenic oceanside park's Lions Pavilion Stage hosts community and musical events.

Nanaimo River

Nanaimo River

The Nanaimo River, with warm water and deep pools, is an excellent choice for swimming. It has lagoons for a family picnic or day trail and a rocky beach for kids to play in, and for you to lay on some large rocks. From April to June, and in September or October, test your fishing skill in the river for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Have the pleasure of hiking in trails and take some pictures.

Beaufort Park

Beaufort Park

Beaufort Park is a year-round destination in Nanaimo. Each season's nature and wildlife diversity make eye-catching scenery for visitors, so take a camera with you. A multi-purpose court suitable for sports like basketball and pickleball, and a tennis court are available. There are also a community garden and a food forest, and a dog off-leash area.

Pipers Lagoon Park

Pipers Lagoon Park

Pipers Lagoon Park is a waterfront park with Shack Island, the ocean, and Neck Point Park views. Stay there for sunrise and sunset, and don't miss watching the scene. The park is home to bird species and other animals, making it a perfect destination for wildlife photographers. Hiking and jogging, beachcombing, flying a kite, and doing water sports are other options.

Bowen Park

Bowen Park

It seems that all you need is available at Bowen Park; a waterfall, duck pond, wilderness and picnic areas, and lots of facilities and sports fields. The Millstone River passes through the park, where can be considered as your hiking trail. The duck pond and a beautiful rhododendron grove with more than 350 species are amusing. Be there for some exercise or relaxation in the woods.

Nanoose Bay

Nanoose Bay

Nanoose Bay is known as a place to relax with its large pebble beach, somewhere between Nanaimo and Parksville. The scene is stunning, specifically in the evening when the sun meets the ocean. No matters how many times you visited the beach, it is always peaceful and attractive. Nanoose Bay is home to many sea animals, and the beach is perfect for digging up some clams.

Chinese Memorial Gardens Park

Chinese Memorial Gardens Park

Walking from the ferry terminal to downtown Nanaimo, you can find a beautiful small garden, Chinese Memorial Gardens Park. A small public park with full-grown shrubs and trees and gracious lawns performs as a relaxing spot. The painted, formed pagoda structure and carved stones decorated it. The scenery is eye-catching and is mainly used for the background of family portraits.

Beach Estates Park

Beach Estates Park

If you plan to be away from urban life and spend hours in the woods watching wildlife and get relaxed, take a visit to Beach Estates Park, west of Departure Bay. With a beautiful designated hiking trail, Beach Estates Park is interesting for hikers and runners. The park's nature includes a lush forest with magnificent tall trees, a small river, a rocky beach, and Beach Estates Falls.

Best Time to Visit Gabriola Island

Planning your hike on Vancouver Island's requires careful consideration of seasonal conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Below is a detailed overview of the optimal times to visit, along with key factors to consider:

Month

Weather Conditions

Trail & Site Accessibility

Considerations

May

Mild temperatures; occasional showers

Most trails open; some coastal spots still muddy

Fewer crowds; great for wildflowers and photography

June

Warmer days; light rainfall

Trails dry; beaches more accessible

Ideal for hiking and kayaking before peak season

July

Warm and dry conditions

Full access to trails, beaches, and parks

Peak season; book ferry and accommodations early

August

Hotter temperatures; little rainfall

All sites fully accessible

Best for swimming, paddling, and studio tours

September

Cooler temperatures; some rainfall begins

Trails open; beaches still pleasant

Less crowded; excellent for outdoor photography and sunsets

October

Variable weather; more frequent rain

Some trails muddy; forested areas still accessible

Fall colours; many art studios still open for visitors

Must-Have Gabriola Island Experiences

Gabriola Island experiences, unique activities, bucket list Create lasting memories with these experiences:
Enjoy stunning panoramic views and frequent sightings of magnificent whales.

Things to Do on Gabriola Island

Gabriola offers adventures for all interests. Here’s how to make your visit memorable:

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

 Paddle through Silva Bay or Descanso Bay, spotting seals. Rentals at Page’s Resort and Marina suit all levels.
Permit : No permits required; check tides.

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Hiking and Cycling Trails

 Hike Sandwell Provincial Park or cycle the 30-km North Road-South Road loop. Bike rentals are available near the ferry.
Permit : No permits needed; respect private property.

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Exploring Local Art Studios

 Discover Gabriola’s vibrant art scene by visiting local studios, especially during the Thanksgiving Studio Tour. Meet painters, potters, and sculptors in their creative spaces.
Permit : No permits required; some studios may charge for workshops

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Most Frequent Questions About Gabriola Island

 A 2–3 day visit covers beaches, trails, and art studios. Day trips from Nanaimo are ideal for highlights.
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Arina Akhoundi

2025 May 4

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