A twenty-minute, scenic ferry trip from Nanaimo, charming Gabriola Island is renowned for its many gorgeous beaches, four spectacular waterfront parks, and numerous art galleries and studios. Gabriola Island’s most famous natural attraction is the Malaspina Galleries, an amazing series of cave-like formations carved out of the sandstone by centuries of waves. Other natural treasures include the tidal pools at Brickyard Beach, the garry oaks in Drumbeg Provincial Park, the sandstone path to the beach at Sandwell Provincial Park, and the view of Entrance from Bowser to Qualicum Bay. In addition, the town of Qualicum Beach maintains more than ten kilometres of Island Lighthouse from Orlebar Point. Gabriola Island’s attractions include the artifacts in the museum, the petroglyphs near Degnen Bay, and the farm and community buildings located along country roads. Browsing art galleries, touring farms and nurseries, and shopping at the weekly, seasonal farmer’s market are alJ great ways to experience this captivating island.
Gabriola is quickly being recognized for its performing artists and live music. The Dancing Man Music Festival is an annual spring highlight featuring many of the island’s musicians.
A multitude of recreation options are available on Gabriola Island, including kayaking, cycling, fishing, beachcombing, tennis, golfing, horseback riding, and hiking. Energetic walkers can walk, literally, from one end of the island to the other along a central spine of high ground. Diving is a Gabriola Island specialty and numerous sites around the island, including Gabriola Pass, can be explored from a chartered dive boat. The big news locally is the recent establishment of Descanso Bay Regional Park, which offers sheltered anchorage, camping, kayaking, and hiking trails in a douglas fir and arbutus forest. |
Plan a Trip 
