Gabriola Island, BC

Know the town

About Gabriola Island

Gabriola Island is a short ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo, but it feels a world away. Known as the “Isle of the Arts” for its many painters, potters, writers and musicians, it is a rural, forested island with sandstone shorelines, quiet beaches and a close-knit community of a few thousand people, one of the northern Gulf Islands.

Sandstone and petroglyphs

Gabriola’s shoreline is famous for its sandstone, sculpted by waves and weather into curves and hollows. The best known is the Malaspina Galleries, a long, wave-carved overhang that has fascinated visitors for centuries. The island is also home to many ancient petroglyphs, carved by Snuneymuxw ancestors, which are cultural treasures to be viewed with respect.

Beaches and parks

Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, at the north end, has two sandy beaches back to back on either side of a narrow neck of land. Drumbeg Provincial Park, in the southeast, offers sandstone ledges, tide pools and views across to the mainland. Trails through the island’s forests are popular with walkers and cyclists.

Arts and the market

Studios and galleries are scattered across the island, and an annual studio tour opens many of them to visitors. The island’s farmers market, held weekly in season, is a lively community gathering with local food, crafts and music. The village area near the ferry landing has groceries, cafés and services.

Getting here

BC Ferries sails from Nanaimo Harbour, right downtown, to Descanso Bay on Gabriola in about twenty minutes, with frequent sailings through the day.

Gabriola’s verified local businesses appear below, with events in the Gulf Islands.

For council, permits, garbage and recycling, parks bookings and other local services, visit Regional District of Nanaimo — Area B.