Gabriola Island is a southern Gulf Island located close to Nanaimo, a small city on Vancouver Island. Gabriola Island has the advantage of being close enough to Vancouver for a quick weekend getaway yet still isolated enough to give you the feeling of having been worlds away.

In spite of its small size (about 3,500 people) and the feeling you have of being in the middle of nowhere, Gabriola Island has all of the services you will need on your holiday-restaurants, food stores, gas station, pharmacy, liquor stores and more. If you forgot to bring it, you can usually buy it once you get here!

The Island has activities and events for all interests. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy walking the quiet roads or the beaches, hiking the trails or cycling the island. Kayaking is spectacular. Guided tours are offered by www.silvabaykayaking.com, hourly/daily rentals by www.jimskayaking.com and kayak courses by www.kayaktoursbc.com.

Take advantage of guided fishing or sailing. Swimming, snorkeling and diving are popular. Take advantage of guided fishing or sailing, or try our challenging 9-hole golf course.

Gabriola is known as the Island of the Arts. There are artists, artisans musicians and writers throughout the island. Their talents are featured at local bookstores, galleries and at other venues throughout the season. See www.gabriola.org for a calendar of coming events. The arts season culminates with the Thanksgiving Gallery Tour which gives you the opportunity to visit all of the artists and artisans in their studios throughout the island. 

 

The Farmers’ Market starts the May long weekend and continues until Thanksgiving. You will not want to miss this opportunity to purchase home grown produce, preserves, sweets, flowers and more! Just people watching at the market is an event!

 

Once you have made the decision to come to Gabriola Island, click on "Things to Do on Gabriola" to plan your trip!