Seven things to do on Gabriola Island
Gabriola Island doesn’t have the fame or traffic that other southern gulf islands seem to have. Nestled further north and a quick 20 minute ferry ride from Nanaimo, what it lacks in notoriety it more than makes up with charm. Life is slower here, which seems conducive to creativity as evidenced by the multitude of artist studios peppering the island. With about a 20 minute drive from tip to tail, spending two nights here was about perfect to take it all in. Before jumping into the list, if you’re planning to visit more gulf islands do yourself a favour and look into the BC Ferries Experience pass (minimum $99 spend), which offers substantial savings for vehicles and passengers on select routes.
Go wildlife watching
We could hardly keep track of all the animals we saw on Gabriola! It won’t be long before you come across deer crossing signs, followed shortly after by the real live creature darting off into the woods. Walking a little to the left at Whalebone Beach may give you a view of a seal colony. Bring your binoculars, sit on the rocks and enjoy watching them grunt and flop around. You may spot some turkeys wandering around the island, affectionately dubbed “invasive and beloved” by a local. The native turkey vultures soar overhead, a quieter counterpart to the numerous chatty eagles.
Eat a pizza at the Woodfire Restaurant
There may not be a large selection of restaurants on Gabriola, but thankfully the Woodfire Restaurant delivers some quality eats. Known for its pizza, it also serves up seafood and pub-type fare. We walked in on a Thursday night and it was bustling, so make a reservation especially on a weekend to ensure you can fill your bellies.
Explore a seaside natural phenomenon
The Malaspina Galleries is a unique geological formation, caused by the sculpting of sandstone by the ocean. Bizarre rounded pockets are embedded into the rocks, while what feels like a giant frozen wave arches over top you. The smoothed stone is beautiful to touch. This was a surprisingly fascinating stop and a highlight of our trip!
Admire some art
Art is probably what Gabriola is best known for. You’ll come across numerous signs and studios when driving around the island, but it can be hit or miss whether it will be open. We had more luck hitting up the galleries (Free Spirit Studio in the north, and the Pier Gallery Collective in the south). The Gabriola History Museum also has a gift shop section with works from local artists that we didn’t find at the other galleries. They also have a fun display detailing the hippie roots of the community.
Take a walk on the Fantasy Pathway
Seeing a “Trespassers will be invited for tea” while driving along the north of the island piqued our interest! In the rain, we stumbled into the Fantasy Pathway, a delightful hodgepodge of folk art, gnomes, and teddy bears in the forest. Finish your walk with a meditation in the Labyrinth.
Hike, and take a nap sunbathing on the rocks
There are tons of little hikes and unmarked trails all over the island. The sun popped out so we headed to Drumbeg Provincial Park, where large flat rocks lay on the shoreline. These were perfect for sunbathing and a quick nap! A short hike from here takes you through a serene meadow, looping back to the parking lot after dipping into the forest.
Relax in a cute BnB
Our rainy evenings were spent in great hospitality in Julie’s AirBnB. A short drive from the ferry and full of absolutely adorable touches – a garden to relax in, a toilet with a gravity flush, a goat visit, and close proximity to some secret trails that bring you out to cliffs overlooking Nanaimo. Our hosts were lovely, kind, and so very welcoming. They really made our trip memorable.
