How to Spend the Perfect Weekend on Gabriola Island
Gabriola is just one of 200 Gulf Islands located off the east coast of Vancouver Island in the Salish Sea. It’s a special place for me because I’ve been coming here for the past 10 years. My partner’s family has a beautiful oceanfront property here, and over the years the island has become a place of peace and sanctuary — somewhere I can escape the stress and fast pace of life in Vancouver. Coming to Gabriola always feels like a reset – like I’m recharging my batteries and coming back to homeostasis. I hope that this post encourages you to visit the island and that you can find this peace on your next visit too.
The Essentials
Gabriola Island at a glance
How to get to Gabriola Island From Vancouver
While you can easily get to Gabriola Island without a car, a car is essential once you arrive on the island. There is very limited public transportation with only two taxis on the entire island. There is no Uber.
If you are departing Vancouver with a car, then the quickest route would be to take BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay and then the Gabriola Ferry from Nanaimo.
If you are planning on renting a car once on Vancouver Island, you have more options; BC Ferries as a walk-on passenger, Hullo Ferry, Harbour Air or Seair sea planes or Helijet.
I recommend reading my guide on Everything You Need to Know About Taking BC Ferries for more details on how to get to Vancouver Island from Vancouver.
Gabriola Island Ferry from Nanaimo
Once you get to Nanaimo, there is only one way to get to Gabriola Island; BC Ferries. The ferry only takes 20 minutes so it’s a quick trip. The Gabriola ferry is notorious for never running on schedule, so take it as a loose guideline.
I recommend looking at the Gabriola Island Ferry Cam which includes a GPS tracker on each of the two ferries that travel back and forth from Nanaimo. Here you will be able to see in real time where the ferries are and how long you will need to wait for your next one.
During popular sailing times, it’s common to have to wait a second sailing to get on the ferry. I recommend avoiding the popular times such as rush hour (leaving from Gabriola early weekday mornings and returning to Gabriola evenings after work).
Where to Stay on Gabriola Island
I’ll preface this section that I’ve never actually stayed at any hotels or inns on the island – I am fortunate enough to have access to a family cottage at the south end of the island.
Accommodation options on Gabriola Island are fairly limited, which helps preserve the island’s quiet, laid-back atmosphere and small-community charm. Visitors will mostly find a handful of cozy bed and breakfasts along with a couple of main hotel options, so it’s a good idea to book early, especially during the summer months.
The main option on the island is Page’s Resort and Marina on Silva Bay. They have a beautiful location on the south end of the island, looking out to the ocean and marina. If you want to get out on the ocean, you’re in a perfect location to rent some sea kayaks or a fishing charter.
They offer 3 different options; hotel rooms at Page’s Inn, cabin rentals and camping spots. Depending on your group size and budget, they are sure to have something for everyone.
Where to Eat on Gabriola Island
Gabriola is not exactly known for its, ahem, cuisine, so if your standards are anything like mine, you will find the options scarce. I recommend renting a place that has a kitchen so you can make some of your own meals – at least breakfast to start your day. There are a few more restaurants than the ones mentioned below, but these are the ones I would recommend.
Burro Rossa
My overall favourite restaurant is Burro Rossa which offers Spanish inspired tapas plates, perfect for sharing with a group of friends or on a date night. I’ve eaten here multiple times and have really enjoyed all the dishes, so you can’t go wrong with what you order. It’s a small restaurant, so reservations during the summer or on weekends are highly recommended.
Ground Up Cafe
The main breakfast and lunch option on the island. This cafe serves up healthy options at reasonable prices. Open everyday from 7 am – 3 pm.
Mad Ronas
Mad Ronas is a cute little cafe serving up coffees, pastries and light lunch options. I would mostly recommend this place for a coffee and tea, and that’s about it.
Farm Stands
As you explore the island, you’ll spot charming little farm stands tucked along the roadside. Most operate on an honour system, where you can pay with cash or e-transfer for fresh, locally grown produce. If you’re planning to cook during your stay, I definitely recommend stopping at one along the way. My favourites are Wishful Thinking Farm and The Garden Bed.
What To Do On Gabriola Island
Gabriola Island is a beautiful place to slow down and reconnect with nature. Embrace the hippie vibes, dip your toes in the ocean and enjoy island life.
Malaspina Galleries Community Park
If I had to make a postcard for Gabriola Island, I would choose an image of Malaspina Galleries. Tucked along the coastline beneath a forested bluff, the galleries feature striking sandstone formations carved by wind and ocean erosion over thousands of years. They are best explored at low tide when the intricate rock textures and “sea caves” are fully visible.
Sandwell Provincial Park
A short, quiet trail leads you to a clearing and a view of a secluded pebble beach. It’s fun to balance on the logs that have washed upon the shore, as you walk down the beach and scout for some ocean finds. Lots of interesting things wash up to the shores here, making this beach an incredible place of discovery. I recommend going during a low tide so you can have access to the full beach.
Drumbeg Provincial Park
My favourite place on Gabriola Island. Located on the south side of the island, Drumbeg is a stunning park set on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The full out and back trail takes about 30 minutes and is mostly flat with a few sections of slight elevation. Wildlife is often seen here. It is common to see eagles, vultures or other birds of prey flying overhead. Seals and otters will poke their head out of the water, just by the shoreline. Herons wade by the shore, waiting to snatch their lunch. If you come in the spring you are more likely to see groups of sea lions swimming by. And if you’re really lucky, you can even catch a pod of orcas swimming through the passage.
Orlebar Point
Orlebar Point is a scenic lookout with stunning views of the Georgia Straight and Entrance Island Lighthouse. If you come at low tide you can beach comb, finding some incredible tide pools full of colourful sea anemones and little critters. This spot is popular among divers, so you may see a couple while you’re out here as well. This point is very exposed and can be quite windy, so bring layers if you get cold easily.
Elder Cedar Nature Reserve
This is a short, 4 km flat hike through a beautiful pacific northwest rainforest. This hike is especially enjoyable in the rain, so make sure to bring a pair of billy boots and a good rain coat and enjoy all the west coast vibes. About a quarter of the way into the trail you will come across an ancient giant western red cedar. Possibly one of the oldest trees on Gabriola Island, this tree is absolutely massive and sight to behold.
Gabriola Sands Provincial Park
A great location to spend the day lounging by the ocean or a fun place to take the kids. Aptly named for their sandy beaches, these are some of the best beaches on Gabriola Island for easy water access, making it a great spot to bring a stand-up-paddleboard.
Saturday Market
Gabriola Island is known for its population of artisans and the Saturday market is the perfect place to browse and shop for locally made produce and artisanal goods. The market runs every Saturday year-round, with summer hours operating from 10:00am to 2:00pm between May 16 and September 5, 2026. During the winter season, the market moves indoors to the Agi Hall and runs Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm from November through May. While I recommend walking through the entire market and visiting every stall, some of my favourite vendors include Breezy Bay Studios for pottery, Works Wonders Herbal Care Co. for body care and Gwen’s Gourmet Goodies for pies.
Ravenskill Orchards – Gabbie’s Cidery
A must stop on Gabriola Island, Ravenskill is a charming family-run orchard and cidery known for its heritage apple trees, small-batch craft ciders, and relaxed island vibes. I highly recommend ordering the cider flight, which includes four different ciders and is the perfect way to sample a variety of flavours and discover your favourite. Find them open on Fridays to Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm.
Paradise Island Farm
After Drumbeg Provincial Park, this is my second favourite place on the island. I just love visiting the alpacas and getting a chance to feed and interact with them. They are only open one day a week, on Saturdays from 11 am – 3 pm. Visiting is free, but they do take donations, and I highly recommend leaving something if you visit. You will get to meet and feed the friendliest goats, alpacas, chickens, ponies and a couple of llamas when you visit.
Shopping
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, there are some cute shops on Gabriola Island that I would recommend visiting as an alternative to spending time outdoors. Many local artisans sell their goods on the island, and there are several gift shops including Nova Boutique and Gallery, Gabriola Island General Store, Pier Gallery Artist Collective and Wishbone. For clothing, The Wooden Hanger Clothing Company has some great coastal styles and The Gabe Shop, The Swap Shop and Giro are all great for thrifting.
