Photo via Shutterstock
There’s still time to enjoy a summer trip to Vancouver Island, or one of the beautiful Gulf Islands just off of the coast. For one, Gabriola Island has more public beach access points than any other Gulf Island in British Columbia – and it’s just a quick ferry ride away from Vancouver!
No two beaches are the same, so get ready to embrace the local island rhythms and enjoy the last stretch of summer!
While spending time on the island, visitors can access three incredible provincial parks: Gabriola Sands, Sandwell, and Drumbeg – all of which feature expansive sandy (and pebble) beaches (day-use only) and popular local swimming holes.
At Sandwell Park, visitors can spot a prehistoric petroglyph carved into the sandstone during low tide, or walk down a scenic isthmus with sandy beaches on each end at Gabriola Sands Park.
In terms of hiking, there are over 170 kilometres of trails winding through dense forests and wildflower meadows to explore, many of which boast beautiful views of the coast.
So whether you’re looking for a day hike or paddle adventure before continuing your journey along east Vancouver Island, or want to stop over for a weekend getaway, the island has something to offer everyone.
Other community parks worth exploring include Rollo McClay Community Park, Coats Marsh Regional Park, and the
Elder Cedar (S’ul-hween X’pey) Nature Reserve, to name a few.
Oh, and keep an eye out for the yellow concrete blocks marking public beach access points!
If you’d rather plan a cozier fall trip come October, it’s a great time of year to explore Gabriola Island’s local arts scene, which boasts one of Canada’s highest percentages of working artists per capita!
The 27th Thanksgiving Studio Tour is coming up this October, opening the doors of over 60 artist studios to the public. This makes the tour one of the largest collective celebrations of the arts in the Pacific Northwest.
And since the island is known as the “Isle of the Arts,” you really can’t go wrong here.
Note that BC Ferries operates a scheduled ferry service from Nanaimo to Descanso Bay.
So there you have it, BC! You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to exploring the charming, artistic community of Gabriola Island.
Happy exploring!
Where: Gulf Islands, BC
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