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History
The south end of Gabriola Island was first visted by the Coast Salish to hunt and fish during the hot summer seasons. Ancient petroglphs can still be found carved into the sides of numerous sandstone cliffs, hence the nickname 'Petroglyph Island'. The remains of a former First Nations village can be seen extending over a kilometre on the shoreline, and artifacts are still routinely found.
The name of the island is derived from the Spanish name 'Punta de Gaviota' (Cape Seagull), which was given to the island by Spanish explorers in the late 18th century. This name was later corrupted into "Gaviola" and eventually "Gabriola" by other settlers.
Location
Gabriola Island is situated a short (about twenty minutes) ferry ride from Nanaimo, British Columbia. Gabriola is one of the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, situated in the Strait of Georgia, between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland.
Access to the island is available via ferry, float plane, or your own boat.
Places to See
- Gabriola Museum
This volunteer-run community museum tells the story of a small island in the Strait of Georgia, the Northwest Coast of North America-- its climate, plants and animals; the petroglyphs carved by its aboriginal inhabitants; its discovery by Spanish explorers and later occupation by European immigrants.
- Gabriola Golf and Country Club
Gabriola Golf and Country Club is carved around picturesque Hogan Lake and features twisting fairways with nine undulating greens. The nine-hole course is extremely challenging.
- Drumbeg Provincial Park
Home to one of Gabriola Island's most unique beaches, Drumbeg Provincial Park is a popular attraction for tourists. This sandstone beach is home to an incredible variety of sights to explore! From tidal pools teeming with life, to beautiful driftwood, to magnificent diving and snorkeling opportunities, Drumbeg is sure to have something for everyone!
- Malaspina Galleries
A favourite hangout spot for locals and a popular attraction for tourists, the famous Malaspina Galleries is a sure bet for a unique Gabriola Island experience. The product of thousands of years of erosion from wind and rain, the "galleries" have formed a beautifully curving sandstone structure overlooking the water, which visitors to the beach can safely walk under and explore. Named after a Spanish explorer, the Malaspina Galleries are one of Gabriola's most popular attractions!
- The Tunnel
Affectionately named "The Tunnel" by locals, this roughly three kilometer stretch of North Road runs through a beautiful "tunnel" of trees. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and other island wildlife as you take in this great piece of island living! Also, for the adventerous sort, there are entrances to several of the Island's beautiful walking trails scattered along the way.
Things to Do
- Walk on the beach
The many public access points to the beaches is one huge benefit of living on Gabriola Island. There are sandy beaches with shallow, warm water for kids, as well as rocky beaches for sunning and diving. There are beaches that are easy to access and some that are quite steep, rocky, and strictly for the adventurous! (In earlier days, one beach was accessed by climbing down a rope!) Some have steps or ramps built to make it easier to reach the water; just remember the steps can be very slippery when wet. Watch for Access signs.
- Go for a drive
Gabriola is the perfect place to go for a drive! Encircling the Island is a main road (actually two roads, called North Rd. and South Rd.) that form a loop around the island, from one end to the other and back again! This makes a drive around the island so easy that all you need to worry about is keeping your eyes open for deer!
The drive around the Island takes roughly 30 minutes, but make sure to give yourself extra time to stop at all the great attractions along the way!
- Kayaking
Kayaking on Gabriola Island is a popular activity for visitors and locals alike! The natural beauty of Gabriola and the surrounding ocean makes every trip out on the waters a wonderful, relaxing experience that is sure to leave you with everlasting memories.
Gabriola Island offers both guided kayaking tours and kayak rentals, so whether it's a guided evening paddle during a majestic sunset, a self-guided day trip through the Flattop Islands out of Silva Bay, or an overnight voyage to another Gulf Island, Gabriola has you covered.
- Visit an art gallery
Gabriola is known as "The Isle of the Arts" and for good reason! Every Thanksgiving weekend (early October), Gabriola Island hosts The Gabriola Island Studio Tour, an island-wide tour consisting of over 60 different studios, galleries, gardens and more!
Visitors and locals alike spend the weekend roving the island, visiting over 90 different artists at 60 different studios and galleries in their exploration of the myriad talents populating Gabriola Island. The best thing, though, is that the artists are still around even outside of the Thanksgiving weekend! Many of the galleries and studios featured on the tour are open all year round and are thrilled to have visitors drop by for a look.
The Gabriola Arts Council produces a yearly brochure outlining all of the artists and their studios on the Island. You can find the brochure at the Visitor Information Centre (located at the Folklife Village) and can also find more information on their web site.
- Explore a Park
Gabriola Island is home to many parks, both provincial and community, and they provide the perfect way to laze away an afternoon. In fact, the various parks are the main draw to many of the thousands of visitors who visit Gabriola Island every year!
From the rugged beauty of Drumbeg Provincial Park, to the serene walking trails of Cox Community Park, to the serene stretches of sand at Sandwell Provincial Park, Gabriola has you covered no matter what you're looking for!
Events
- Cycle and Kayak Music Festival
September - Come out for a weekend of biking the roads and trails of Gabriola Island. Meet other cycling enthusiasts and be entertained. There will be approximately 100 cyclists.
- Thanksgiving Gallery Tour
A self-guided 'open studio' tour featuring 60 studios and 93 artists and artisans living and working on Gabriola Island.
- Potato Cannon Contest
July - The potato cannon contest starts around 2:00pm. Mudgekins are invited to come and join the event. The goal of the contest is to see how far a potato will go, when propelled by hair spray from a plastic pipe. Along with the thrill of the cannons (and the smell of the hair spray?), there are treats for kids of all ages.
- Gabriola Wine Festival
August - Featuring over 100 wines and beers from BC and the world to sample and enjoy. Many of the featured wines and beers will be offered for sale at the store.
Hosted by the Village Liquor Store in Folk Life Village.
Contact Information
Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce
Gabriola's Folklife Village:
#3 - 575 North Road
Phone: (250) 247-9332
Fax: (250) 247-9332
E-mail: manager@gabriolaisland.org
Website: www.gabriolaisland.org
Gabriola Arts Council
9 - 575 North Road
Gabriola Island, V0R 1X0
E-mail: info@gabriolaartscouncil.org
Website: www.gabriolaartscouncil
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