Getting Here & Getting Around
5 km from downtown Nanaimo, most people access Gabriola via BC Ferries.
Once you’re here, there are 158 kilometres of roads to walk, cycle and drive.
Getting Here
Ferry
BC Ferries runs the ferry between Nanaimo and Gabriola. Foot passengers, bikes and vehicles are all welcome. Find the best times to travel.
Float Plane
Float planes run daily from the south terminal of Vancouver International Airport.
Private Boat
Arriving by boat? We have two marinas and a public wharf to welcome you.
Getting Around
Share the road
There are no sidewalks or bicycle lanes on the island. Ride or walk single file. Be aware of narrow road sections, poor road conditions, uneven edges and wildlife. There’s lots of deer on this island!
E-bikes are welcome and a common sight on the island!
Electric Cars
An electric car charging station is located in the Madrona Marketplace parking lot on North Road.
Boating
Cruise or sail to the southeast end of Gabriola where there are two marinas with docks, fuel and moorage in Silva Bay, and a public wharf with moorage in Degnen Bay.
Radio either marina on VHF 66A and they will assist you into a slip.
Use charts 3475 or 3443. Latitude 49.149965 and Longitude -123.695662.
Public Transportation
Barrow Downs Excavation
Categories
Contractor Landscape Services
About
Founded in 2019, Barrow Downs Excavation blends practical excavation with creative land shaping—serving both residential and community-based projects across BC. From early residential work to managing full-site builds for Indigenous communities, including greenhouses, playgrounds, and heritage structures, we specialize in thoughtful, collaborative construction in remote and rural settings. Now based on Gabriola Island, we’re expanding into local creative space development while continuing to support remote community infrastructure.
WHY CHOOSE BARROW DOWNS?
We are committed to quality, communication and our customers. We understand that your project is important to you, and it’s our goal to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Whether building a home, redoing your driveway, or planning extensive landscaping work, our promise to you is high quality excavation and a team you will want to work with again and again.