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
Drumbeg Provincial Park
Categories
Beaches and Parks
About
From BC Parks: 'One of three provincial parks on Gabriola Island, Drumbeg is a favourite spot for diving, hiking, nature viewing and picnicking. Overlooking scenic Gabriola Passage on the east end of the Island, Drumbeg offers excellent views of the Strait of Georgia and the Coast Mountains on the Mainland. The park contains a kilometre long sand and pebble beach with striking sandstone and conglomerate rock formations, which can be seen at low tide. Drumbeg Park protects endangered Garry oak ecosystems, undeveloped Douglas fir forest landscapes and a diverse marine zone. Species such as Bald eagles, Great Blue herons, harbour seals and American oystercatchers can be spotted here, along with a number of intertidal creatures. Underwater enthusiasts can dive from the shores of the park, or head out to Rogers reef by boat and still stay out of the strong currents that run through Gabriola Passage.'