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.

Marine Forecast
Tide Chart
Fishing Licence
Fishing Regulations

Public Transportation

Community Bus

Ride GERTIE, the local community bus service that operates on a limited schedule Monday to Saturday.

Taxi

Note that only one taxi serves the island; it is best to pre-arrange pickups and drop-offs rather than call when needed. Call 250-247-0049 for schedule and availability.

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Free Spirit Gallery

Shopping Gifts Arts & Culture Things to do

About

Free Spirit Gallery & Shop acknowledges with gratitude that we are on the Traditional and Unceded Territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Free Spirit Gallery & Shop is an art space on beautiful Gabriola Island showcasing local contemporary art and goods from emerging to established artists on Gabriola and across BC. Representing over 60 different artists and artisans - 85% Gabriola and 15% local BC. We aim to be a space for people to come and immerse themselves in a creative space for creating, collecting and appreciating visual arts. We also carry a growing selection of brands of Art Supplies to service the artists living or visiting the island.

We are located right across from the new Gabriola skatepark. PLAY. CREATE. EXPLORE.

The index code for this business corresponds with our visitor map to help you locate unique Island experiences.
Pick yours up FREE at our Visitor Centre.

Additional Info

Local Art, paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewellery, gallery