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
IRIS the Visual Group
Categories
Health Care Health & Wellness
About
Who is IRIS?
IRIS has 35 years of experience passionately championing quality vision care in this country. What began in 1986 in a small town in Quebec has grown to be the largest group of eyecare professionals working together under one banner in Canada! Like all Canadian success stories, whether large or small, IRIS started with a dream: to improve the vision of Canadians by offering them the best solutions for their unique needs. We are forever grateful for the vision and guidance of Dr. Francis Jean, Optometrist and founder of IRIS, for the gift of this amazing company and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our patients.