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
Vancouver Island Regional Library
Categories
Indoor Recreation Community Organizations Arts & Culture
About
Pre-1999, there were two library options for residents of Gabriola Island: a bookmobile at the south end of the island, and a very popular books-by-mail service. That all changed in 1999 when a dedicated library opened in the bustling Gabriola Folklife Village. Over the years, the library has expanded in size and scope and has firmly established itself as a vital cornerstone of island life. As a regional system, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) covers a vast geographic area, from Sooke and Sidney in the south to Port Hardy, Haida Gwaii and the Central Coast. Our system, the fifth largest in British Columbia, totals more than 42,0000 square kilometres and includes a mix of urban, rural, and remote communities that work together to ensure exemplary library services for all our members. Gabriola Island Branch Information: #5 575 North Road Gabriola BC V0R 1X4 Jeff Strain, Librarian gabriolaisland@virl.bc.ca 250-247-7878 Nanaimo Harbourfront Branch Information: The next closest branch is Nanaimo Harbourfront which provides some of VIRL’s central services. 90 Commercial Street Nanaimo BC V9R 5G4 Jason Kuffler, Sales and Marketing Officer jkuffler@virl.bc.ca 250-753-1154 ext. 246
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