Gabriola Island welcomes you
We like to show off our island lifestyle, natural beauty & vibrant community. Come join us and embrace the rhythm of Gulf Island living.
The heartbeat of the island is the natural beauty and the vibrant community.
No matter when or for how long you visit, Gabriola has everything you need and more to create a truly memorable stay. Visit Gabriola to decompress but make no mistake, there is so much to do, see and experience that you’ll want to visit again!
We value our island lifestyle and the precious land we call home. As visitors we encourage you to respect and embrace the local island rhythms.
Community Engagement, Arts and Nature are integral to Gabriola lifestyle.
Gabriolans pitch in, dig deep, rally and cheer for their community. The island has a high level of volunteerism. Whether it’s the museum opening, an arts festival, road clearing or trail creation, there’s a bunch of volunteers behind the scenes making it happen. We are an inclusive and welcoming community.
Gabriola, known as the Isle of the Arts, has one of the highest percentages of working artists per capita in Canada.
Surrounded in forest and ocean, our connection to nature is at our very core.
Find more information on Gabriola including local businesses and realtors on the Chamber website.
Useful Gabriola Information
Mindful Water Usage
Water conservation is important on Gabriola; there is no public or municipal water source and the dry season is taxing on wells and rainwater systems. Please be mindful of your water usage.
Current Wildfire Hazard Rating
Visit the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department website for fire safety information and to understand what is permitted during the current wildfire hazard rating. Always follow burning regulations.
Emergency Services
For all emergencies, call 911. Fire safety information is available from the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department. Emergency preparedness for Gabriola falls under the jurisdiction of the Regional District of Nanaimo.
Accessibility
Gabriola is a rural environment with uneven roads, unpaved side roads and limited accessibility options outside of the village core. The Visitor Centre has an accessible washroom.
WiFi & Cell Service
Public WiFi hotspots are available primarily in the village core. Check with local businesses and accommodation providers for access to private networks. Cell reception and mobile data are dependent on your provider and location. Computer access is available at the Visitor Centre and Library.
Bank Machines
ATMs are located in the village core and in private businesses around the island. USD and EURO currency exchange are available at Coastal Community Credit Union.
Tide Chart
Tide times for Gabriola Passage can be found here.
Ferry Information
BC Ferries is responsible for the ferry schedule. Check the lineup before you leave the island. Check the best times to travel.
Visitor Centre and Map
Find a free Visitor Map, local resources, and a warm welcome at our Visitor Centre. Address, phone, hours, and contact info here.
Gabriola Distances & Maps
Gabriola Island Distances
- Length of the island = 14.5 km
- Width of the island = 4.5 km
Road Distances from the Gabriola Ferry Terminal
- Visitor Centre & village core = 1 km
- Orlebar Point = 5.3 km
- Silva Bay via North Road = 12.7 km
- Silva Bay via South Road = 15.4 km
- Full loop via North/South Roads = 28.1 km
Pick up your Gabriola Map at the Visitor Centre
Emergency Procedures
What happens if there’s an emergency?
Gabriola has both informal and formal systems to help the community through difficult situations. Checking what is posted below will ensure you are connected to the latest information in emergency situations.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has an emergency services notification system. Residents and visitors are encouraged to sign up to receive alerts
During extended power outages, the RDN opens warming centres at the Rollo Centre near the village and the Community Hall in the South end. You will find power, water and cellphone charging here.
You can also check our Community Facebook page for local alerts.
