Things To Do

Artisan Studios

Gabriola is known as the Island of the Arts because more professional artists live here than anywhere else in Canada. You can view their work at local shops and galleries, or visit their studios personally by appointment (or during the many art tours scheduled throughout the year). From stunning photography, paintings and glasswork, to pottery, woodcarving, jewellery and textiles – you are sure to discover a personal treasure.

Gabriola Arts Council: http://www.gabriolaartscouncil.org/

Gabriola Chamber of Commerce: www.gabriolaisland.org

*** WATCH FOR THE GABRIOLA STUDIO TOUR WHICH USUALLY HAPPENS OVER THE THANKSGIVING WEEKEND. BOOK EARLY AS THIS IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST WEEKENDS OF THE YEAR ON GABRIOLA.

Beachcombing

Have you ever tried beach-combing for treasures? It's one of our favourite pastimes here on the island. Guests will notice some of our "finds" here and there around the property, from old sand-washed wooden tools, to beautiful pieces of natural and painted driftwood. Why not give it a try? We're just steps away from Spring Beach, and only a five minute hike to beautiful Thompson Beach.

Gabriola Sands: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/gabriola_sands/

Boating

The waters surrounding Gabriola Island are a boater's paradise. If you'd like to see the area from a power or sailing boat while you are here, please ask the local marinas for up-to-date information on which boat charters are available.

If you are interested in something more intimate, try a guided dinghy-sailing or kayak tour around the flat top islands off Gabriola. Baha Kayak Adventures is a family run company who run summer tours on Gabriola, and winter tours in Baja, Mexico. They also offer sailing lessons from June through to September on Gabriola Island.

Baha Kayak Adventures http://www.bajakayakadventures.com/tours-dinghy-adventure.php

Silva Bay Marina: http://www.silvabay.com/Georgia_Strait.Gulf_Island.html

Pages Marina: http://www.pagesresort.com/marina.html

Degnan Bay Harbour Authority: http://www.haa.bc.ca/harbour/degnen-bay

Cycling

Gabriola Island is a cyclists paradise. Along our winding roads, you’ll see beaches, bays, marinas, forests and meadows. And when it’s time for a rest, you can stop at a number of funky shops, artisan studios, restaurants, pubs and coffee shops.

Need a ride? You can rent mountain bikes, scooters, cars and minivans for touring around Gabriola through C.C. Rentals.

C C Rentals: www.cliffcottage.ca (phone 250-247-0247)

Fishing

Chinook and coho salmon, as well as ling and rock cod are plentiful on Gabriola. Fishing charters are offered by the following:

Silva Blue Charters: www.silverbluecharters.com (phone 250-247-8807)

Go-Fish-Charters: www.go-fish-charters.com (phone 250-247-9291)

Golf

The Gabriola Golf & Country Club is a beautiful 9 hole course around a lake. Feel like a game? These undulating greens are sure to please.

Gabriola Golf & Country Club: www.gabriolagolf.com

Hiking

There are many beautiful parks and walks on Gabriola, but Drumbeg is known as the jewel in Gabriola's crown. Just a 15 minute cycle (or 5 minute drive) from Silva Bay, Drumbeg’s varied beaches, beautiful forests, and rugged shores will surely delight and relax anyone who visits. On clear days, you can see the Coastal Mountains, the Strait of Georgia, Mount Baker in Washington, Gabriola Passage, and some of the "flat top islands". It’s a walkers paradise, with easy trails to wander, and a variety of wildlife to see: (from seals, sea lions, otters and even whales on occasion, to eagles, herons and the many small coastal bird species. Drumbeg is also noted for its beautiful sandstone rock formations.

Gabriola Visitor Information Centre: http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/VisitorCentres/GabriolaIsland.htm

Gabriola Land & Trails Trust: www.galtt.ca

Drumbeg Provincial Park: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/drumbeg/

Kayaking

Gabriola is one of the very best places to launch a kayak... Just choose one of the many spots along the Gabriola waterfront - in no time, you will be exploring the sensational Flat Top islands as well as the shorelines of Decourcy and Link Islands (to name a few).

Silva Bay Kayak Adventures is located at the Silva Bay Inn beside the Silva Bay General Store. They are a family owned and operated kayak tour company which operates during the summer on Gabriola Island, and in beautiful Baja, Mexico during our winter season. They have daily, weekly or weekend kayak adventure in the nearby Gulf Islands. A skills lesson is included in every tour - no experience necessary - all you need is a desire to have fun!

Silva Bay Kayak Adventures: http://www.bajakayakadventures.com/tours-bc.php

Jim’s Kayaking: http://www.jimskayaking.com/

Petroglyphs

Gabriola has about 50 Petroglyph sites, many dating back 2000 years. One site is just a 10 minute walk from the Gabriola Guest House. To discover more about the history and whereabouts of our petroglyphs, please visit the Gabriola Museum.

Links: http://www.gabriolamuseum.org

Picnics

When was the last time you planned a relaxing picnic? It's a great way to spend an afternoon - even if it's just you and book. Between tasty bites of your favourite foods, you can take in the stunning views from one of the Island’s many beaches and coves. Don't forget to bring a comfy pillow or two, an old blanket, and some sunscreen...

Rent a Bike, Scooter or Car

Need a ride? You can rent mountain bikes, scooters, cars and minivans for touring around Gabriola through C.C. Rentals.

C C Rentals: www.cliffcottage.ca (phone 250-247-0247)

Shopping

There are three village centres on Gabriola. The main one is at the north end of the island consisting of a very well stocked grocery store, drug store, library, bank, government liquor store as well as a boutique wine shop, gas station, pet food and lumber yard and a great selection of coffee shops and restaurants.

Also at the north end is the Twin Beaches Mall. Here you'll find the Gabriola Visitor Information Centre, a gym, bakery, small liquor store, a bookstore, and an auto repair station (no gas).

At the south end is Silva Bay. Here’ you’ll find a restaurant and pub, a small liquor store, laundry facilities, and a General Store with a wireless Internet cafe. Canada’s only accredited wood boat building school is also located in Silva Bay. Several operators offer boat charters and kayak rentals. Silva Bay is also where the Tofino Air service to Vancouver arrives and departs – by far the most convenient and fun way to visit Gabriola.

Silva Bay Shipyard School: http://www.boatschool.com/

Swimming

Care for a swim? There are a couple of wonderful sandy beaches for those who love a cool swim. Twin Beaches and Pilot Bay are at the north end of the island; and Sandwell is on the east side close to the village. Drumbeg Provincial Park also has beautiful beaches to swim from, but please BEWARE of the tides and rip currents. If you are not sure, ask before you swim.

Descanso Bay Regional Park (campground): http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=1247

Drumbeg Provincial Park: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/drumbeg/

Taxi

Gabriola Taxi: 250-247-0049

The Haven Resort and Institute

The Haven offers programs for personal and professional development in a beautiful, peaceful waterfront setting.

The Haven Resort and Institute: wwwhaven.ca

Yoga Classes

There are several Yoga studios on the island. Tim Bruns at Island of Peace Yoga offers classes and workshops in the Eastern tradition; and Hatha yoga in the style of B.K.S. Iyengar. Tim also offers private therapeutic yoga sessions.

http://islandofpeaceyoga.com/