Gabriola Island - Queen of the Gulf Islands

For many years Gabriola Island has been our annual getaway destination eagerly looked forward to by the whole family. There are few other places that could surpass its beauty with sandstone beaches and interesting shorelines. When we walk the beaches, we see an abundance of starfish, jellyfish, anemones and sea otter. Seals often make their way onto the beach to sunbathe or vie for our attention.

Setting up chairs at waters edge, we enjoy the tranquility of waves lapping at our feet and the ocean sounds of seagulls and oyster catchers. There are spectacular views of ships and pleasure craft and the spirit-lifting beauty of sun glistening on gentle waves. In the evening we enjoy the breataking sunsets with the soft lights of Nanaimo and Sechelt twinkling in the distance.

There is much to see and enjoy on this enchanted island. One of the interests is False Narrows, a narrow channel running between Mudge Island and Gabriola. When walking on Brickyard Beach, as this area is called, we are still able to see the remnants of a brickyard that operated from 1895 to 1945.

We often visit Malaspina Galleries, a rare geological feature. It has been carved into the sandstone over hundreds of years of high tides. Because of places like the Galleries, Gabriola Island is a great place for nature lovers and photographers alike. There are also a number of petroglyphs in the area.

Lighthouse Point is another favourite place of mine. When we are there, we can feel the power of nature as the wind is usually brisk at this end of the island. And for a 'dyed-in-the-wool' beachcomber like me, driftwood and other wonderful surprises litter the beach brought to shore by the crashing waves.

Many of the beaches are accessible allowing for shoreline hikes when the tide is low. Drumbeg Park has a developed easy walking woodland trail that meanders through a grove of Garry Oaks, across sandstone beaches and over a grassy hill where it comes to a beautiful view of the channel and the group of islands beyond.

At Twin Beaches, the shores are sandy and the unique shells are many and interesting. There are picnic tables and, in some areas, trees shelter the sandy beach for respite from the sun.

On Saturday mornings we look forward to a visit to the Farmers' Market where crafts, homemade jams and home-grown produce is for sale. There is also the annual Sand Castle Exhibit, if you time it right, where any family or group can participate for the cost of a non-perishable food donation to the food bank as an entrance fee. It is surprising the quality of these sand castles. There is also the annual Salmon Barbeque, the annual Beat the Heat Summer Fest at Silva Bay with a non-marine boat race that is as much fun for the observers as it is for the participants, and the annual Concert on the Green.

As frequent visitors of this beautiful island, we savour the laid-back lifestyle with no expectation to rush anywhere. For us, Gabriola Island seems to have it all.