 Beach on Gabriola Island, Bill Pope photo Gabriola's deeply embedded arts community beckons travellers to shop the galleries and private studios, take in a play or festival and unwind body and soul with a range of innovative spa therapies.
Gabriola's Character Today's Gabriola strikes visitors as beautiful, tranquil and easygoing. And it is. People say it's so quiet sometimes, you can hear a bird's wings in motion. Gabriolans like to think of themselves as "wacky in a nice kind of way." The island swarms with painters, sculptors, photographers and glass artists, not to mention musicians, dancers and writers. It's the sort of place one might acquire creativity by osmosis.
Scenic DrivesDon't look for downtown on Gabriola. Developments and tourist facilities spread around, although with some concentration around marinas at the north and south ends of the island. North and South Roads loop around opposite sides of the island and converge at Silva Bay, creating a 30km/18.6mi circle route that treats motorists, bikers and hikers to a succession of sandy bays, golden beaches, sun-dappled forest and panoramic views.
RentalsScooters, mountain bike, cars and minivans can be rented at the Cliff Cottage B&B at 1235 South Rd.
Gabriola Island Viewpoints A must-see stop is the Malaspina Galleries, a spectacular, overhanging rock formation resembling a 90m/295ft-long, 3.5m/11ft-high wave frozen in mid-roll. Another is Olrebar Point, with its postcard view of the Entrance Island Lighthouse and Coast Mountains. Bring a camera and linger on until sunset.
DiningGabriola's population may be small, but it's plainly sophisticated. The itinerant foodie's range jumps from pizza and fish and chips to local ingredients prepared with international flare. In fact, Gabriola is one of the few Gulf Islands where it's possible to pick and eat oysters, clams and mussels from its shores. Head to Suzy's, the Driftwood restaurant at the Surf Lodge and the Old A Frame - the island's newest restaurant – fresh seafood.
Artists & Art GalleriesGabriola is known as "Isle of the Arts" for excellent reason. It's home to possibly the highest concentration of artists in Canada, covering almost every discipline: painting, pottery, jewellery, woodcarving, literature and music. Galleries and private studios scattered around the island welcome visitors. Works of art are often left out, the kiosk unattended. To purchase something, just leave cash or cheque, take the masterpiece and travel onwards. How easy can it be?
Literary TalentThen there's writing: The island's pool of literary talent is considerable. The bookshop at Page's Marina devotes an entire wall to island authors penning everything from mystery and detective fiction to children's books.
Relaxing in GabriolaClean, green, scenic and relaxed, Gabriola Island is a tonic for body and soul. It's also a naturally inviting setting for physical, mental and spiritual therapies including massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, yoga, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, acupressure and alternate therapies.
Getting StartedStop by the Gabriola Island Visitor Centre on Berry Point Rd for information and brochures. Pssst: Proceed cautiously because the turn-off after the ferry terminal is maddeningly easy to miss.
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