Gabriola Island woos and wins hikers' hearts with its gentle trails, beaches and sumptuous forests. Hiking trails transport visitors from one end of the island to the other and back. And on Gabriola, there are no bears, no cougars, no kinds of beasties to deliver unruly surprises.
Easy Hiking Malaspina Galleries
One of the island's most scenic hikes leads to the Malaspina Galleries, a spectacular, overhanging rock formation resembling a 90m/295ft-long, 3.5m/11ft wave frozen in sandstone. The 4km/2.48mi hike begins at the end of Malaspina Drive. Follow the marked access trail to the sandstone point looking across to Nanaimo. Don't walk on the rock overhang above the Galleries; it's dangerous. Follow the sandstone beach for panoramic views. Best time to view the galleries is low tide from spring or fall. And don't forget the camera.
Petroglyph Community Trail Loop
As easy and fascinating is the 6km/3.72mi Petroglyph Community Trail Loop. The trail leads to petroglyphs of various sizes carved in the surface of exposed rock. The petroglyphs are heavily weathered and often difficult to fathom; in fact, it's best to view them in the rain. An adjoining trail, Petroglyph Way, leads among private properties, but do be careful not to trespass. For a clearer, more concise view of rock carving art, visit the Gabriola Museum. Its reproduction 'glyphs are excellent and visitors are permitted to take rubbings.
False Narrows Sandbar
The False Narrows Sandbar to Spring Beach is an easy 6km/3.72mi hike. It begins with views of the Pylades Channel and Mudge, Link and Decourcey Islands. It ends on Spring Beach among enormous sculpted sandstone boulders. At lowest tide, watch for purple sea stars clustered on the underside of rocks.
Moderate Hiking Twin Beaches to Orlebar Point
The 8km/5mi Twin Beaches to Orlebar Point return hike leads along moderately difficult sandstone terrain, detours around a cliff and brings visitors to Orlebar Point. This is one of the island's must-see views, looking out to the Entrance Island Lighthouse and Coast Mountains. Linger here. The classic picture is the lighthouse with BC Ferries passing in the background. These are just three of 23 Gabriola walks detailed in the 23 Walks on Gabriola map and brochure published by the Gabriola Land and Trails Trust. It's widely available on the island.