Gabriola Island

Gabriola Island, one of the gulf islands dotting the western coastline, is 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 and 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; and in the evenings, the sunsets are spectacular.

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, in this area, we are still able to see the remains of a brickyard that operated from 1895 to 1945.

We often visited Malaspina Galleries, a rare geological feature. The 'gallery' has been carved into the soft sandstone with hundreds of years of high tides. Unfortunately, the last time we were there, there was no admittance to the galleries because of the danger of the overhang.

Lighthouse Point is another wonderful place to visit. When we are there we can feel the power of nature as the wind is usually brisk at that end of the island.

Unlike some of the other gulf islands, many of the beaches are accessible allowing for shoreline hikes when the tide is low. Twin Beaches is another great place to visit where the shores are sandy and the unique shells are many and interesting. There are a few picnic tables and, in some areas, trees shelter the sandy beach for respite from the sun.

Several parks on the island have developed easy walking woodland trails often ending on the beach. Old logging roads and country roads heading inland are also interesting because of the many groves of Garry oaks and Arbutus trees.

Drumbeg Park is a beautiful spot that is never crowded. The easy, open walking trails led us through a grove of Garry oaks, across sandstone beaches and over a grassy hill where we were able to enjoy a beautiful view of the channel and the group of islands beyond.

On Saturday mornings we visit the Farmers' Market where crafts, homemade jams and home-grown produce are for sale. There is also the annual Sand Castle Exhibit where any family or group can participate for the cost of a non-perishable food donation to the food bank as an entrance fee. There is 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. We have attended and enjoyed all of these events while we've been there.

As guests of this beautiful island, we enjoy the laid-back lifestyle where there is no expectation to rush anywhere even though we take advantage of the many opportunities the island has to offer. For us, Gabriola Island seems to have it all.