Rural Living

It’s a short sail to Gabriola Island, about 20 minutes by car ferry from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. This signature trip is a breath taking reminder of what makes southwestern British Columbia one of the most spectacular destinations in the world. Your journey to Gabriola is all part of this island’s magic.

As you sail your internal clock slowly drift to “island time”.

Surrounded by the dramatic views and images of boats slipping between the cluster of islands beneath a deep blue sky & white capped peak of the coastal mountains in the distance will likely form in one’s mind. Sailing to Gabriola Island punctuates the pairing of island refuge and city lifestyle within short reach.

On Gabriola Island the daily grind is defined as a few errands followed by a great cup of coffee with friends, in the village.

Gabriola Island is a short 45 minute drive around, with no stop lights to interfere, and where you’ll hear phrase, “go slow… your on an island… your only going in circles”…

City temptation moors at the Descanso Bay dock every day, with 16 return sailings everyday. Approximately 5 km east of Nanaimo, British Columbia, and the rest of the world. Not ready to set sail? Then why not just stay right at home.

Everything you need is right here…

Gabriola enjoys the lifestyle amenities of a small rural community. The local bakery, cafes & restaurants serve a culinary variety of comfort foods for visitors and islanders all year round. Seasonal Saturday farmers market feature a bounty of locally grown produce, specialty items, locally grown flowers, art & home baked goods.

The Village is home to the islands shops featuring clusters of curiosity shops scattered between island necessities like the islands apothecary, doctors, video stores & banking.

The history of the island is unveiled by a trip to the Museum just a short walk away from the Village, or by viewing the islands ancient petroglyphs; these ancient carvings are intriguing, and their origins remain a mystery.

Creative people are always attracted to exceptional places…

Art is such an essential part of the character of Gabriola Island life that no visit would be complete with at least some exploration or the creative wonderings. Many artist live, work & sell their works on the island; functional & decorative pottery, wearable art, glass sculpting and mosaics, silver jewelry, acrylics, water colors, wood carvings & metal work – its all available on Gabriola.

Gabriola Island offers some of the most beautiful West Coast Temperate rainforest and ocean scenery to be found anywhere in British Columbia.

Forests coupled with sheltered ocean coves & beaches provide endless possibilities for recreation and relaxation year round. Trail system criss-cross the central region of the island, practically linking from one end of the island to the other, through parkland & road systems guiding cyclists, walkers, joggers & nature lovers through the islands newest 707 acre park.

Gabriola Island spoils everyone with heart’s desire.

Set sail under the full moon on indigo waters…

Surrounded by sparkling blue waters and sheltered by the neighboring islands, Gabriola is a heavenly place for kayakers, sailors and fishing enthusiasts. With approximately 45 km of rocky & sandy shoreline it offers a great place to explore coves, beach comb or simply relax with a gourmet beach picnic and ocean dip at Olebar Point, this island caters to everyone’s whim.

The People…

But at the end of the day, Gabriola is really about one thing. People. The residents are diverse as the land they call home; from all over the world they’ve come together, creating a strong sense of community & to share in life’s pleasures & treasures.

Capture your hearts desire… Anything is possible when you choose life on the road less traveled.

Come Discover… Come Play… Come Live…

Island living is a very special experience for vacationing, retirement, or as a location for your business. On Gabriola Island, you will find a slow-paced approach to living the good life in an uncommonly beautiful area. For more information on our island lifestyle and how you might make it yours, call island resident Realtors Randi, Jennifer or Tina Lynch toll free at #1.877.422.8455. Would you like to join us?

Surrounded by sparkling blue waters and sheltered by the neighboring islands, Gabriola is a heavenly place for kayakers, sailors and fishing enthusiasts. With approximately 45 km of rocky & sandy shoreline it offers a great place to explore coves, beach comb or simply relax with a gourmet beach picnic and ocean dip at Olebar Point, this island caters to everyone’s whim.

Island Life

The lifestyle benefits of a small rural community, with the energy and amenities of city life just minutes away.

Nesteld just off the coast of Central Vancouver Island, access to Gabriola Island is a convenient 20 minute ferry from Nanaimo, with 16 sailings a day, 365 days a year. For those in need of bigger city lights, downtown Vancouver si a short 20 minute sea plane hop from Nanaimo.

While close to the city lights, you wouldn't know it while you're here. A 45-minute drive around the island will take you past rolling farmland, through dense West Coast temperate rainforest, and along dramatic shorelines and beaches that becon the explorer in you. Deer watch you pass with mild curiosity, while circling bald eagles ride the ocean breezes above.

However the true bliss of living on an island is not having to leave! And rarely do you need to with these kinds of on island amenities:

Gabriola Girls on beach