Gabriola Island is one of a group of dozens of islands, in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia. This scenic region, known as the south Gulf Islands, is located close to Vancouver Island, an area extending from Nanaimo to Victoria.

This is one of the most scenic and beautiful coastal areas in Canada. It is also widely known as a favored boating, fishing, vacation and recreational retreat for many, offering unparalleled beauty with an abundance of wildlife.

Measuring approximately 14 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide, Gabriola Island, the "Queen of the Gulf Islands" as it is known, is located very near to Nanaimo. It has a varied coast line, with sandy bays and long beaches, weather carved sandstone, rugged sections with high towering cliffs and rock formations dropping almost vertically to the ocean below.

There is regular ferry service, 16 times a day, from Nanaimo Harbour to Descanso Bay at the Western end of the Island. The ferry run is about 20 minutes. There is also float plane services 5 times daily between Gabriola and Vancouver. With the ease and frequency of Island transportation, many of our almost 6,000 residents commute to shop and work.

The Island itself offers a wide variety of professional services and convenient, quality shopping. There are three shopping centers, two marinas, several nice restaurants and pubs, as well as numerous Bed and Breakfast establishments. Gabriola Island also has an elementary school, pharmacy, medical center, and dental clinic. All the amenities to support comfortable rural living are right here!