Gabriola FAQ

Who are we?

Gabriola Island has a growing population of just over 4,000 people with a large number of seasonal visitors. We have the 5th highest concentration of artists in Canada – an amazing range of visual artists, writers, poets, dancers, musicians, and actors live on this lovely island.

Our artists define life on Gabriola. There’s always something going on, from live theatre to gallery openings to house concerts to hot tub poetry readings. There’s never a dull moment on our enchanting Isle of the Arts!

Be sure to browse our Creative Directory to meet some of the fine artists who call Gabriola home. Then travel to Gabriola to experience their talents in person!

For more indepth info about Gabriola and its residents, click here.

 

Where are we?

Gabriola Island is one of the southern Gulf Islands, located in the Strait of Georgia (also known as the Salish Sea), between Vancouver Island and the mainland of BC.

Gabriola is approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) east of Nanaimo, a small city on central Vancouver Island.

Click here to see the ferry schedule.

 

How do you get to Gabriola?

Gabriola is easily accessible – we’re a short hop from Nanaimo, a hop and a skip from Victoria, and a hop, skip and a jump from Vancouver!

Visit us by ferry, by floatplane, or with your own boat.  The Haven, one of our art-lovin’ island businesses, provides extensive travel instructions at their website.

 

What services are available on Gabriola?

Gabriola Island has many amenities, more than most other Gulf Islands, in fact.

We have doctors, a drop-in and emergency medical clinic, ambulance service, a dentist, a pharmacy, and many other health and wellness services.  

Almost anything you’ll want to purchase is available right here on Gabriola. Be sure to visit the ESSENTIAL GABRIOLA for more information about the fantastic folks who are so supportive of the Gabriola Arts Council and our island’s artists.