Gabriola Island
Gabriola Island, discover what retirement can be on an enchanting island
treasure in the Gulf Islands. Peace and tranquility are assured when you
walk the sandstone coasts listening to soothing ocean waves lapping at the
shore.
Gabriola Island is one of the Gulf Islands in the Strait of Georgia, lying about three miles east of Nanaimo (the second largest city on Vancouver Island) and the most easily accessed island from Vancouver, the lower mainland of British Columbia, and Vancouver Island.
A quiet rural island, Gabriola Island, with its’ beautiful beaches, including a large arts community with a passion for nature, is home to approximately 3,000 full time residents. In the summer months the island’s population grows, with “summer” people coming to Gabriola each year to spend weeks or longer to live a simple rural life at a relaxed pace. Its’ vibrant cultural life includes annual festivals related to art, crafts, gardens, music, boating, and fishing.
Throughout the day, there are ample things to see and do. Golfing or hiking the shorelines and country roads is a great way to get to know the island. Charter fishing, kayaking, diving or swimming in the ocean will get you in and out on the water. There are three provincial parks on the island with an assortment of public beaches just waiting for you to explore. There are two main shopping areas, a farmer’s market, restaurants, a library, and a museum. There are craft stores too, although several of Gabriola's artisans and artists sell their work from their home studios.
Special to Gabriola Island is an amazing natural phenomenon, known as the Malaspina Galleries. Visit the large coastal cave-like sandstone formations created by centuries of wave erosion. During the winter months, for those who enjoy bird watching, the coast of Gabriola is visited by many wonderful species of waterfowl, shorebirds, and garden birds. The turkey vulture, bald eagle and European starling are common sightings year round.
Please put Gabriola Island as a must see on your retirement wish list.