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Gabriola IslandIsle of the Arts
Travel

Getting Here

Just 20 minutes from Nanaimo — your island escape is closer than you think

Getting to Gabriola

Travel Options

BC Ferries

Nanaimo Harbour → Descanso Bay
Recommended

The primary way to reach Gabriola. The ferry departs from Nanaimo Harbour (downtown Nanaimo) and arrives at Descanso Bay on Gabriola. No reservations needed — just show up and queue.

Duration: 20 minutes
Frequency: 20+ sailings daily
Reservations: First-come, first-served
Last ferry: 10:30 PM from Gabriola
Cost: ~$12 adult, ~$40 vehicle
View Ferry Schedule

Hullo Passenger Ferry

Downtown Vancouver → Nanaimo

Passenger-only ferry from downtown Vancouver to Nanaimo's Helijet terminal. From there, take a 5-minute taxi to Nanaimo Harbour to catch the BC Ferries to Gabriola. Consider renting a car in Nanaimo for island exploration.

Duration: ~3.5 hours total
Route: Vancouver → Nanaimo → Gabriola
Hullo Ferries

Gulf Island Seaplanes

Vancouver → Silva Bay

Scenic float plane flights directly to Silva Bay on Gabriola Island. The fastest option from Vancouver, but you'll need a car or ride arranged on the island.

Duration: ~30 minutes
Landing: Silva Bay, Gabriola
Book a Flight

By Car

Drive to Nanaimo + Ferry

Drive to Nanaimo via the Trans-Canada Highway (from Victoria) or take the Horseshoe Bay–Departure Bay ferry from Vancouver. Then catch the Nanaimo Harbour–Gabriola ferry.

From Vancouver: ~2.5 hrs + ferry
From Victoria: ~2 hrs + ferry
On the Island

Getting Around Gabriola

Car / Rental

Having a car is the easiest way to explore Gabriola. Taxis are limited and not cheap. Rent a car in Nanaimo before catching the ferry.

Community Bus

Public transit bus service connects key points around the island. Check the community bus schedule for routes and times.

Gabriola Taxi

Local taxi service available for getting around. Call 250-247-0049. Recommended to book ahead during busy periods.

Location

Find Gabriola Island

Gabriola sits in the Salish Sea, just east of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

Google
Map data ©2026 Google
Map data ©2026 Google

Travel Tips

The ferry is first-come, first-served — arrive 15–30 minutes early during summer weekends and holidays.

The last ferry leaves Gabriola at 10:30 PM. Plan accordingly to avoid being stranded.

If visiting as a day trip, the best time is Saturday or Sunday when markets and most businesses are open.

Having a car is strongly recommended. Taxis are limited and many attractions are spread across the island.

Avoid visiting on Mondays and Tuesdays when many boutiques, the cidery, and the alpaca farm are closed.