Gabriola Island & Malaspina Galleries
Gabriola Island
An artists' island off Nanaimo. The Malaspina Galleries, sandstone sea caves carved by waves that look like frozen breakers, make a good half-day trip.
Gabriola Island lies east of Nanaimo. It is reached by a car ferry of about 20 minutes from the BC Ferries terminal in the city centre. Known as the “Artists' Island”, it is dotted with galleries, studios, farm shops and beaches. Its best-known feature is the Malaspina Galleries, a sandstone sea-carved formation about 100 metres long, whose walls curve outward like rolling waves. A Spanish expedition left a record here in 1792. The island also has Drumbeg Provincial Park, Indigenous rock carvings and several tidal pool beaches. On summer Saturdays there is a farmers' market. Public transport on the island is limited, so it is best to drive or cycle.
Opening hours
All day (ferry approx. 6:00 AM–11:00 PM)
Nearby sights
- Dinghy Dock Pub (Protection Island)
- Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Provincial Park
- Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway
- Nanaimo Bastion
- Nanaimo Museum
- Petroglyph Provincial Park
- Neck Point Park
- WildPlay Element Parks Nanaimo