BC eh! / Vancouver Island / Gulf Islands / Gabriola Island / Parks, Trails and Nature Areas

Gabriola Island BC Parks and Trails
Gulf Islands, British Columbia, Canada

• 50 Petroglyphs. Carved, polished and preserved by nature are over 50 petroglyphs in and around the Gabriola Island area. The trip to the petroglyphs is well worth the time and eye candy is abundant. Some of the best views are out by Jack Point, Lock Bay and Degnen Bay where a very well known carving of a killer whale that has taken centuries for the wind/wave artist to complete is on display for all to see...
  
  
• Berry Point Lookout. A popular relaxing and viewing point to get lost in your thoughts. Berry Point has spanning views of marine activity and the point is where you can scope out the Lighthouse on Entrance Island.
  
  
• Brickyard Beach. Popular area for beach combing and, just plain , lounging around in the sun and surf. Brickyard Beach on Gabriola Island is the site of an old brick factory. The are has been all restored and today is a popular beach for families, kayak launches and romantic couples. Great for clam digging also while catching the sights of the neighbouring islands like Mudge Island and the Pylades Islands.
  
  
• Decanso Bay. Often a fantastic view point for watching the seabirds at play. Located near the BC Ferry terminal, follow Taylor Bay Road.
  
  
• Degnen Bay. Watch the activity of oceanside living and the activity of a marine community from the Government Wharf. Sailboats and motor boats are moving in and out of Degnen Bay. Located South Road on Degnen Bay Road.
  
  
• Drumbeg Park Provincial Park. Again with the sandstone rocks and shorelines, some trails, beach for swimming and catching a few rays of sunshine, and some ocean marine boats floating by in the strong currents of the tidal pools of the Gabriola Passage. Check out Valdez Island across the way. Find this park in the south off of South Road onto Stalker Road.
  
  
• Folklife Village Mall. An assortment of stores from common to unique. A great meeting place to engage in good conversation with the charismatic locals. There is nothing like an eclectic conversation.
  
  
• Malaspina Galleries. Gabriola Island is fortunate to have a very artistic population, even nature wants a piece of the action. Amazing sandstone rock sculptures formed from years of waves crashing and winds. An amazing form of natures art on display for all to see. A popular place to sightsee near Taylor Bay on Harewood Road.
  
  
• Orlebar Point. Check out the lighthouse all alone on Entrance Island. Stand in some sandstone bits and pieces on the shores taking in the views of the mainland and surrounding islands. Picnic area and if you are sharp, maybe some marine life besides the seabirds. Located off of Berry Point Road near Clark Bay.
  
  
• Sandwell Provincial Park. Time for some toe-to-sand therapy. Walk the beaches and take in the marine wildlife and distant views of the Sunshine Coast the towering Mountains and Vancouver on the mainland. Located in Lock Bay off of Horseshoe Road.
  
  
• Silva Bay. Enjoy watching other people having fun out on the ocean in this Gabriola Island bay. There is float plane activity whizzing by, sail boats glistening off the top of the water and of course the beaches and motor boats zipping in out of the docks. Moorage is available. Located along North Road on Silva Bay Road.
  
  
• Spermwhale and Killer whale Lookout. Look out over the Straight of Georgia at the luminous mountains and the mainland of Vancouver. Scenery is spellbinding, might not want to leave the car in case of passing out from the viewing adrenaline rush. Located down from Sandwell Provincial Park on Moby Dick Way.
  
  
• Twin Beaches-Gabriola Sands Park. Beautiful scenery filled beaches laid out between Pilot Bay and Taylor Bay stretching out over a small peninsula. Beach has room to play and frolic about in the sand or on grass. Pack the Frisbee and football... and a big picnic. Views of the Sunshine Coast, Newcastle Island and Departure Bay in Nanaimo. Take Berry Point Road onto Ricardo Road.
  
  
• Whalebone Beach. Beach access is the only possible reason you might not see this beach? The effort is well worth this island secret where the Bald Eagles soar and the Sea Lions play. Next door Sandwell Park and just as beautiful scenery and loads of sand, but maybe just less company. Access can be tricky people.