Gabriola Island Travel Guide: British Columbia’s Peaceful Gulf Island Escape + Camping, Cafes & Beaches
In this immersive episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I head over to beautiful Gabriola Island in British Columbia for a peaceful weekend of camping, beaches, coffee shops, sunsets, ferries, and slow island living. Located just off the coast of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, Gabriola is one of BC’s hidden gems and the perfect nature escape from Vancouver.
Gabriola Island is a scenic, tranquil Gulf Island in British Columbia, Canada, located just a 25-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Known as the "Isle of the Arts," the island is celebrated for its lush forests, rugged coastline, and vibrant community of working artists.
This episode is a mix of travel guide, solo storytelling, and immersive soundscape audio as I share exactly how to get to Gabriola Island, ferry costs, campsite information, what to do on the island, where to eat and drink coffee, and why this laid-back Gulf Island completely won me over.
From camping at Descanso Bay Regional Park and relaxing at Sandwell Provincial Park to visiting local cafes like Mad Rona’s and Ground Up Cafe, this trip was packed with wholesome moments, nature, and plenty of ocean views. I also share practical travel tips, ferry advice from Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo, and honest thoughts on whether Gabriola Island is worth visiting.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway in British Columbia, looking for Gulf Islands travel inspiration, or simply want an immersive travel podcast experience, this episode is for you.
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⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Gabriola Island
01:05 – What this episode will include
02:18 – BC Ferries information & travel costs
04:45 – Nanaimo parkrun & pre-island stop
05:40 – Brunch at Black Rabbit in Nanaimo
06:40 – Ferry from Nanaimo to Gabriola Island
07:05 – Gabriola farmers market & alpaca farm
07:50 – Exploring the island hub & Nestors Market
08:20 – Camping at Descanso Bay Regional Park
09:15 – Sunset by the bay & campsite vibes
10:45 – Morning sounds & camping breakfast
11:15 – Coffee stop at Mad Rona’s Cafe
12:05 – Sandwell Provincial Park beach visit
13:05 – Gabriola Sands Provincial Park & The Twins
13:50 – Ground Up Cafe & more island coffee
14:20 – Ravenskill Orchards cidery visit
15:00 – Sunset reflections & island atmosphere
15:40 – Leaving Gabriola Island & ferry tips
16:15 – Final thoughts on Gabriola Island
17:00 – Why Gabriola Island is worth visiting
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Produced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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Winging It Travel Podcast - Website
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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits
Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond
Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com or james@wingingitproductions.com
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