Nanaimo Gabriola Island | Emerald Pearl of the Pacific Ocean
🌟Highlights: A small island on Vancouver Island with only 4,000 people, accessible only by ferry or seaplane. With over 200 artists and 70 studios, it is known as the island of Canadian artists. Primitive and quiet, there are a few Chinese people. Winter is the rainy season, but the temperature is not low, with only a few days below 0°C; summer is the dry season, dry and cool, below 28°C.
✅Must-try: Recommended attractions
● Malaspina Galleries: Located in Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, the sandstone patterns formed by sea erosion are unique, like a sea corridor, with endless sea on both sides, pink rock walls, and mural-like patterns.
● Drumbeg Provincial Park: Located at the southern end of the island, it has a magnificent coastline and Pacific scenery, with trails through dense forests, coastal rocks, and charming beaches.
● Orlebar Point: A landmark sunset viewing point, where you can see the sun disappear on the Pacific horizon, with many rock formations, weathered stones, and shells nearby.
● Descanso Bay Regional Park: With a spectacular coastline, it is known as a "small version of the popular cliff," open from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturdays, with additional openings on Wednesdays in July and August.
🍲Food recommendations: Recommended delicacies
● Seafood: Gabriola Island is rich in shellfish resources such as oysters, mussels, and geoducks. You can enjoy fresh and delicious seafood dishes at local restaurants, or apply for a fishing license during the shellfish fishing season from September to November to pick oysters and other shellfish for consumption.
● Nanaimo Bar: A Canadian specialty dessert made from Oreo cookie crumbs, nuts, butter, powdered sugar, light cream, chocolate, and other ingredients, with a rich taste.
🏨Hotel environment: Accommodation options
● Hotels: There are some hotels on the island, such as Gabriola Island Inn, offering comfortable accommodation and complete facilities.
● Homestays: You can book houses or rooms rented by local residents on homestay platforms to experience the local lifestyle.
● Resorts: Such as Gabriola Beach Resort, offering a variety of accommodation types, as well as dining, entertainment, and other supporting services.
🚉Transportation guide: Fly to Vancouver International Airport, then transfer to a flight to Nanaimo Airport, from Nanaimo Airport to Nanaimo Terminal, and finally take a ferry to Gabriola Island. Take the BC Ferry from Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver to Nanaimo Terminal, then transfer to a ferry to Gabriola Island from Nanaimo.