If you’re looking for a family adventure that feels a little off the beaten path, it’s time to put Gabriola Island on your summer bucket list. Often called the “Isle of the Arts” and “Petroglyph Island”, this laid-back Gulf Island is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo, and is home to sandy beaches, shallow water, tide pools, and incredible sandstone formations.
The best part? Many of Gabriola Island’s best spots are completely free to visit, making it an easy day trip for families who want to get outside, explore, and make summer memories without breaking the bank.
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Here are four spots you won’t want to miss.
Why a Gabriola Island Family Day Trip Is Worth It
Taylor Bay
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If you’re visiting Gabriola Island with little ones, Taylor Bay is definitely worth adding to your list. The shallow warm water at low tide is perfect for splashing around, and the wide sandy beach gives everyone plenty of room to play.
Bring a bucket because there’s lots to explore, from seashells and tiny crabs to endless sandcastle building. There’s also a playground, picnic tables, washrooms and lots of grassy space nearby, so it’s the kind of place that’s easy to settle into for the afternoon.
Cost: Free
Hours: Open daily (day-use).
Malaspina Galleries
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Just a short walk from Taylor Bay is one of Gabriola Island’s most unique natural attractions.
The Malaspina Galleries are huge sandstone overhangs shaped by the ocean over thousands of years. Walking underneath them feels like discovering a hidden cave, and it’s always a hit with little explorers. Bring a camera because the rock formations are just as impressive as the views.
For the best experience, plan your visit around low tide and stay within the marked safe areas.
Cost: Free
Hours: Accessible year-round (best visited around low tide).
Drumbeg Provincial Park
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If your family loves exploring, Drumbeg Provincial Park is definitely worth a stop. Wander along the shoreline, check out the tide pools and see what little sea creatures you can find. It’s also a great place to slow down, enjoy a picnic and take in the ocean views.
Cost: Free
Hours: Open daily (day-use).
Sandwell Provincial Park
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Looking for a quieter beach to finish your day? Sandwell Provincial Park is a great choice.
A short forest trail leads to a peaceful beach that’s perfect for beachcombing, skipping rocks, swimming, or building one last sandcastle before heading home. If you visit at low tide, you can also see an ancient petroglyph carved into the sandstone (located east of the picnic area).
Cost: Free
Hours: Open daily (day-use).
More Ways to Explore Gabriola Island
Browse Local Artist Studios
Gabriola Island isn’t called the “Isle of the Arts” for nothing. You’ll find art galleries, pottery studios and local workshops all over the island, and many artists welcome visitors into their studios. Even if you’re just browsing, it’s a fun way to see another side of Gabriola.
Address: Various locations across Gabriola Island
Price: Free to browse (purchases optional)
Walk Through the Elder Cedar Nature Preserve
Need a break from the beach? Take a short walk through the Elder Cedar Nature Preserve, where towering old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar trees make it feel like you’ve stepped into a rainforest. It’s peaceful, shady and a nice change of scenery.
Address: Elder Cedar Nature Reserve, Gabriola Island
Price: Free
Explore Descanso Bay Regional Park
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If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter, Descanso Bay is worth checking out. There are easy walking trails, a family-friendly campground and calm water that’s popular for kayaking and paddleboarding. It’s also a great place to slow down and enjoy the waterfront.
Address: 100 Stalker Road, Gabriola Island
Price: Free (camping fees apply for overnight stays)
Visit the Saturday Farmers’ Market (Seasonal)
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the Gabriola Farmers’ Market. You’ll find local produce, baked treats, handmade crafts and live music, making it a great place to pick up a snack while supporting local makers.
Address: 465 North Road, Gabriola Island (AGI Hall)
Time: Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (seasonal)
Price: Free admission
Hunt for Sea Glass and Beach Treasures
One of the simplest activities can end up being one of the most fun. Bring a small bucket and see what you can find along the shoreline. You never know what sea glass, shells or driftwood you might find along the shoreline.
Price: Free
Watch the Sunset at Silva Bay
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Silva Bay has a quieter feel than some of the island’s other waterfront spots. It’s a lovely place to watch boats come and go from the marina, grab an ice cream or simply sit by the water and end the day at a slower pace.
Address: Silva Bay, Gabriola Island
Price: Free
Paddle Around the Island
If your family enjoys being on the water, Gabriola is a great place to go kayaking or paddleboarding. The calm bays and sheltered shoreline make it easy to spend a few hours exploring from a different perspective, and there are several launch spots around the island.
Price: Varies if renting equipment
Getting There
One of the best things about planning a Gabriola Island family day trip is how easy it is to get there. It is easier than you might think, simply drive to Nanaimo and hop on the 20-minute BC Ferries sailing to the island.
Once you’re there, it’s the kind of place where you can slow down, pack a picnic, and enjoy the day together. Let the little ones collect seashells, run through the shallow water, hunt for tiny crabs in the tide pools, and build sandcastles while you take in the ocean views. Sometimes the best family adventures are the simplest ones, and Gabriola Island is the perfect place to make those summer memories together.
