Ying D. on Gabriola Island:
“We had a very fun weekend touring Gabriola Island. Gabriola, although the flattest of the southern Gulf Islands, is definitely not flat. We had a good workout. You will encounter uphills and downhills throughout your loop of the island. The uphill and downhill are gradual and doable though. Most of the routes are decently paved. A hidden gem we discovered during this trip is Gabbie’s Cider and the orchard. The apples right from the tree and the cider are heavenly! Highly recommended. We also found our spontaneous short ride along Berry Point Rd to Orlebar Point very enjoyable (not part of the loop). It was a very scenic (along the ocean) and smooth (well paved route) ride.”
Tag Archives: Gulf Islands
Mt Galiano, 11 Apr 2015
Stephen H. on Mt Galiano:
“Add this hike to your list, Mount Gardner fans. Mount Galiano proved to be an accessible day trip via the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Dharmesh, Helen, Ivy, Josie, and Susan joined me for a satisfying six-hour loop passing through Bluffs Park on the way there and back. Bald eagles and spectacular views greeted us on top. The ferry schedule gave us time to eat at a cafe and peruse the bookstore afterwards. It was the perfect way to get away for the day.”
Gabriola Island cycling, 22-23 Jun 2013
Markus cycling on Gabriola Island:
“A fun, if sleep deprived, weekend was had by all. We enjoyed a nice sunny ferry ride out to Nanaimo and found a nice seaside bike route along the way from Departure Bay to the Gabriola Island ferry terminal.
After arriving on Gabriola we had a short easy ride to Descanso Bay regional camp ground and settled in for the night. Saturday was a good mix of sun and cloud as we made our way to the south end of the island. Along the way we stopped in at the Farmers Market, checked out Brickyard Beach, the petroglyphs (which would have been really disappointing but for the spontaneous frisbee match) and stopped at Drumbeg Provincial Park for lunch and enjoyed the neat rock formations, wildlife and gorgeous views. On our way back, we branched off the road to so some exploring of the trail network that run throughout the middle of the island (shout out to Ricki, Jeanette and Mary). Afterwards we stopped in at Robert’s Place for a well deserved meal and then back to the campsite for an evening of campfire and marshmallows.
Sunday greeted us with rain and so, after a short trip to see the Malaspina Gallerys, we made our way to the Ferry and home. Overall, I would say Gabriola is an excellent choice for a first time bike trip to a Gulf Island. Lots of amenities, conveniently located campsite near the ferry terminal, easy ride (Tip: bike the island counter-clockwise.) and lots to see.”
Pender Island 21/05/10
Michelle on a cycle tour of Pender Island:
“Despite some on the spot re-planning courtesy BC Ferries and Parks Canada, eight of us had a very enjoyable trip cycle touring, hiking and playing tourist on both North and South Pender Island. Three of us stayed at Centennial Friday before meeting up with the rest of the group who arrived Saturday morning. The Saturday market was indeed full of delicious and creative items and a worth while stop. Our private peninsula camp at Welcome Bay Farms was a lovely setting for our base camp for the remainder of the trip. Local Island hospitality and great company made this trip complete!”