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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 -

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