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  • Descanso Bay Regional Park - Gabriola Island

    Camp by the sea at the RDN's new Regional Park on scenic Gabriola Island. Formerly known as the Gabriola Campground, Descanso Bay Regional Park is located at 595 Taylor Bay Road, only a short distance from the ferry terminal. The Regional Park offers 30 camping sites on a beautiful 40-acre oceanfront property. Two oyster bays provide many delights for kayakers and other boaters as well as picnickers, campers and hikers.

    For further information and campground reservations, call the Descanso Bay Regional Park at 250-247-8255

  • Drumbeg Provincial Park



    One of three provincial parks on Gabriola Island, Drumbeg is a favourite spot for diving, hiking, nature viewing and picnicking. Overlooking scenic Gabriola Passage on the east end of the Island, Drumbeg offers excellent views of the Strait of Georgia and the Coast Mountains on the Mainland. The park contains a kilometer long sand and pebble beach with striking sandstone and conglomerate rock formations, which can be seen at low tide.

    Drumbeg Park protects endangered Garry oak ecosystems, undeveloped Douglas fir forest landscapes and a diverse marine zone. Species such as Bald eagles, Great Blue herons, harbour seals and American oystercatchers can be spotted here, along with a number of intertidal creatures. Underwater enthusiasts can dive from the shores of the park, or head out to Rogers reef by boat and still stay out of the strong currents that run through Gabriola Passage.

    Facilities at this day-use only park include a grassy field, pit toilets, picnic tables, hiking trails and an information shelter.


    Location
    Drumbeg Provincial Park is located at the south end of Gabriola Island, in the Gulf Islands off southern Vancouver Island. Access to Gabriola is via BC Ferries from Nanaimo, a 20-minute ferry ride. From the ferry terminal on Gabriola, take South Road to Stalker Road and follow signs to the park. Drumbeg Provincial Park is also accessible by boat, with very limited anchorage. The park is situated in the middle of a very busy passage. Boaters can reference marine chart #3475 for more information on this area.

  • Gabriola Sands Provincial Park


    Picturesque Gabriola Sands, one of three provincial parks on Gabriola Island, features two sandy beaches and large manicured grassy lawns. This small day-use only park is a very popular local destination for swimming, picnicking, organized sporting activities and special events, including an annual fireworks display on Halloween.

    The park’s two sandy beaches form an isthmus that divides Taylor Bay and Pilot Bay. This isthmus and sandy beach are relatively uncommon in the rocky Gulf Islands, and provide important ecosystems for migratory and breeding shorebirds and many marine invertebrates that live in the sand.

    Visitors to Gabriola Island will not want to miss a stop at pretty Gabriola Sands park – an ideal place to relax and enjoy a picnic or swim on a hot summer day.


    Location
    Gabriola Sands Provincial Park is located on the northwest side of Gabriola Island on an isthmus dividing Taylor Bay and Pilot Bay. Access to Gabriola Island is via BC Ferries from Nanaimo on southern Vancouver Island, a 20 minute ferry ride. From the ferry terminal on Gabriola, turn left on Taylor Bay Road and follow until you see signs for Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, located on Decourcy Drive. The park is also accessible by boat. Boaters can reference marine chart #3458 for more information on this area.

  • Sandwell Provincial Park


    Sandwell Provincial Park, with its long sandy beach and views of the Strait of Georgia, is a favourite destination for residents and visitors to Gabriola Island. One of three provincial parks on Gabriola Island, Sandwell offers a short walking trail through the woods leading to a picnic area overlooking the sandy shores of Lock Bay. This is a lovely place to spend a peaceful afternoon relaxing on the beach or taking a refreshing dip in the ocean waters.

    At low tide, visitors can walk down the beach to view a prehistoric petroglyph carved into the sandstone rocks, east of the day-use area. This site is only accessible at low tide.


    Location
    Sandwell Provincial Park is located on Gabriola Island, a 20 minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo on south Vancouver Island. The park is located on Strand Road, approximately 10 km from the ferry terminal. Take North Road and turn left on Barrett Road, following park directional signs. Neary communities include Gabriola Island and Nanaimo.