Life on the road less traveled . . .

Gabriola Island lies about 5 kilometers east of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, 20 minutes by car ferry. This signature sail is a breathtaking reminder of what makes southwestern British Columbia one of the most spectacular travel destinations in the world. Your journey to Gabriola is all part of this island's magic.

As the ferry departs rustic downtown Nanaimo, your internal clock slowly drifts to "island time."

You are surrounded by the dramatic views: the white-capped coastal mountains peaking in the distance, sailboats slipping between the cluster of islands, an eagle soaring in the deep blue sky. The sail to Gabriola punctuates the pairing of island refuge and city lifestyle within short reach.

Before you know it, you've reached the island where the daily grind is getting in a few errands between a great cup of coffee with friends in the Village.

With no stoplights to interfere, and more deer than pedestrians to watch out for on the road, it's a pleasant 45-minute drive around Gabriola Island. The locals will recommend you go slowly. "You're on an island. You're only going in circles you know."

Everything you need is right here.

Gabriola offers the lifestyle amenities of a small, rural community. The bakery, cafes, and restaurants serve a culinary variety from ethnic delights to comfort food for visitors and islanders all year round. The seasonal Saturday Farmers Market features a bounty of locally grown produce and home baked goods along with specialty items, art, crafts, and locally grown flowers.

The Village is the island hub featuring, among other things, curiosity shops scattered between necessities such as the island's apothecary, grocery store, hardware store, medical and dental care, video rentals, cinema, banking, liquor shops, and more.

The history of the island is unveiled at the museum, just a short walk from the Village, or by viewing the ancient petroglyphs. These stone carvings are intriguing and their origins remain a mystery.

Need a city fix? Some serious shopping beckons? City temptation moors at the Descanso Bay dock with 16 return sailings daily to Nanaimo, British Columbia, and the rest of the world. Or, the float plane will get you to Vancouver in 20 minutes. And of course, you could just stay home. Right at home . . .

Creative people are always attracted to exceptional places.

Art is such an essential part of the character of Gabriola Island life that no visit would be complete without at least some exploration of the creative wonderings. Many artists live, work, and sell their works on the island. You will find functional and decorative pottery, wearable art, glass sculpting and mosaics, acrylics, water colors, wood carvings, silver jewelry, and other metal work. It's all available on Gabriola.

Gabriola Island also offers some of the most beautiful West Coast temperate rainforest and ocean scenery to be found anywhere in British Columbia.

Forests coupled with sheltered ocean coves and beaches provide endless possibilities for recreation and relaxation year round. Trail systems crisscross the central region of the island, practically linking one end of the island to the other, through parkland and over roads guiding cyclists, walkers, joggers and nature lovers through the island's newest 707-acre park.

Gabriola Island spoils its visitors and residents to their hearts' delight.

Set sail under the full moon on indigo waters.

Surrounded by sparkling blue waters and sheltered by the neighboring islands, Gabriola is a heavenly place for kayakers, sailors, and fishing enthusiasts. With approximately 45 kilometers of both rocky and sandy shoreline, it offers a great place to swim, explore coves, beach comb, or simply relax with a gourmet beach picnic at Olebar Point. This island caters to everyone's whims.

It's about the people.

But at the end of the day, Gabriola is really about one thing: people. The residents are as diverse as the land they call home. They've come together from all over the world, creating a strong sense of community, sharing in life's pleasures and treasures.

Come Discover. Come Play. Come Live.

Island living is a very special way to vacation, spend your retirement, or run your business. On Gabriola Island, you will find a slow-paced but vibrant approach to living the good life in an uncommonly beautiful area. For more information on our island lifestyle and how you might make it yours, call island-resident realtors Randi, Jennifer, or Tina Lynch toll free at #1-877-422-8455.

Capture your heart's desire. Anything is possible when you choose life on the road less traveled.