Gabriola Island Travel Guide: British Columbia’s Peaceful Gulf Island Escape + Camping, Cafes & Beaches

Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastGabriola Island Travel Guide: British Columbia’s Peaceful Gulf Island Escape + Camping, Cafes & BeachesIn 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.Support Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode:⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Gabriola Island01:05 – What this episode will include02:18 – BC Ferries information & travel costs04:45 – Nanaimo parkrun & pre-island stop05:40 – Brunch at Black Rabbit in Nanaimo06:40 – Ferry from Nanaimo to Gabriola Island07:05 – Gabriola farmers market & alpaca farm07:50 – Exploring the island hub & Nestors Market08:20 – Camping at Descanso Bay Regional Park09:15 – Sunset by the bay & campsite vibes10:45 – Morning sounds & camping breakfast11:15 – Coffee stop at Mad Rona’s Cafe12:05 – Sandwell Provincial Park beach visit13:05 – Gabriola Sands Provincial Park & The Twins13:50 – Ground Up Cafe & more island coffee14:20 – Ravenskill Orchards cidery visit15:00 – Sunset reflections & island atmosphere15:40 – Leaving Gabriola Island & ferry tips16:15 – Final thoughts on Gabriola Island17:00 – Why Gabriola Island is worth visiting--------------------------------------------------------------Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/Winging It Travel Podcast - Website--------------------------------------------------------------Winging It Travel Podcast CreditsHost/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James HammondContact me - [email protected] or [email protected] Media - follow me on:InstagramTikTok Facebook--------------------------------------------------------------Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.Book Flights with Skyscanner - HereUse Revolut Travel Card - HereBook Hostels With Hostelworld - HereBooking.com - HereBook Experiences With Viator - HereDiscovery Car Hire - HereBook Buses With Busbud - HereBook Trains With Trainline - HereTravel Insurance with SafetyWing - HereBook Flights With Expedia Canada - Here--------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!Cheers James.Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.