With a window of decent weather coming up (it’s been a very rainy spring) we decided to go camping again for a few days at Descanso Bay Regional Park. We had tried once before to get there, but ended up cancelling due to a high winds forecast.
Getting to Gabriola Island is a 30 minute drive to Nanaimo Harbour terminal and a 20 minute ferry ride. We were excited to see that the two ferries are the new hybrid electric ones which we hadn’t yet been on. Disembarking from the ferry we drove past Skol Pub which is conveniently located to get a bite while waiting for your ferry. A quick 5 minute drive and we were at the campground where we were greeted by a super nice and helpful camp host. The office offers a small array of basic camping supplies. There is also the village very close, a 5 minute drive or 3o min. walk, which has all the needed amenities. Our site was quite muddy from all the rain, so on day 2 we inquired about moving and were able to get a site that was dry and closer to the water. Packing up to move we found a large snail trying to hitch a ride – at a snail’s pace, it crawled off onto the grass.
The campground is on the north end of the island just across from Nanaimo, so is protected somewhat from the open seas. There are a couple short trails that lead to the beach and day use area and benches in a couple spots that are perfect to watch the sunset, or just sit and watch the boats and ferry. On one visit we were treated to a show by a humpback whale splashing around while feeding for about 30 minutes. Across the street from the campground is a park with a series of trails which is great if you have a pooch that needs to burn off energy.
The sandstone cliffs around the island are constantly being eroded by weather and waves which makes for some very interesting shapes such as the artistry found at the Malaspina Galleries.
A longer trail from the campground leads up onto the sandstone cliff, through forest, and on some private land with permission to access. We walked this way to the Malaspina Galleries (it’s not a typical art gallery). The galleries are a rock formations carved in the sandstone by years of crashing waves and weather. They look like a wave crashing over top of you as you walk beneath them.
On a day of exploring the island we drove along the main roads, aptly named South Rd. and North Rd. and thus were able to drive around the perimeter of the island and check out a few places. First stop at Brickyard Beach has a placard which details Gabriola’s industrial brick making history and the beach is littered with them still. Next we drove to Drumbeg Provincial Park and walked a short but scenic trail taking in the views of the Strait and mountain views of the mainland. Along the beach there are interesting conglomerate rock formations and a lovely flowing meadow.
Next stop was at a short hike through a forest preserve protected and owned by first nations. The sign at the entrance notes the forest as a sacred place with strong energy. The ‘elder cedar’ we came across near the end of the loop trail and it is certainly a majestic old tree worthy of the protection it receives.
Back at camp we had a bite to eat, cleaned up our site and put everything away as rain was forecast overnight. We both remarked how much we like Gabriola Island. Being close to Nanaimo and such a short ferry ride, plus having all the needed amenities on the island is appealing – we were told the new medical facility is great. The homes are a real mix of styles and ages and there are so many trails. In the centre of the island is the 707 Community Park which boasts 707 acres with trails allowing hiking, biking, and horses. We will definitely be checking it out next trip.