Birds of a Feather’s Zodiac Medline III based in Victoria is available for private charter transport (water taxi) to and from Gabriola Island. We are also available for marine eco-tour charters, or simply boating the west coast.

History:

Gabriola Island came by its name from the Spanish explorers who sailed throught he region in the late 1700’s.  They originally named the southern tip of the island ’Punta de Gaviota’, which devolved into Gaviola and eventually became Gabriola.

Drumbeg Beach

Points of Interest:

The island has become know as ’Petroglyph Island’ due to the immpressive occurance of ancient native stone carvings (50+).  These can be viewed at Jack Point, Lock Bay, Weldwood and, most famously, the orca carving at Degnen Bay.  Inland, behind the United church, is path that leads to more carvings.

The Malaspina Galleries, are a series of limestone rock formations, carved by the surf and frost.  They are found in the Gabriola Sands Provincial Park.  Due to damage from all the tourist traffic, the formations can only be seen from a short distance if you approach them by land.  The best way to see them is by water, as you can get closer without actually coming in contact with them.

On the southern coast is Brickyard Beach, where you can still see some of the old bricks that were made manufactued on the island during the depression.

Gabriola Island has aslo been dubbed the ’Isle of the Arts’.  Like many of the Gulf Islands, there is a large population of artists, artisans and craftepeople, who provide the island with its own unique character as well as a wealth of treasures for you to take home.  These can be found at:

• Earth, Fire & Tears Pottery
• Glassworks & Anvil Art
• Paradise Island Alpaca Farm
• Illuminati Glassworks
• Indigo Herons Studio & Gallery
• Slice of Life Gallery

For a bite to eat, you could try:

• Raspberry’s Jazz Cafe
• Silva Bay Resort & Marina
• Skol Pub
• Surf Lodge