About Gabriola Island

Gabriola Island (population ~5,000) casts spells across layers of time. Its sandstone geology studs the coast with dramatic rock formations. Petroglyphs carved by First Nations people speak for Gabriola's most ancient culture. The island's natural bounty invites modern adventurers to try fishing for salmon and halibut, go hiking in the verdant forests and enjoy biking the island from top to bottom.

Above excerpt from Tourism B.C.  Read more

 

The Best Kept Secret in the Gulf Islands

Oprah magazine reported a worldwide study by a leading Environmental Biologist which concluded, overwhelmingly, the perfect place to live is... "High up, surrounded by grassland punctuated by clusters of trees and having in the distance a view of open water."

It is even better when this perfect place is only twenty minutes from the cities of Vancouver and Nanaimo (the gateway to Vancouver Island). These properties are almost HALF the cost of a similar property on Saltspring Island.

The Legends at Spirit Rock ocean view acreage estates exceeds these high expectations with views that defy written description and being located on Gabriola Island, the most accessible of all the Gulf Islands, virtually in the harbour of the City of Nanaimo, the second largest City on Vancouver Island.

Nanaimo, for good reason, is referred to as the "Hub City" and the "Gateway" to Vancouver island, the largest North American Island in the Pacific Ocean, which has been named by Conde Nast Traveler for the seventh year in a row, the best island in North America and Travel and Leisure World Best Awards also placed the Island at the top of their list.

Imagine, should you wish to leave paradise, visiting the Parliament Buildings or Butchard Gardens in Victoria, fishing in Port Alberni or skiing on Mt. Washington in a little over an hour or surfing in Tofino in two and a half hours.

Golfing, swimming, kayaking, cycling, salt water diving, walking, fishing, skiing .. the west coast lifestyle, all right at your doorstep and for those more culturally inclined, as if there is any shortage of culture on the Isle of the Arts, a quick 20 minute Ferry trip to Nanaimo for dinner, a movie or a play at the famous Port Theatre, and, unlike all the other Gulf Islands, a return home that evening on the 10:45 PM Ferry.

The Legends at Spirit Rock Estates on Gabriola is not only the perfect place to live but is also a unique investment opportunity as the current price gap between Gabriola and Saltspring Island disappears.

 

Gulf Islands among National Geographic's Top Coastlines

Article Courtesey of the VANCOUVER SUN
Postmedia News - October 23, 2010

Region is one of four from Canada on the coastal destinations list, seventh overall in the world; Nfld. peninsula named No. 1.

The Gulf Islands are among the four Canadian areas named to National Geographic Traveler's "top rated" category in a list of the world's 99 best coastal destinations—they're in seventh place, with 78 points of a possible 100.

Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula is the No. 1 spot, with 84 points. The Gulf Islands were lauded for their breathtaking scenery, laid-back lifestyle and indigenous cultures.

Nova Scotia's South Shore was right behind B.C. with 77 points, while Prince Edward Island's seacoast received 74 points, good for 17th spot.

The annual scorecard focused on 99 coastal areas, from Antarctica to Tanzania, with a panel of 340 experts "in sustainable tourism and destination stewardship" rating the locales on environmental and ecological quality; social and cultural integrity; condition of historical buildings and archeological sites; esthetic appeal; quality of tourism management; and outlook for the future.

The Canadian destinations beat out some of the world's most picturesque places, including Bermuda, Greenland, the Seychelles and Samoa.

The Avalon was noted for its outport villages, archeological sites, friendly people and significant tourism potential.

The south shore of Nova Scotia's "lighthouse-studded peninsulas and cosy harbourside villages" grabbed the eyes of judges, who called it the "quintessential image of Atlantic Canada." They also liked P.E.I.'s quaint homes, spectacular seascapes and great food.

As well, for the first time, a destination was named to the magazine's "catastrophic" category: the oil-stained coast of Louisiana, with a score of just 24 out of 100.

 

Gabriola Island, B.C.
The Most Accessible Gulf Island

Contrary to the boasts of Saltspring Islanders, Gabriola is the most accessible of all the Gulf Islands being serviced by BC Ferries from both Tsawwassen (2.0 hrs.) and Horseshoe Bay (1.5 hrs.) with a combined total of 18 sailings per day. The local BC Ferry from Nanaimo to Gabriola (20 min.) schedules 16 sailings per day from 5:55 AM until 11:30 PM making it the only Gulf Island where you can leave the Island for shopping, dinner, a show, Junior hockey game or Port Theatre performance and return to the comforts of home the same evening.

Although Harbour Air, Seair, and West Coast Air fly from Vancouver to Nanaimo Harbour connecting with the Gabriola Ferry, for those in a hurry to get to their Island paradise, Tofino Air schedules three twenty minute flights per day from Richmond direct to Silva Bay on Gabriola such that a flight leaving Calgary at 7:00AM would connect in Vancouver with Tofino Air and arrive on Gabriola at 8:50 A.M.

Air Canada services Nanaimo Airport a short 20 minute drive from downtown Nanaimo and the Gabriola Ferry and is currently expanding to accommodate International flights. Note also that as of 2013 WestJet is offering flights to Nanaimo Airport as well.

For good reason, Nanaimo is referred to as "The Hub City" and "The Gateway to Vancouver Island" due to its central location being virtually equi-distant from both Victoria and Comox and the most central location for travel throughout Vancouver Island which, for the seventh consecutive year, was voted by Conde Nast Travellers magazine, the best island in North America.

Living on Gabriola puts you at the doorstep of the Gateway to Vancouver Island and little over one hour drive from Butchard Gardens and downtown Victoria, fishing in Port Alberni, skiing on Mt. Washington or surfing in Tofino in less than 2.5 hours.

The perfect place to live!