Strong Skier's excellent adventure - Gabriola Is

[Balfour]

With the 3 days off that I have, and my bike fresh out of the shop after a tune up, I decided to make a day trip to Gabriola Island today.

I started with the 10:30 sailing on the Queen of Oak Bay on Route 2. It was first time on the Oaky in 2 years. As soon as I got into Nanaimo, I made my way to Nanaimo Harbour to board the Quinsam to Gabriola Island. I rode up to this small shop complex called "Twin Beaches" to grab some lunch at a small bakery.

After lunch I made my way down to Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, where the Twin Beaches really are, and a lay in the sun for a bit.

Now for the long ride... I took the South Road from nearby Descanso Bay around the Island. South Road becomes North Road at Silva Bay so it's a perimeter road for the Island so basically I road all the way around the Island. Quite a good workout. The best part was the 18% grade downhill called "Brickyard Hill." I was going pretty fast!

I made a pit-stop in Silva Bay, then continued along North Road through a long forested stretch back to the main shopping centre on the Island, where I made another pit-stop.

I continued to Descanso Bay Regional Park where I sat in the sun for about half-an-hour to watch the 5:00 route 2 sailing to go by in the distance.

I then made my way back to the Ferry Terminal where I met a guy with an electric bike.

I Caught the 7PM sailing on the Queen of Cowichan to get home.

Considering Gabriola is close to Nanaimo, it's a wonderful place for a 1 day getaway. I'd definetly go back again, and even camp for a few days.


Update::: Pictures are now uploaded!
ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/strongskier87/album?.dir=/e9dfscd

[Koastal Karl]

That's awesome! Good day for it too! It's just like being from island and going to Bowen Island for a little day trip. I would like to drive over to Bowen one day while in Vancouver and explore Bowen Island as I have only walked around the Snug Cove area. I have been to Gabriola once. It's a neat little island too!

[Ferryman]

Sounds like you had a great time today! Must of been fun! I know I wish I was out travelling somewhere, considering how great the weather was today!! Gabriola is a great place to go on nice days like today, and I've been to every single place you mentioned above. The regional park by Descano bay is neat, cause you can go and swin in the bay, and ride the wake of the Route 30 ferries. Then you can go and walk through the half tunnel created from all of the waves eroding the rock wall. It's been a while since I've been there, time to go back. Another great Island in Nanaimo is Newcastle. Although, it is infested with racoons, and can be quite frightening at night time, as there are thousands of them running around everywhere trying to steal all of the campers food. Fun times being in a tent surrounded by racoons who just finished ripping a huge hole in the tent beside me for the food..........

[Mike C]

Sounds like fun! I know, the best way to get around the island is via North/South roads.

The 18% downgrade cannot compare, however, to the some 20% up/down on Saturna. Riding up both of those hills was awful.

[Curtis]

Sound's Like you had a fun time

[Quinsam]

ferryman said:

you can go and walk through the half tunnel created from all of the waves eroding the rock wall.quote]

No, you can't, last time I went there (October 2004) the tunnel was considered unsafe. Nobody can go through it without tresspassing I think.

[bcfcbccsscollector]

qsandwich said:

Now for the long ride... I took the South Road from nearby Descanso Bay around the Island. South Road becomes North Road at Silva Bay so it's a perimeter road for the Island so basically I road all the way around the Island. Quite a good workout. The best part was the 18% grade downhill called "Brickyard Hill." I was going pretty fast!


ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/strongskier87/album?.dir=/e9dfscd

Next time you go there, go North Road first and cycle up brickyard hill! Personally, in my 4 years there, I drove up!

[Jca Christian]

Thats the friggin problem with the Gulf ISlands, at least the ones I have road on with my bike too many steep hills!. Galliano, Saltspring, Mayne, Cortez, and Quadra.

I have done the "Circle route" on Gabriola myself, and Know the hills you are talking about. Like on Cortez you have a nice hill to go up as soon as you get off the ferry.

[Koastal Karl]

Same with Bowen Island there is a hill you have to go up as you leave the Village of Snug Cove. community.webshots.com/photo/550983169/2540050950073795431NbKsOU

[Mike C]

Same with Saturna, except 20% upgrade x2. A bit of an inconvenience, but trust me, it's worth it.