Go off the beaten track to
95 Gabriola BY BRUCE MASON
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or thousands of years folks have been visiting, settling and exploring Gabriola Island, dating back to Aboriginal villages, through numerous European expeditions and ongoing waves of residents and tourists. There’s a great deal to discover. The name (it’s pronounced GAY-briola) is thought to be a misspelling of the Spanish word gaviota (“seagull”). Gabriola is also referred to as “Petroglyph Island” because of the famed large number of ancient stone engravings, and “Isle of the Arts,” recognizing one of the largest per capita concentrations of artists in Canada. Locals refer to it as “The Rock.” Highly recommended as a first stop is the website: www.gabriolaisland.org, packed with information, including answers to most frequently asked questions and updated regularly by chamber of commerce manager Carol Ramsay. “The most common mistake by visitors is to just drive North and South roads
Island
Gabriola Island has plenty of trails and beaches to keep recreational wanderers happy (photo courtesy Judy Preston). INSET: Gabriola also has many examples of ancient Aboriginal stone engravings. Replicas at the museum are available to make rubbings.
around the perimeter of the Island. We’ve got a detailed street map and can help them find the ‘hidden gems’ of Gabriola.” Ramsay and her staff of trained and friendly volunteers can be found at the Visitor Centre at Twin Beaches Mall. Make your first left turn from the ferry. Bring along individual questions on where to stay, eat, shop, explore and relax and pick up copy of Go Gabriola! and the trail map, 23 Walks on Gabriola. See page 34
Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010
CONTACT:
Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Centre PO Box 249 #5 - 377 Berry Point Road Gabriola Island, BC V0R 1X0 Phone: 250-247-9332 E-mail: giccmanager@shaw.ca)
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