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The many public access points to our beaches is one huge benefit of living on Gabriola. We are fortunate to have more public beach access points than any other Gulf Island. We have sandy beaches with shallow, warmer water for kids as well as rocky beaches for sunning and diving: we have beaches easy to access and some that are quite steep, rocky and very adventurous! (in earlier days, one beach was accessed by climbing down a rope!) Some have steps or ramps built to make it easier to reach the water; just remember the steps can be very slippery when wet. Watch for Access signs.

Most of the following information regarding parks and beaches is excerpted from a revised and enlarged edition of a pamphlet originally created in July, 1998 by Dee Lauder and Terri Hawkins. This revision also incorporates some of the copyrighted material printed on the back of the map by Dee Lauder and given out at the Gabriola Visitor Information Centre. Both are © copyrighted by Dee Lauder 2004.

Make sure your beach visit is fun, safe and legal

Hanging around in the water or on rocks or a sandy beach doesn’t sound too difficult but there are a few basic rules:

• all kangaroos, wildcats, warthogs and dogs must be on a leash and,
• Beach fires are not permitted during fire season (usually April 1 to Oct 15. You need written permission from the Fire Chief’s office 247-9677 for that time of year. It’s a good idea to call anyway.) However, a portable barbecue could let you enjoy fresh clams, mussels and oysters without the risk of fire hazard.
• You need a shellfish license. An April, 1997 law requires you to buy a fishing license before you gather shellfish from the beach, plus you should check for a ‘red tide’ warning. That means it is not safe to eat the shellfish gathered in certain locations and at certain times of the year. When you get your fishing license, be sure to ask about the red tide for the area you want to collect the shellfish as well as the kind of shellfish you can collect.
• The beaches do not have garbage cans. So follow the usual ‘pack it in and pack it out’ routine.
• Beaches are wondrous things here on Gabriola: each has its own particular charm and interest. The sandstone formations make for very interesting tidal pools and photo ops..and do be kind to the little critters you find in the pools and under rocks. Please be a responsible visitor to the ocean environment and leave things & critters the way you found them.
• Did you know? Unlike many places in the world all our BC beaches are open to the public up to the high tide line. You are not trespassing, so enjoy our beaches.
• It’s a good idea to check the tide tables (select Silva Bay and if you are on Gabriola, check in the weekly Gabriola Sounder) before you go and take a watch to check the time because you can get caught by the incoming tide, especially if the beach is gently sloping. Time passes so quickly when we’re having fun.

• Brickyard Beach - The old site of a brick-making factory, Brickyard Beach has been fascinating tourists and locals alike. The perfect place for beachcombing, digging for clams or even launching a kayak, Brickyard keeps people coming back over and over again!
• Descanso Bay - Home to Gabriola Island's only provincial camp ground, Descanso Bay Provincial Park is popular with tourists. Located just across the street from Cox Community Park, Descanso Bay is a great place to spend a day, offering great swimming, hiking trails and exploring opportunities!
• Drumbeg Provincial Park - Home to one of Gabriola Island's most unique beaches, Drumbeg Provincial Park is a popular attraction for tourists. This sandstone Beach is home to an incredible variety of Beach and Ocean sights to explore! From tidal pools teeming with life, to beautiful driftwood (just remember that you can't take it home with you!), to magnificent diving and snorkeling opportunities, Drumbeg is sure to have something for everyone!
• Gabriola Sands Provincial Park - A favourite for children, Gabriola Sands Provincial Park is affectionately known by locals as "Twin Beaches", so named for two beautiful and unique beaches situated across the road from one another. These sandy beaches are a popular spot for swimming, hanging out or just catching some rays.
• Malaspina Galleries - A favourite hangout spot for locals and a popular attraction for tourists, the famous Malaspina Galleries is a sure bet for a unique Gabriola Island experience. The product of thousands of years of erosion from wind and rain, the "galleries" have formed a beautifully curving, sandstone structure over looking the water, which visitors to the beach can safely walk under and explore. Named after a Spanish explorer, the Malaspina Galleries are one of Gabriola's most popular attractions!
• Orlebar Point - Located at the end of a beautiful oceanside drive, Orlebar Point is known to many as the place to go for sunsets. The beautiful ocean vista, overlooking the Lighthouse on Entrance Island and the Strait of Georgia, Orlebar Point is the perfect place to go for a romantic stroll after dinner. Be sure to bring a camera!
• Sandwell Provincial Park - Located on magnificent Lock Bay, Sandwell Provincial Park is the perfect place to spend a hot day. This long, sandy beach is large enough that you'll always find yourself with room to spare! The beautiful view of Georgia Strait is sure to leave a pleasant memory in your mind!
• Whalebone Area - Littered with beaches, such as the Joyce Lockwood Community Park, the Whalebone Area of Gabriola is always sure to delight visitors as they travel on foot from beach to beach and through the many small community parks scattered throughout the area. Be sure to leave yourself a lot of time if you plan to waste the day away in the Whalebone area!