Gabriola is known as the “Isle of the Arts” for a good reason. It may have the highest density of artists of any place in Canada. With a population of over 4,000 the island is home to a mixture of retirees and families. Housing prices have been rising in the past few years but they are still reasonable compared to some of the neighbouring districts in Nanaimo.
Gabriola is accessible by a ferry that leaves the Nanaimo harbour approximately once an hour. While you can take your car, many people walk on and off to do there shopping in downtown Nanaimo.
