Visitors should use caution when swimming in the ocean at this park, as riptides and currents can be dangerous.
Interpretive signage is located at the information shelter in the day-use areas. This signage was donated by the Heartland Conservancy Group and the Gabriola Theatre Club, and offers information about the Garry Oak ecosystem and marine life in the park.
Drumbeg Provincial Park
This park contains a plant called Giant Hogweed. Touching any part of this plant, followed by exposure to sunlight produces painful blisters or burns up to 48 hours after contact. Contact with eyes can cause temporary or permanent blindness. If you do come in contact with the plant, you are advised to wash the affected areas immediately, keep them out of direct sunlight and seek medical advice.
Giant Hogweed is originally from Asia and was introduced as a garden ornamental plant. It grows to 5-7 meters (15-20 feet) and a width of 1.7 meters (5 feet). The thick, hollow stems have reddish-purple spots and bristles. The large leaves are similar to shape to maple leaves, with hairs on the undersurface.
About This Park
One of three provincial parks on Gabriola Island, Drumbeg is a favourite spot for diving, hiking, nature viewing and picnicking. Overlooking scenic Gabriola Passage on the east end of the Island, Drumbeg offers excellent views of the Strait of Georgia and the Coast Mountains on the Mainland. The park contains a kilometer long sand and pebble beach with striking sandstone and conglomerate rock formations, which can be seen at low tide.
Drumbeg Park protects endangered Garry oak ecosystems, undeveloped Douglas fir forest landscapes and a diverse marine zone. Species such as Bald eagles, Great Blue herons, harbour seals and American oystercatchers can be spotted here, along with a number of intertidal creatures. Underwater enthusiasts can dive from the shores of the park, or head out to Rogers reef by boat and still stay out of the strong currents that run through Gabriola Passage.
Facilities at this day-use only park include a grassy field, pit toilets, picnic tables, hiking trails and an information shelter.
Park Size: 20 hectares
Location and Maps
Drumbeg Provincial Park is located at the south end of Gabriola Island, in the Gulf Islands off southern Vancouver Island. Access to Gabriola is via BC Ferries from Nanaimo, a 20-minute ferry ride. From the ferry terminal on Gabriola, take South Road to Stalker Road and follow signs to the park. Drumbeg Provincial Park is also accessible by boat, with very limited anchorage. The park is situated in the middle of a very busy passage. Boaters can reference marine chart #3475 for more information on this area.
Nature and Culture
- History / Cultural Heritage - An extensive First Nations midden runs along the shoreline, evidence of past use by the Snuneymuxw and Lyakson First Nations. The park, established in 1971, is named for the Scottish home of the land’s former owner, Neil Stalker.
- Conservation - Drumbeg Park protects Garry oak ecosystems, undeveloped Douglas fir forest landscapes and a diverse marine environment. Species such as Bald eagles, Great Blue Herons, harbour seals and American oystercatchers can be found along the shoreline. The parks foreshore protects salt water marine values in fast moving Gabriola Passage (Rock fish rearing, extensive eel grass, over 230 species of algae, sponges, mollusks, sea starts, crustaceans, worms, fish and marine mammals). Garry oak ecosystems are among the most endangered in Canada and only occur on southeastern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Cycling
Fishing
Hiking
Pets on Leash
Swimming
