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Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park
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Visitor Information
Park Contact

R.L.C. Enterprize Ltd.
E-mail address: office@rlcparks.ca
Phone: (250) 474-1336

Gabriola Sands Provincial Park

About This Park

Gabriola Sands Provincial Park

Picturesque Gabriola Sands, one of three provincial parks on Gabriola Island, features two sandy beaches and large manicured grassy lawns. This small day-use only park is a very popular local destination for swimming, picnicking, organized sporting activities and special events, including an annual fireworks display on Halloween.

The park’s two sandy beaches form an isthmus that divides Taylor Bay and Pilot Bay. This isthmus and sandy beach are relatively uncommon in the rocky Gulf Islands, and provide important ecosystems for migratory and breeding shorebirds and many marine invertebrates that live in the sand.

Visitors to Gabriola Island will not want to miss a stop at pretty Gabriola Sands park – an ideal place to relax and enjoy a picnic or swim on a hot summer day.

Park Size: 6 hectares

Special Notes:

  • Please bring your own drinking water as there is no potable water available at the park.
  • The park does not have a boat launch. The nearest boat launch is located at Silva Bay Marina on Gabriola Island.
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Location and Maps

Gabriola Sands Provincial Park is located on the northwest side of Gabriola Island on an isthmus dividing Taylor Bay and Pilot Bay. Access to Gabriola Island is via BC Ferries from Nanaimo on southern Vancouver Island, a 20 minute ferry ride. From the ferry terminal on Gabriola, turn left on Taylor Bay Road and follow until you see signs for Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, located on Decourcy Drive. The park is also accessible by boat. Boaters can reference marine chart #3458 for more information on this area.

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Nature and Culture

General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

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Management Planning

Management Planning Information

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Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing

There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
Cycling

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing

Fishing

Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within this park. Fishing activities are limited in Rockfish Conservation Areas. Before you go fishing please refer to the Rockfish Conservation Area descriptions available from Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets on Leash

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Swimming

Swimming

Designated swimming areas can be found Taylor Bay and Pilot Bay. The lovely sandy beaches and shallow water make for excellent salt water swimming. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
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Facilities Available at this Park

Picnic Areas

Picnic Areas

Gabriola Sands Park has a day-use/picnic area with picnic tables, pit toilets, a cold water hand pump (water must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption), two sandy beaches, a parking lot and a playing field.
Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park has 2 pit toilets - one on Taylor Bay beach and the other on Pilot Bay beach.
Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Access

Pit toilets in the park are wheelchair accessible.