A Gabriola Day Trip

Just off the east coast of Vancouver Island, Gabriola is often overlooked as a bedroom community of Nanaimo rather than the thriving artisan hub that it has become. A short 20-minute ferry ride from the city, the island is home to dozens of world-renowned and emerging artists, and is referred to as "Isle of the Arts". Gabriola is also one of our favourite destinations for an Edible Road Trip - perfect for a lazy summer afternoon, and totally accessible by boat or bike if you're so inclined. I could easily get distracted by the amazing beaches, parks, and art galleries on the island, but for now, here's a list of the Edible stops you'll want to include on your next trip.

The Surf Lodge is the perfect spot for a cold drink and a snack on their oceanfront patio when you leave the ferry.  A slight detour from the main road, this historic lodge offers the sunset dinners along with local seafood, a decent selection of craft beer, and live music each weekend.

Wishbone Specialty Foods, Gifts & Home Decor offers a little of everything food related - from housewares and gifts to fresh, frozen and take-n-bake items.  This is the place to come for unique ingredients, fresh seafood, an assortment of cheeses and house-made deli goods.

Mad Rona's Coffee Bar because everyone needs a little madness, and a little coffee.

Woodfire Restaurant & Catering is a chef owned and operated hidden gem. Operated by husband and wife team Chris and Sharon Hooton, Woodfire provides a high-end dining experience in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. They also package their own spice blends which you can buy at the local shops or order online.

Village Liquor Store is one of at least three liquor stores on the island, but in addition to a great selection of BC Craft beer, local wines, ciders and spirits, Village boasts a Single Malt Whisky selection that rivals the best stores in the province.

The Kitchen, tucked into the corner beside the Village Liquor Store, is a bistro style restaurant serving fresh, innovative food in a fun, laid-back setting. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, live music Sunday evenings, and the opportunity to spin some Vinyl LPs make it an eclectic favourite for locals and visitors alike.

Island Meat and Deli, recently renamed from the original G&S Quality Meat and Deli, is the place to go for fresh local meats, incredible house-made sausage, cheeses, fresh and frozen fish and seafood, and specialty grocery items. Try an island-famous sausage roll or meat pie, or pick up a rotisserie chicken for an easy dinner. 

Colleen's Home & Fashion Centre - not an obvious choice to put on our radar, Colleen's was recommended to us by another local business. It is one of those unexpected gems - like a small town general store that just keeps going and going and going. Once you pass the shoes and bed linens, you'll find a treasure trove of kitchenware, gadgets and linens that will have you finding space in your daypack for items you never knew you needed.

Gabriola Farmers' Market - if you happen to visit on the weekend, the market runs from 10:00am - 2:00pm every Saturday from May through October, in and around the Gabriola Agi Hall. This diverse market connects local food producers and artisans with their island community.

Ground Up Cafe - while you're at the market, be sure to grab a snack at the Ground Up Cafe. Essentially a "pop-up cafe", Ground Up is operated by two young Gabriola families who believe in serving delicious eats with seasonal local products. 

Ravenskill Orchards has been growing apples since 2002, and now has over 1000 trees and 25 different varieties. Their award winning Gabbie's Premium Hard Ciders are sold throughout Vancouver Island and the lower mainland, but there is nothing like fresh cider from the tap! Be sure to stop by their tasting room as you make your way across the island.

Page's Resort & Marina - you may think that Page's isn't worth a stop unless you're planning to spend the night, but what we especially love is the Li'l Market. In addition to some general supplies, Page's carries ready-made meals from Woodfire Restaurant, bread & scones from Slow Rise Bakery, sausage rolls and meats from Island Meat & Deli, locally roasted coffee by Red Roaster, fresh veggies from the Gabriola Food Hub, and an amazing selection of spices by Woodfire Spice. To top it all off, this little shop has over 300 book titles by Gabriola authors.  A book, a snack, a coffee, and a view. Seriously worth a visit!

A couple last foodie notes:  if you plan your trip in advance, consider signing up for a cheese-making workshop with Make Cheese With Paula. Even better, combine it with a cider tasting at Ravenskill through one of their combined events.  

And while not exactly a "visit-worthy destination" on its own, the Gabriola Food Hub is a collective that consists of local farms and produers, combining their efforts and serving the community by pooling their diverse crops.  What I love in particular, is that they make their deliveries by bike - perfect! And a great representation of the overall food culture on Gabriola Island.