VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 225

Getting Around
Nanaimo Regional Transit System (250/390-4531) buses run daily. The main routes radi-
ate from downtown's Prideaux Street Exchange north to Departure Bay, west to Westwood
Lake, and south as far as Cedar. An all-day pass is $6.50.
Rental car agencies in Nanaimo include Avis (250/716-8898), Budget (250/760-7368),
Discount (250/729-2277), Hertz (250/734-1964), National (250/758-3509), and Rent-A-
Wreck (250/753-6461).
GABRIOLA ISLAND
Like the Southern Gulf Islands, Gabriola (pop. 4,800) is partly residential, but it also holds
large expanses of forest, abundant wildlife, and long stretches of unspoiled coastline. The
ferry from Nanaimo docks at Descanso Bay, on the west side of the island.
Many scenic spots invite you to pull off—at petroglyphs, secluded bays, and lookouts.
The North and South Roads encircle the island, combining for a 30-kilometer (18.6-mile)
loop that's perfect for a day-long leisurely bike ride.
Take Taylor Bay Road north from the ferry terminal to access the island's best beaches,
including Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, a short stretch of fine white sand bookended
by forest. Aside from a few picnic tables and washrooms, the park has no services—the
beach is simply a wonderful place to spend a summer's day.
Drive out to the park's southern headland through stands of Garry oak and arbutus pro-
tected by Drumbeg Provincial Park. From the end of the road, walk out onto the grassy
headland, where sweeping views across Gabriola Passage present the opportunity for view-
ing whales, seals, and sea lions.
Practicalities
For a romantic bed-and-breakfast accommodation, Marina's Hideaway (943 Canso Dr.,
250/247-8854 or 888/208-9850, www.marinashideaway.com , $179 s or d), overlooking
Northumberland Channel, is an excellent choice. Each of the two spacious guest rooms
in this magnificent waterfront home has a king-size bed, gas fireplace, private entrance,
and balcony. On the island's southeast coastline, Page's Resort and Marina (3350 Coast
Rd., 250/247-8931, www.pagesresort.com , campsites $20-25, cabins $110-175 s or d) has
a small campground surrounded by mature trees, and a few older one- and two-bedroom
self-contained cabins.
Basic services are available under one kilometer (0.6 mile) uphill from the ferry terminal
on North Road. Here you'll find gas, groceries, and Mad Rona's Coffee Bar (500 North