One of the most delightful destinations in the Gulf Islands is Silva Bay on the southeast end of Gabriola Island. Rather than negotiate Dodd Narrows or False Narrows to Nanaimo, why not transit Gabriola Passage to beautiful Silva Bay, hidden behind the Flat Top Islands? While Gabriola Passage has current similar to Dodd Narrows, this route is more scenic and less traveled.
There are so many things to do on Gabriola Island and at Page’s Resort that you will want to stay for several days. Enjoy the 5-acre park-like setting at the Resort with picnic tables and a barbeque area. Hike the trail to nearby Page’s Inn, site of the seasonal Sunday Market (11 am – 3 pm) and the Big Red Fire Truck Grill food truck (Thur.-Sun.) offering grilled foods, seating under shaded picnic tables, and fantastic views overlooking the bay. The large lawn is a great place for pets and children to run and play; local musicians may be there too! Don’t miss visiting the Pier Gallery below the Inn near the waterfront, showcasing Gabriola’s most creative artists and artisans with an opportunity to purchase a special piece for your boat or home.
At the main resort and marina, shop the Li’l Market Store full of books by Gabriolan authors, grocery items, and delicious pre-made restaurant meals and snacks from Woodfire Restaurant, Ground Up Restaurant, and Island Meat & Deli to enjoy back at the boat. You will find a liquor section in the store too, including cider from Gabiola’s Ravenskill Cidery. Be sure to make reservations at the marina ahead of time to ensure space for your vessel, especially during the peak season. If you are anchored out, Page’s Resort and Page’s Inn have easily accessible dinghy docks for boaters to tie up while shopping at Page’s Li’l Market Store, the Pier Gallery, the Sunday Market, and the Fire Truck Grill.
If family and friends are meeting you at Silva Bay and you need extra accommodations, book a camp site or one of the adorable cabins at Page’s Resort & Marina, or a room at Page’s Inn. Your guests can use the 20-minute ferry service that links Gabriola Island to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. GERTIE, Gabriola’s Community Bus Service, stops right in front of Page’s Inn so visitors arriving at Page’s by boat can visit other attractions on the Island. Primary shopping on the island is above the ferry docks where North Road and South Road intersect and form a loop; you’ll find good restaurants, interesting shops, and other attractions around the loop. You can flag down the bus just about anywhere on the Island. Did you know that you can sign up for a cheese-making class? Classes are offered at Paula’s Madd Acres Farm (2125 North Rd) and at other locations, including Page’s Resort as scheduled.
For boaters, Page’s Resort & Marina is the ideal location to discover all that Silva Bay and Gabriola Island have to offer. Page’s invites boaters to enjoy the Island’s ambiance in their little corner of paradise. For those continuing north to Howe Sound or east to the City of Vancouver, Silva Bay is a great jumping off point and closer than Nanaimo.
Photos: Courtesy Page’s Resort
