Getting Around Gabriola
Explore and get around Gabriola with your dog, by foot, car, bike, taxi or bus.
WalkingGabriola is full of dog-friendly trails, quiet side roads and public beaches to explore on foot. Dogs on Gabriola are not required to be on leash (other than in Provincial Parks -- see Play webpage), only that they are "under the immediate charge and control of a responsible person". (see Laws webpage)
Gabriola has no street sidewalks and at times, very narrow or non-existent shoulders. But generally, drivers are courteous and pass pedestrians with space. North Road and South Road are the busiest roads, so be mindful of vehicles and watch that your dog does not wander into traffic. Gabriola does not have street lights so remember your reflective clothing, for you and your dog, and bring a flashlight during evening walks. Please see the Play webpage for more information on trails and beaches. |
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CarWelcome to Island Life ... no traffic lights! Explore the 27 kilometre North Road - South Road loop plus all the quiet side streets leading to public beaches along the way.
As the island graffiti in the photo shows... yes, road trips are better with dogs along for the ride. |
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BicycleMaybe you're biking with your dog in a dog trailer? Or keeping your small dogs in a front basket? Remember to harness them in so they don't get startled and jump when they spot the wandering turkeys or roadside alpacas!
You may choose to explore the whole hilly island with the 27 kilometre North Road -South Road loop or the relatively flat cruise along waterside via Taylor Bay Road / Berry Point Roads or any of the quiet streets in-between. Gabriola does have narrow shoulders on some roads and non-existent shoulders on others but drivers generally pass with lots of space. |
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TaxiGabriola Taxi provides island-wide service for residents and visitors and welcomes dogs.
Dispatch: 250-247-0049 No website. |
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BusGERTIE (Gabriola's Environmentally Responsible Trans-Island Express) is Gabriola's community bus service and welcomes dogs on board.
Dogs ride free, and must be leashed and remain on the floor. Gabriolacommunitybus.com |
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FAQs
What about hitchhiking?
Being a smaller community, you may see locals hitchhiking, especially on the main island roads of North Road and South Road, looking for rides to the village or ferry, and back to the south end of the island. As a dog-friendly driver or a walker with a dog, you may opt to try this transportation option, however, it is your own choice to do so and beyond the advice or recommendation of this website. Remember, you don't have to accept a ride offered and you don't have to follow-through after you initially stop to offer a ride. Ultimately, both driver and rider do so at their own risk -- safety first!