Gabriola Island Real Estate
Located right off of the coast of Nanaimo, Gabriola Island is well-regarded for its natural beauty, its history, and its peaceful way of life. This area has a year-round population of roughly 4,500, with the western side of the island being the most populated—though this number increases significantly during the high season in the summer. Real estate in Gabriola Island encompasses the more rural and artistic culture that tends to draw creatives and nature-lovers, with a market that includes a mixture of both traditional and more modern cottages. Contact the Carey Real Estate Group today to start your home search, or click to learn more about Gabriola Island real estate.
Gabriola Real Estate Statistics
| Average Price | $1.2M |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $320K |
| Highest Price | $11.6M |
| Total Listings | 44 |
| Avg. Days On Market | 99 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $667 |
Property Types (active listings)
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Gabriola Island Highlights
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01A unique landscape with provincial parks, beaches, cliffs, and historic sites
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02Privacy and security in a smaller community, just a boat ride away from the city
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03An atmosphere that nurtures creativity, with local shops and boutiques
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04Many opportunities to enjoy the island's outdoor recreation and community events
The Gabriola Island Market
The second-most populated of the Gulf Islands, Gabriola's real estate market comprises single-family detached homes and cottages (as well as, occasion, plots of vacant land). As a general overview, listings can be higher priced due to their desirable features and the smaller number of available properties.
Appealing to those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this area's population is densest in the neighbourhoods on the west end. Homes in this part of Gabriola Island are situated on forested lots, with many of the properties being ocean view or oceanfront (with beach access). In contrast, the other end of the island sees larger, more densely-forested properties, and a more rural atmosphere.
When it comes to architecture, Gabriola Island sees a variety of construction dates and styles. Older properties include traditional cottages, often built with wood exteriors and high-pitched roofs. The wood often carries through to the interiors, bringing the outside in. On average, older real estate tends to be smaller in square footage, which is one reason why new construction properties are a popular alternative. These homes are usually more contemporary in architectural style, but maintain a lot of the traditional wood or vinyl siding elements in their design. In short, these properties are suitable for a range of lifestyles, but particularly for those who enjoy the peace and quiet of a small island community.
Gabriola Island At A Glance
One of Gabriola Island's biggest draws is its artsy culture, which has culminated in the nickname, "the Isle of the Arts." Many of Gabriola Island's residents open their businesses or work in more creative fields. This is also why there are a lot of small boutiques and local stores that are unique to the island. The community stresses sustainability (with numerous efforts to by local and retain the island's natural beauty) and a love of nature. This means that hobbies such as gardening, farming, handmade goods and artworks, and music are popular amongst the residents.
Because tourism is a big part of life in Gabriola Island, the summer is often quite busy, and sees a lot of events and festivals. These include smaller events, such as classes and programs (including some specifically for families and young children), to island-wide events that draw mainland visitors. Additionally, while a lot of the residents are permanent, there are a number of resorts, lodges, and other places to stay for those visiting the island.
In the same vein, Gabriola Island is also recognized for its tight-knit community. In the fall, Gabriola Island hosts the Thanksgiving Studio Tour, which showcases local artist studios. Other significant events include the Isle of the Arts Festival (which happens each April and is largely about workshops and honing one's artistic abilities) and the Cultivate Performing and Arts Festival (which centers around music and performances, and happens for a weekend in July).
Top Gabriola Island Attractions & Amenities
As one of the larger Gulf Islands (and because of its established community), Gabriola has a lot of amenities that make life so desirable. And these things are often necessary by virtue of Nanaimo, and other cities) only being accessible via boat, ferry, or float plane. The island has a library (part of the Vancouver Island Regional branch), a recreation center (which hosts yoga classes, tennis, soccer, aerobics, ultimate frisbee tournaments, camps, and more), a fire and ambulance station, a recycling centre, an arts and heritage center, and a museum. There are three marinas in Gabriola: Degnen Bay and Silva Bay being the most prominent, and another at Page's Resort.
Additionally, there are several parks and green spaces around the island. These include the following:
- Coats Marsh Regional Park
- Gabriola Sands Provincial Park
- Sandwell Provincial Park
- Descanso Bay Regional Park
- Drumbeg Provincial Park
Gabriola Island Real Estate FAQs
How did Gabriola Island get its name?
The name, "Gabriola", is derived from ""Punta de Gaviola", which was given to the area by Spanish explorers in the 18th century. Over time, the name morphed and changed from "Gaviola" to Gabriola."
How many ferries go to/take off from Gabriola Island?
There is only one ferry, the Gabriola Island ferry, which connects the island to downtown Nanaimo.
How much of Gabriola Island is protected land?
Despite its numerous parks and historic land formations (which are popular attractions), only about 13% of the island is designated as protected land.
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