Where is Gabriola Island?

Gabriola (the locals hardly ever use the word "island") is 3.5 miles east of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island which is on the west coast of Canada in the province of British Columbia.

How many people live there?

About 5000. There isn't a town; the houses are all just tucked into the woods on half-acre and 5 to 10 acre lots, with quite a few farms as well.

How do you get there?

You take the Gabriola Ferry from downtown Nanaimo (22 minutes).

How do you get to Nanaimo?

If you're coming from the Lower Mainland (Vancouver and its suburbs) you take BC Ferries either from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) a 95 minute trip, or Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver) to Duke Point (south of Nanaimo), a 2 hour trip. For all BC Ferries schedules, including the Gabriola Ferry Schedule, see BC Ferries.

If you're coming from Washington State, you could use Washington State Ferries from Anacortes, WA. to Victoria, BC, a scenic 3 hour trip. The Gabriola ferry is approximately 2 hours by car from Sidney. By Airplane, you could fly from the Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo Airport (rental cars are available)

Tofino Air float plane service flies from the Vancouver Airport Sea Terminal to Silva Bay, Gabriola. You can rent a car or scooter through C.C. Rentals, 250 247 0247 or jlhomych@shaw.ca .

Do we have to bring a car?

The island is 4 miles wide x 10 miles long so having a car is a good idea.

Do I need to make a reservation for the ferry?

From the Lower Mainland, especially Horseshoe Bay, it is a good idea in the summer as there can be long line-ups. You can reserve on-line at BC Ferries. You can't reserve on the Gabriola ferry; you would never have to wait more than one sailing.

How often do the Gabriola ferries run?

Approximately every hour, but in the afternoon there is a break between 1:55 and 3:45 so the 3:45 is often overloaded.

How do we pay for our booking with Global Havens?

We accept VISA and MasterCard, personal cheques and money orders.

Are there taxes on top?

Yes, 8% Room Tax and 6% GST (Goods & Services Tax).

When do I have to pay?

We require 50% of the rent plus taxes at the time of booking, and the other 50% plus taxes 60 days ahead of check-in.

What if I decide to cancel?

All reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable (one property may not be substituted for another after booking). At the time of booking, Global Havens' agent will offer the client Travel Insurance comprised of Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance. If an emergency arises making it impossible to honour the reservation, the client may make a claim to their insurer. If, for any reason, the property becomes unavailable, Global Havens will attempt to find alternate accommodation or refund 100% of the client's payment towards the rental.

When can I check in?

Check-in is 4:00pm; checkout is 11:00am.

Can I drink the water out of the tap?

We strongly suggest that the client drinks bottled or filtered water while vacationing, so as to not encounter any digestive problems with well water or cistern water. Most of the units have water dispensers and refillable bottles. We supply drinking water in the rental properties.

What do we have to bring?

Each rental house is stocked with bed linens and blankets/duvets, bath towels and facecloths, and kitchen linens. The kitchens are fully stocked with pots and pans, china, and silverware. Most have washers and dryers.

Can I have people in to visit?

If you're planning a wedding, a wake, a birthday party, or any other gathering that will bring a large group onto the property, you must inform the booking agent of your intentions prior to booking. Water and septic fields in rural communities are always an issue and it is likely an inappropriate use of the rental property, but we consider each request on a case by case basis. Groups of over 10 people which are approved will be charged $10 per person per day.

Do the neighbours know that this house is used as a vacation rental?

Yes! On the Gulf Islands vacation rentals are an endangered species because of recent bad press. Our owners have told their neighbours that they will be using their house for vacation rentals, and while, for the most part, the neighbours of these homes are strong allies, we ask that you be mindful of respecting the neighbourhood and our fragile hold on being allowed to rent short-term.

Are there bears on Gabriola?

No. The most ferocious wildlife is the little-seen raccoon. You'll see lots of deer and eagles, and hopefully, some whales or seals.

Can I bring my pet?

Look at each listing: some houses accept pets, some don't. We must be informed at the time of booking if a pet is being brought. A $75 charge per week or $12 per night will be charged for each pet. The renter must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the pet causes no damage to the property, to neighbours' property, or to others. The renter is fully responsible for all damages and extra cleaning caused by their pet. All dogs and cats must be on Advantage, Program or other anti-flea medication during their stay. All dog waste must be picked up from the yard.

What do we do with our garbage?

Empty all your garbage into the garbage cans outside, and put recyclables in a garbage bag or the Blue Box. All garbage created on Gabriola has to be taken off-island, so it is important that you reduce, reuse and recycle while on Gabriola.

Do we have to clean the cottage when we leave?

No. We expect the cottages to be left tidy with your food removed, dishes washed, furniture left in its original position, beer bottles and cans rinsed, and dog hair on furniture vacuumed; but we have cleaners who come in every week to thoroughly clean all our properties.