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| Gabriola Island Ferry Terminal |
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| MV Quinsam on its 20-minute trip from Nanaimo to Gabriola |
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| Nice sandy beach overlooking Lock Bay |
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| A B.C. Ferry on the Salish Sea |
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| Smiling Gull |
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| Entrance Island lighthouse |
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| B.C. Ferry Vancouver-bound |
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| Lock Bay |
Sandwell Provincial Park is located on Gabriola Island, a 20-minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo. The park is located on Strand Road, approximately 10 kms. from the ferry terminal. Take North Road and turn left on Barrett Road following park directional signs. It is 12 hectares. Sandwell Park was established in 1988 to protect archeological sites, including a petroglyph and shell middens and their settings. The sandy beach ecosystem include threatened communities such as those found in the back dune. An 800 meter walking trail leads from the parking lot to the day use picnic area on the beach at Lock Bay. The final portion of the trail to the beach is very steep and slippery. Visitors should use caution and wear proper footwear. There is no designated swimming area at this park however the sandy beach at Lock Bay is a very nice spot for ocean swimming. There are no lifeguards on duty at the park. The beach offers a lovely view of the Salish Sea, formerly known as Straight of Georgia.A picnic area overlooking the sandy beach of Lock Bay is located approximately 800 meters from the parking lot. Facilities include 2 picnic tables, pit toilets and an information booth. There are numerous logs and driftwoods along the sandy beach to sit on and watch the astounding oceanview. Sandwell Provincial Park , with its long sandy beach and views of the Salish Sea, is a favorite destination for residents and visitors to Gabriola Island. One of the 3 provincial parks on Gabriola Island, Sandwell offers a short walking trail through the woods leading to a picnic area overlooking the shores of Lock Bay. This is a lovely place to spend a peaceful afternoon relaxing on the beach or taking a refreshing dip on the ocean waters. At low tide, visitors can walk down the beach to view a prehistoric petroglyph carved in the sandstone rocks, east of the day-use area. This site is accessible only at low tide.
I would like to thank the City of Nanaimo, Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce and the British Columbia Parks Services for their help in making this article possible.
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