Gambier Island Island

Address: Gambier Island, Howe Sound, British Columbia, Canada

Gambier Island is an island in Howe Sound, British Columbia, Canada, northwest of Vancouver. It is part of the coastal island network immediately north of Vancouver’s North Shore.

The island supports small residential communities and seasonal cabins, with forested hills, rocky shoreline and beaches; recreational boating, hiking and shoreline recreation are the primary visitor activities. There is no road connection to the mainland.

Gambier Island lies within the maritime landscape of Howe Sound and has long been used for coastal resources and later for logging and seasonal recreation. It is accessed exclusively by boat and has a small year-round population alongside more numerous summer residents.

The island is located in Howe Sound, across the water from the mainland and the Sunshine Coast, northwest of downtown Vancouver by sea.

• Access: The island has no road connection to the mainland; access is by private boat or water taxi only, and services are limited year-round.
• Seasonality: Seasonal visitor activity peaks in summer when cabins and recreational boating are busiest.

What to See#

• Gambier Harbour: A small harbour and landing point on the island’s sheltered eastern shore that serves as one of the principal arrival points for visitors and residents.

Ferry services to Gambier Island run from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) with scheduled passenger-only sailings; private boats and water taxis are also common. Plan ferry timetables ahead, especially on weekends.

• Take the short passenger ferry from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) or arrange a private dinghy-there's limited car access and visitors should plan ahead for parking and boat logistics.
• Explore McNab Park and pick a day with low wind for safer kayaking routes around the island.
• Check local schedules for community events-Gambier Island hosts artists and seasonal markets that are worth timing a visit for.