Sandwell Provincial Park — Attraction in Area B (DeCourcy/Gabriola/Mudge)

Gariola's best hidden treasure! This spectacular beach is essentially the only true beach on the island - with all others being comprised of smooth solid sandstone instead of sand. The short ~400 metre walk from the parking lot seems to deter many tourists, meaning those who make the easy trek are often rewarded with an empty paradise. Snorkeling offshore here is incredible and reveals healthy beds of eel grass - you even have a chance of coming face to face with foraging harbour seals. If you're visiting Gabriola Island, ensure Sandwell Provincial Park is on your list...

One of the best views on the island! Look all the way across the strait to the Mainland. Otters and seals often seen playing right off the shore, they watched us while we picked up shells. Best place on the island to find sea glass, especially after a storm, as the deep water here holds many treasures. Smooth sandy stretches interrupted by glacier rocks that are fun for kids to climb. One of our fave spots. Please treat the beach kindly as the environment is sensitive, with fish spawning beds...

This is a beautiful hidden beach! Loved our visit. There is a relatively short (can't remember exactly), but fairly tense hike to the beach. The parking lot is quite small, but you should be able to find a spot if you go there a bit earlier in the day. One point though: do not trust the google map for your direction as it might take you to a residential area by the beach that has no access to it. I'd suggest following the signs on the...