Petroglyph Island

Gabriola is sometimes referred to as "Petroglyph Island", perhaps because of the book of the same title by Mary and Ted Bently, but certainly because of the large number of ancient petroglyphs carved into the exposed sandstone in various locations around the island.

The best place to view the petroglyphs is at the Gabriola Museum at 505 South Road, where concrete casts have been made of the most prominent petroglyphs on the island; this way visitors can see and enjoy the First Nations rock art without damaging the fragile originals.

Most of the original petroglyph sites are located on private land, but one of the best sites, near the United Church, is still accessible to the public.  If you do visit this site, take care not to disturb or damage the petroglyphs; even walking on them will eventually destroy them.

Church Site Petroglyph, Gabriola Island

Church Site Petroglyph, Gabriola Island