Gabriola Waterfall

This autumn has been one of the rainiest in recent memory on the west coast, and the Gabriola landscape has reached the saturation point.  As the rain comes faster than the ground can absorb it, small streams are appearing everywhere, and the waterfall in Joyce Lockwood Community Park is doing its part to return the excess water to the ocean.

Climbing down to this vantage point is definitely NOT recommended due to the steep slope and slippery rocks - which my damaged camera lens can attest to.

Gabriola Island Waterfall

However, I am planning to return to this location to photograph it again when the light is better (and the rocks a little drier...)

Gabriola Island Waterfall

Drumbeg Provincial Park, Gabriola Island

This fall has been a particularly rainy one on the west coast, and between the weather and the seemingly endless list of repairs and renovations to our new house, we haven't had much time to explore our new island home.  

We did luck out last Monday, with a very sunny sky for most of the day, so we headed down to the south end of the island in late afternoon to check out Drumbeg Provincial Park.  It did not disappoint - here are a few of our photos from that outing.

Gabriola Sandstone, Drumbeg Provincial Park

Arbutus and Garry Oak

Arbutus Tree, Drumbeg Provincial Park

Elder Cedar Nature Reserve

We've spent the last couple of days (between rain storms) exploring the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve on Gabriola Island.  This beautiful reserve protects the last remaining fragment of old growth forest on Gabriola.

Elder Cedar Nature Reserve, Gabriola Island

The Elder Cedar (S'ul-hween X'pey) Nature Reserve protects 65 hectares of mature temperate forest.  Several streams flow through the reserve, and the habitat is home to a wide array of plant and animal species.

Elder Cedar Nature Reserve

A 1.4 kilometer loop trail leads visitors through the reserve. 

Stepping Stones

Rainforest Bridge

Rainforest Stream, Elder Cedar Nature Reserve

You can find more information about the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve by visiting the Islands Trust Protected Places web site.

You can see more images of the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve and Gabriola Island by visiting our web site:  Images West - Gabriola Island Gallery