M.V. Quinsam leaving Nanaimo Harbour
First Nations inhabitants paddled canoes from villages in the Nanaimo Harbour area to settlements along the south-east shores of Gabriola. The first European settlers also used canoes, as well as rowboats and sailing scows to ferry their farm produce across the 5.6 kms of salt water to markets in Nanaimo. In the 1890s, Thomas Degnen became the first of several pioneer settlers to carry produce and passengers between Nanaimo and Gabriola. By 1931 the Atrevida became the first vehicle ferry sailing the Gabriola/Nanaimo route.
Ever-larger ships were acquired over the decades. Gabriola's current ferry, the MV Quinsam, came into service in 1982. She is 86.85 meters long, displaces 1,458 Gross Tons and can carry 70 vehicles and 400 foot passengers. Three years after beginning her ferry service, BC Ferries assumed control of the Gabriola route, taking over from the Province's Department of Transportation.
More extensive information on the history of ferry service, including photos of the many ferries that served Gabriola, is available in the Museum collection. Below are some samples.
 Atrevida |
 with a full load |
 Captain "Bill" |
 Eena leaving Descanso Bay |