Sandwell Park | BC Parks

Highlights in this park

Sandwell Park, views of the Strait of Georgia, is a favourite destination for residents and visitors to Gabriola Island. One of three provincial parks on Gabriola Island, Sandwell offers a short walking trail through the woods leading to a picnic area overlooking the sandy shores of Lock Bay. This is a lovely place to spend a peaceful afternoon relaxing on the beach or taking a refreshing dip in the ocean waters.

At low tide, visitors can walk down the beach to view a prehistoric petroglyph carved into the sandstone rocks, east of the day-use area. This site is only accessible at low tide.

Know before you go

Advisories

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Getting there

Sandwell Park is located on Gabriola Island, a 20 minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo on south Vancouver Island. The park is located on Strand Road, approximately 10 km from the ferry terminal. Take North Road and turn left on Barrett Road, following park directional signs. Nearby communities include Gabriola Island and Nanaimo.

Things to do

Hiking

An 800 meter walking trail leads from the parking lot to the day-use and picnic area on the beach at Lock Bay. The final portion of the trail to the beach is very steep and slippery. Visitors should use caution and wear proper footwear.

Swimming

There is no designated swimming area at this park however the sandy beach at Lock Bay is a nice spot for ocean swimming.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Fishing

All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.

The park does not have a boat launch. The nearest boat launch is located at Silva Bay on Gabriola, approximately 5 km from the park.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Wildlife viewing

The beach offers lovely views of the Strait of Georgia. A prehistoric petroglyph is located east along the beach from the picnic area and is accessible during low tide.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Pets and domestic animals are not allowed in beach areas.

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Sandwell Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.

Facilities

Accessibility information

Accessibility information is available for this park.

Picnic areas

A picnic area overlooking the sandy beach at Lock Bay is located approximately 800 metres from the parking lot. Facilities include two picnic tables, pit toilets and an information shelter.

Pit or flush toilets

This park has two pit toilets, located at the day-use and picnic area next to the beach at Lock Bay.

About this park

History

Sandwell Park was established in 1988 to protect the archeological sites, including a petroglyph and shell middens, and their setting.

Conservation

The sandy beach ecosystem includes threatened communities such as those found in the back dunes.

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.

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