Gertie: Gabriola's Community Bus

05/31/2026

Updated schedule with 1 hour of new service
New schedule coming June 8

Gertie is excited to announce an updated schedule starting June 8 and we're happy to say we've added an hour of additional afternoon service starting at 3:25. We have also made some changes that will improve flow, enhance on time performance, better integrate with the ferry and overall streamline the schedule. We know how important the ferry is to island life and we know how erratic the ferry can be, especially during the busy summer months, we are hoping these changes will make on island travel more punctual while allowing for those late ferries.

This is also great news for visitors who want to get out to the parks and other scenic attractions without a car. Gertie is happy to do the driving.

Highlights:

🚐 Added an hour of service in the afternoon starting from the village with a trip to Silva Bay at 3:25pm

🚐 Gertie will wait for the 5:20pm departure from Nanaimo. This is the last ferry of the day that connects with the bus.

🚐 Service to the Whalebone neighbourhood will now turnaround at Moby Dick’s Way and Whalebone Dr (the water tower).

🚐Service along Thompson-Blueback-Price is discontinued. Head to South Rd @ Price to catch the bus.

🚐 In the morning Gertie no longer waits for the 8:00am arrival of the 7:35 ferry from Nanaimo and more room has been added to ensure we make the 8:45 departure.

🚐 New and updated schedule effective June 8, 2026

05/30/2026

Join us on the 14th of June for a fun outing to Ravenskill Orchards! Have you seen their new patio set up? It's beautiful and their selection of beverages are delicious. It's the perfect place for seniors, families, individuals and even dogs.

These events will test out some new pilot stops on Gabriola so be sure to show your support for our community bus. Set pick up spots are The Folklife Village, Garden Homes & the Ferry (The other two spots will be determined by rsvp's).

$25 includes 1 beverage, seniors get $5 off.

RSVP: [email protected] or 250-634-0199.
Date: June 14 2026, Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm

05/16/2026

Today's the day! MAY'd on Gabriola has studios open all across the island for you to fill your cup with inspiration

GERTIE's regular Saturday service provides an excellent opportunity to hop on and off to several neighborhoods hosting studio stops. Day passes are $5 and available at Nesters, the Co-op and cash on the bus. View the poster for some times to hop on the bus at the Folklife Village (Bus stop is on Lockinvar next to the driveway into the parking lot).

GERTIE will also have a chartered route, visiting several open studios, markets and shows. This route will have several pickup points between the Folklife Villae and Silva Bay, while waiting at each stop for passengers to visit the sights and hop back on the same bus. SENIORS (65+) ride free, thanks to United Way British Columbia and their Aging in Motion program. Under 65 reservations are $15. RSVP (details below).

If you need help planning your trip TODAY, reach out to [email protected]

Who else is excited for an inspiring Artsy weekend here on Gabriola?

05/14/2026

Have you booked your ticket yet for this Sunday's MAY'd on Gabriola & GERTIE charter? We have a few seats left and what an awesome way to travel around with no worries -
Bring your friend and take a green ride from the Folklife Village to Silva Bay with several stops on the way.

Reservations are REQUIRED. $15
SENIORS (65+) ride for FREE

Book now:
Call Laura at (236) 985-3500 or
email [email protected] or
Reserve online https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxYXxJaLBRwFKTgexL7xtwLOZ8JfPksK5G6A36I1vXqLomAQ/viewform

05/13/2026

Somewhere between the North end and the South end of Gabriola, there are fabulous studios you just don't want to miss. So we made a showcase just to feature them - from whalebone to Hess Road. https://youtu.be/z3pZxeHD64A

Teagarden Satchels
Cindy-sue Rabinovitch
The Happy Hippy Soap Company
Pigasus Art Studio - Sandra Civitarese
Gypsea & co
Paintings by Dave Aris
Red Urchin Studio Margot Fedoruk
Whalebone studio
Delphin Designs
Caroline James

The MAY'd on Gabriola tales place across the island this weekend. As a self-guided tour, there is so much to see - this video hopefully is helping for your planning.

Don't forget to stop in and visit some of our sponsors along the way too. Nova Gallery + Shop Gabriola Golf Club Island Meat and Deli Ground Up Café & Catering and take the Gertie: Gabriola's Community Bus as a great way to get between neighborhoods and from one end of the island to another.

Are you going to visit studios in the centre of Gabriola Island? We've made a handy video for you.MAY'd on Gabriola tales place across the island this weeken...

05/10/2026

MAY'd on Gabriola - Open Studios, Markets, Performances and more. is just ONE WEEK away and we've partnered up to provide a special charter service on Sunday May 17 - we need YOU to sign up to make this happen.

How it works:
1) Sign up for the charter: Phone Laura at 236-985-3500 or through the link below
2) Hop on at one of the planned stops along the 3hr bus tour
3) Visit studios while the bus waits for you! We will have a volunteer on board to check that everyone gets back on the bus and rides to the next location together
4) Hop off and bring yourself home

This trip is FREE for Seniors (65+) thanks to the United Way aging in motion program.
Cost for 18-64 year olds is $15.

Let's support our artists & GERTIE's electric buses. Please share this with seniors in your life as they may not see this online. More details and the regular Saturday service is listed in this weeks Gabriola Sounder.

RESERVE your spot: https://www.maydgabriola.ca/gertie

05/08/2026

Have you booked your spot for MAY'd special chartered route on Sunday? Spots are filling up and it’s going to be the *best* way to travel around the island. Sit back, chat with friends, enjoy the view and go support our local artists(ans)!

GERTIE’s regular route will run on Saturday and passes by several studios. Get in touch with [email protected] if you need help planning your route.

05/05/2026

Reserve a spot on the MAY'd on Gabriola - Open Studios, Markets, Performances and more. chartered route: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxYXxJaLBRwFKTgexL7xtwLOZ8JfPksK5G6A36I1vXqLomAQ/viewform

This chartered route will make several stops and wait for you to hop off to visit some studios, then hop back on! It's a wonderful opportunity to set aside some time for yourself without feeling rushed and needing to drive. Why not look out the windows & meet other riders?

We hope you enjoy this fabulous opportunity to go out and see some art, listen to live music, and support the creative folks who make Gabriola so special.

Questions?
Contact Laura at (236) 985-3500 or email [email protected] or [email protected]

$15 and seniors (65+ ride FREE) - reservations required