MenuBack

Gabriola Island, British Columbia travel tips! Malaspina Galleries beach, Gulf Island Seaplanes, Surf Lodge hotel.

vancouver bc seaplane airport downtown harbour seaplanes

Girls getaway time! Bindi and I wanted a relaxing overnight vacation, so we flew on Gulf Island Seaplanes to Gabriola Island, British Columbia.

gabriola island bc beach beaches caves

Gabriola is a quiet isle in BC’s Strait of Georgia with stunning natural features, like this sandstone beach at Malaspina Galleries. Read on for our travel guide to Gabriola Island — including where we stayed and ate, and our cute encounter with farm animals!

downtown vancouver seaplane terminal harbour air planes dock

From Vancouver, the fastest and most fabulous way to reach Gabriola Island is by floatplane (the ride is only 25 minutes long). We were excited to take our first seaplane ride ever with Gulf Island Seaplanes, which has routes from downtown Vancouver’s waterfront harbour to Gabriola and Hornby Island.

gulf island seaplanes float planes

Gulf Island Seaplanes is an indigenous-owned company, and the staff feels like a family. They walked us through the safety features, and made sure we were all good throughout the flight.

vancouver scenic seaplane flight sea plane charter bc

The floatplane only holds 5 people and the pilot — it felt as if were boarding a private jet! Since the flight is local, we only had to arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in at Vancouver’s downtown harbour terminal (no customs or bag scanning required).

My OOTD: DMY by DMY Billy sunglasses, Realisation Par dress, Steve Madden Slinky shoes, Maison de Fleur bag.

british columbia seaplane tickets prices reservations

The sea plane takes off from the water… and there we were, up in the air and grinning at these ridiculous views.

gulf island seaplanes indigenous company planes

“Like an Eagle, in the city.” These are the lyrics of the disco song I used as the background music to my Instagram reel about our seaplane experience — watch the video here!

seaplanes british columbia islands review companies

Our seaplane flew west over the Salish Sea (between the mainland and the Pacific Ocean). Still not over these window views of BC’s tiny islands, blue mountains and waves.

flying on sea plane tickets bookings bc

All of the passengers wore earplugs or earphones (provided) to minimize the noise.

gulf island seaplanes gabriola island bc

A gentle landing on the water — in less than 30 minutes, we had arrived at Gabriola Island! We can’t thank Gulf Island Seaplanes enough for the smooth floatplane journey. The company also offers private charters throughout coastal BC, as well as short scenic tours from downtown Vancouver.

gabriola island dock silva bay bc boats

The seaplane landed at Silva Bay dock. We then called Gabriola Island Taxi for a pickup (there’s only one service with several drivers, so plan ahead and be prepared to wait for taxi rides!)

ground up cafe gabriola island restaurant

Ravenous as usual, we asked to be dropped off at Ground Up Cafe and Catering. I saw that this was one of the highest-rated restaurants on Gabriola Island — and we loved it so much that we came twice.

gabriola island restaurant review ground up cafe

Ground Up has a laid-back, community vibe with a tree-shaded patio. Locals and their dogs love to stop by for fresh and healthy meals, such as a burrito bowl and peanut noodles with lots of vegetables.

gabriola island bakery best food cafes

The home-baked goodies at the counter are a must. We devoured the apple cinnamon muffin, and ginger cookies.

coffee shops gabriola island cafe drinks

But first, coffee! Perfectly brewed, with oat milk, by the friendly staff.

lunch food gabriola island ground up cafe menu

Ground Up Cafe serves breakfast and lunch — we’re still thinking of this turkey avocado egg hash bowl, and gluten free pancakes with hand-whipped cream. Be sure to visit Ground Up for a delicious meal on the deck — and you can see more of our meals in our Gabriola Island travel tips video!

surf lodge hotel gabriola island review rooms

Time to check in at The Surf Lodge, a waterfront hotel dating back to the 1920s. While the interiors have been revamped, the hotel retains a quaint wood cabin vibe.

the surf lodge gabriola island bc restaurant pub

The Surf Lodge is also a popular spot to enjoy dinner with a view, either from the large patio or in the Sunset Lounge.

surf pub gabriola island menu bar drinks food

We started at The Surf Pub, a chill bar with a homey menu and weekly specials. Quite a few locals were gathered on the balcony overlooking the water.

surf lodge hotel british columbia patio interiors

Our room had two comfortable queen beds, and a large private balcony. The Surf Lodge was the perfect spot for our overnight stay on Gabriola Island. (Try to reserve well in advance, especially during the busy summer season).

malaspina caves beach gabriola bc

A must-see on the island: Malaspina Galleries, a beach with remarkable geologic formations.

british columbia gulf islands beaches travel instagrammable

BC’s Gulf Coast is known for its rocky sandstone beaches, which bring the drama.

bc instagram locations beaches influencers vancouver canada

I think you can see why Malaspina Galleries is the most photogenic / Instagrammable location on Gabriola Island.

malaspina caves galleries beach cave gabriola island

The Malaspina Caves are a wave-like rock formation, which looks like a rip curl hugging the ocean. This natural sandstone curve formed over centuries through erosion by the wind and waves.

malaspina galleries caves gabriola photography spots locations

Aren’t the Malaspina Galleries magnificent? This is where we shot the promo video for my game show appearance.

gabriola island rocks beaches landscape scenery

Then, we wandered the shores and said hello to the tiny crabs and barnacles in the shallows.

gabriola island camping hikes nature tourism

Love the dark energy of the Pacific Northwest: one of the best places to visit in the summertime, especially in this era of The Collapse (it’s now way too hot to be in Japan and Europe in the summer months).

gabriola island travel tips guides beaches malaspina

Goth on the beach, always. My top is part of a surf swim bikini from Towers Swimwear, and the skirt is vintage.

gabriola island sunset at beach

Later, we caught the sunset at the rocky beach in front of The Surf Lodge hotel.

canada geese at beach sunset birds bc

This duck (or geese?) family joined us to watch the glowing skyfall.

surf lodge gabriola island sunset beach

Magic hour. Gabriola Island is small, and it isn’t a tourist destination (unlike say Tofino) — so its natural attractions are easily accessible and uncluttered with people.

sunset procession floating ducks geese

Travelers come here to hike, camp, get out in nature, or simply relax like we did.

british columbia fashion influencers content creators

Gabriola also turned out to be a fab place for fashion photography.

bc tourism gulf islands gabriola traveling

Here’s a shot simply taken on my iPhone. Love the cinematic feel.

gabriola island art stores local crafts artisans shops

There’s more to do on a getaway — like shop for jewelry and crafts by local artisans, at Free Sprit and other shops.

petting feeding goats gabriola island

And head to Paradise Alpaca Farm to pet and feed animals, including goats!

paradise alpaca farm gabriola bc farms

These wooly alpacas are smaller and gentler than…

llama alpaca petting zoo gabriola island

… llamas, which are larger and more “aggro,” and might even spit! Their faces are also more elongated with banana-shaped ears, which differentiates them from alpacas.

feed miniature horses british columbia vancouver

Bindi gave some love to the miniature horses (they’re bred to look like smaller horses, as opposed to ponies that are stockier with shorter legs).

feeding goats farm bc gabriola paradise farms

Hail, Paradise Farm on Gabriola Island! Like everyone we met here, the owners are warm and welcoming.

alpacas llamas farm zoon vancouver island

Stop by their gift shop to pick up items made from llama and alpaca wool, and to make a donation.

seaplane harbor downtown vancouver float plane terminal

So glad we took our first seaplane ride ever to Gabriola Island! Gulf Island Seaplanes lets you fly here in style in half a hour, from downtown Vancouver. Please take a minute to watch our  seaplane ride video for footage of the flight!

harbour air flights seaplane charters vancouver waterfront bc

And enjoy our Gabriola Island travel guide video, which includes Surf Lodge, Ground Up cafe, and the alpaca farm. Of course, it’s set to a Fun Fun disco song.

Have you ever gone on a girls getaway? If so, where?

SHARE & COMMENT

Puerto Vallarta quirky, offbeat travel guide! Day of the Dead skeletons, LGBTQ Zona Romantica, Mezcal & Sal restaurant.

asian goth bikini model swimsuit chinese japanese girl

Ready for round two of my Puerto Vallarta travels? Read on for my offbeat, alternative guide to Zona Romantica — the LGBTQ district and best place to stay — including molecular mezcal cocktails, Day of the Dead skeletons, and a xenomorph alien!

puerto vallarta zona romantica beach sunset waves

I recommend staying in Zona Romantica as it’s within walking distance of the beach and hippest restaurants, as well as LGBTQ clubs and bars. My daily protocols were a dream: get ice coffee, walk the Malecon (boardwalk) and dip my feet in the foam, eat 20 peso tacos, and watch the sunset. (You can see my fav Puerto Vallarta attractions at a glance in my @LaCarmina Instagram Guide.)

 long purple blue curled wavy hair color hairstyle gothic

I took some photos to showcase my updated hair color — it has blue streaks in it now, along with dark purple and my natural black underneath. My stylist is Katya at Kore Salon in Vancouver.

 sporty goth swimsuit gothic swimwear bikinis

Living the jungle life in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Wearing a halter bikini top by UK Swimwear — they have lots of chic swim styles, and I like how I can wear this as a crop top as well. My comfy animal print pants are from Medellin, Colombia.

 90s goth makeup hair styling 1990s gothic girl style

I’m forever living in the 90s — that era is my makeup inspiration these days.

fashion blogger puerto vallarta instagrammer beach resort style outfits

Digging the foreground blur. These images were shot on my Sony a7 IV mirrorless camera.

 puerto vallarta best sunset beach olas altas

I also take images on the iPhone, as it brings out landscape and sky details nicely. I made it a habit to catch the sunset over the ocean every day.

punk bikini alternative goth swimsuits bikinis bra

Here’s another beachwear look. My red bikini and long resort dress are by UK Swimwear.

I took these photos at the only uncrowded spot on Los Muertos beach, under the palapas. If you’re looking for a quiet, deserted beach experience, go to Playa Conchas Chinas instead (all info and pics in my first PV post).

 steve madden slinky flip flop sandals 90s shoes

Speaking of living in the 1990s… I got these reissued Steve Madden Slinky sandals (I had the same ones in the late 90s!) The slight platform and “fwap fwap” noise bring me back. Get a pair below, in various colors:

zoma romantica lgbtq district gay clubs puerto vallarta

Zona Romantica is Puerto Vallarta’s rainbow district, as you can see from the pride flags and Tom of Finland murals. The streets are filled with LGBTQ clubs, bars, and shops with friendly vibes.

puerto vallarta drag queens gay nightlife clubs parties

Always a fabulous time traveling with Trevor. (We met this local who was obsessed with my hair’s realness!)

 zona romantica  drag shows queens club

Long live the Queen in Puerto Vallarta (or the Queen Mother)…

 puerto vallarta zona romantica mexican airbnb apartment

I recommend getting a local Airbnb or booking a boutique hotel in the Romantic Zone, rather than staying in the distant resorts. Mine had a cute patio area. I’m wearing an Abysm Internal kimono that matches my hair and the turquoise door.

devil demon kimono satanic robe bathrobe japanese coverup

Abysm Internal has a wide selection of original, dark and fantastical designs — I was drawn to this Japanese horned hannya with a pentagram on its forehead. I chose it in the sheer fabric, and purple/blue color variation.

 day of the dead skeleton art statues figurines puerto vallarta

Leave it to us to find the most Gothic parts of Puerto Vallarta. We saw Day of the Dead skeleton figurines in a store near the Malecon.

day of the dead skeleton couple art mexico balcony

This Mexican skeleton couple was looking out at the ocean from a patio by the boardwalk.

Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas skeleton day of the dead chairs puerto vallarta goths

At Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas in Zona Romantica, there are a variety of colorful seats… including this Dia de los Muerto themed one. We had to take a photo here at Golden Hour.

Find my Steeeveee Maddennnn shoeesss below (if you’ve seen Wolf of Wall Street, you’ll know what I mean).

gothic mexico puerto vallarta zona romantica heavy metal

Puerto Vallarta has quite the party scene, and would be a thrilling spot for Day of the Dead. (You can see how I celebrated Dia de los Muertos and Halloween in Mexico City and Merida, in my past Mexico posts here.)

 day of the dead chair halloween goth puerto vallarta

Although there weren’t any Goth clubs or events in Puerto Vallarta when we were there, I loved visiting El Colibri bar, which serves mezcal craft cocktails and has an alt / Gothic atmosphere.

satanic fashion clothing hannya japan folk demon kimonos

As The Collapse accelerates… Abysm Internal’s Gothic / devilish kimonos are a stylish way to keep cool and covered from the sun.

 beach sunset ocean puerto vallarta malecon

Mexico’s west coast has a dry heat and no mosquitoes (unlike in Riviera Maya / Tulum). It’s easy and inexpensive to get here from the North American west coast, making it a perfect winter getaway.

puerto vallarta offbeat alternative weird punk

Golden Hour at the beach by Zona Romantica. Take off your shoes, and have a “Gaywatch” moment.

looking out at sunset puerto vallarta mexico vacation

My Japanese demon kimono is the perfect Goth summer beach coverup.

puerto vallarta travel bloggers influencers creators tiktok

Been making it a habit to walk 10k steps a day and spend more time outdoors.

 goth gold jewelry snake ring bangle bracelets stack

Here is a video of my jewelry at sunset. Wearing a gold and diamond ouroboros ring by Ingrid Valou (stacked with my mom’s ruby/diamonds/gold1970s ring). The topaz and gold paper clip bracelet is from Anzie Jewelry (stacked with my mom’s 70s gold chain bracelet, and a Colombian emerald and blue diamond gold bangle I got in Medellin.)

 mezcal y sal restaurant puerto vallarta creative cocktails flowers molecular

We were all about the witchy molecular cocktails at Mezcal & Sal, in Zona. The drinks came with magical presentations like bubbles, slides, and drops.

puerto vallarta most creative restaurant hip menu mezcal and sal

Mezcal y Sal also puts a creative take on Mexican dishes — such as watermelon tiradito (that tastes like marinated tuna), and cactus mousse for dessert.

agave liquors craft artisan mezcal bottles puerto vallarta store

I’m on a mezcal kick, as it’s a pure alcohol. Visit Agave Liquors in Zona Romantica for a wide selection of artisanal mezcals. and also check out Vinos America (I got the Alipus San Andres there for 999 pesos). Stay out of the tourist stores, and make sure you purchase mezcal that is over 40% alcohol with no additives. I recommend getting a small-batch handcrafted Mexican mezcal for around 1000-1500 pesos.

strange funny art sculptures malecon puerto vallarta

Ran into a Dorito-faced cult leader on the Malecon. While Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination, it doesn’t feel overly commercial or Americanized, especially if you avoid spring break and peak times.

 puerto vallarta seawall sculptures artwork

As you walk the seawall, you’ll come across weird sculptures, performance artists, and other inspiration.

 alien street performer scary halloween puerto vallarta

We dared to approach this Alien xenomorph… What a costume! I passed by an Edward Scissorhands as well.

puerto vallarta beaches views scenery

Loved being close to the water and birds in Mexico.

girl silhouette beach at night malecon mexico

The skies turn dramatic after sunset. (See my first Puerto Vallarta post for more recommendations.)

miffy mural puerto vallarta cute kawaii mexico

Leave it to me to find Miffy wherever I go… next to a UFO!

travel fashion influencers mexico styling travel outfits makeup hair

The Tarzan life in Puerto Vallarta suited me well, and I’d jump at the chance to go back (especially in the coldest months)!

For more of my food / beach / attraction tips, see my Instagram Guide to Puerto Vallarta here. And if you’d like anything from my personal wardrobe, take a look at my Depop @LaCarmina (I ship worldwide, and can do bundle discounts).

Finally, a reminder that I’ve been ramping up my social media content… Add @LaCarmina on Instagram and other social networks (YouTube, X as it’s now called) to see the latest updates, and learn where in the world I’ll be next!