Arbutus Bluff Bed and Breakfast

We came to the aptly named Arbutus Bluff sight unseen and were pleasantly surprised by how attractive it was and the sweeping view of the islands that Gabriola is nestled among. The lodgings are relatively new and spotlessly kept. The rooms are very comfortable and equipped with skylights that bring in the morning sun. Outside you could watch the ravens floating all around. Breakfasts were wonderful, with lots of fresh fruit. (This was in August). Everything freshly made-wonderful muffins! Gabriola has several interesting points of interest and more access to beaches than you would find elsewhere. Several local restaurants and although some are open only on certain days, the Wood Fire Grill seemed to be open regularly, specializing in pizza and pasta. It was very good. Would we go there again? Definitely!! Richard, Kris and Soren

We spent one night renting both rooms and each were new, clean and have a top quality queen bed/linens. The bathrooms are exceptional with walk in showers and heated floors. Both the bedroom and bath have skylights that add to the feeling of spaciousness and view. The rooms are attached to the house via a passageway of windows that is actually a Pilates workout room and therefore the rooms have the feel of seclusion and not being part of the home. The view is spectacular from each room as well as from the very clean hot tub located outside. Liz is a cordial and interesting host as well as a good cook. We highly recommend Arbutus for a short stay and could definitely see where a longer stay would be very comfortable. B&B's don't get any better than this! Things to plan for, island restaruants close about 8pm and the ferry back to the mainland can back up so you may end up on the next ferry after the one you wanted - you just have to be flexible and adjust your attitude which is why you go to Gabriola!

The beds are amazing, with luxurious sheets and fluffy duvets... wake up looking at the sky turn over and see the breathtaking panoramic ocean view. pad accross the cozy heated bathroom floor and take your time in the double headed, over sized, natrual slate shower...brightened by the skylight in the vaulted ceinling......and thats just the first few moments of the day!. the hosts are cheerful, the food amazing (liz and bill were exceptionally accomidating to my special dietary restrictions) and humming birds plentiful (and all sorts of other birds and wildlife for that matter) the entire building is built around the view.... its natural landscaping keeps it feeling slightly rustic, while the fluffy beds and gourmet breaky go beyond all the comforts of home. The hottub perched at the cliffs edge is exquisite at night with an endless starry sky and the vast ocean at the horizon. we stayed a few starry nights and a few rainy ones.... the sound of the rain on the tin roof is so comforting. when my partner and i left it felt as if we were leaving from a happy visit with old friends and a private, luxurious stay at a five star hotel all at the same time. we'll be back!!

I have just spent 3 days at Arbutus Bluff. It's a beautiful place sitting on the crest of a hill that allows you to see the ocean from your bedroom windows and rolling landscape from the windows in the common room on the other side. Each nicely appointed room has its own ensuite bathroom, satellite tv and, if you really need to do a little work, wifi is available. There is a refrigerator, microwave and kettle in the common area with a table and chairs to sit and enjoy your coffee. Guests have a separate entrance and the hosts provide a delicious 3-course breakfast every morning. Not far away there is a full-service grocery store, and several small cafes and shops. If more than that is needed, it is a short ride on the ferry back to downtown Nanaimo where everything is available. I would recommend this place to anybody who needs a little time to rejuvenate, to get away from the city stresses and just enjoy fresh air and space to walk. Kate