- Gambier Island
"Note: For the Gambier Islands in Polynesia see
Gambier Islands ".Gambier Island is an island located in
Howe Sound nearVancouver ,British Columbia . It is about 17,000 acres (69 km²) in size and is located about 10 km north of theHorseshoe Bay community and ferry terminal.A rugged and sparsely populated island, it is far quieter than its neighbour
Bowen Island , which is popular with day-trippers and summer vacationers. Gambier Island is accessible bywater taxi or by boat. A central gravel road allows travel by car, ATV and Go-Kart between the small communities of the island.The island elects two trustees to the
Islands Trust , an organization that unites small island communities inBritish Columbia to oversee development and land use.Population
There are about 200 long-term residents on Gambier, but the population swells to about 600 in the summertime due to the summer holiday homes found on the island. The island's scenic setting and solitude makes it popular with artists and writers.
Facilities
Gambier Island has a general store and one
Bed and Breakfast . The main wharf and settlement area is called New Brighton. Gambier Harbour, another small community, lies to the east, with another wharf and boat dock. There are no garbage processing facilities on the island. Barging companies provide service from Gibsons and Horseshoe bay for transport of large items. Fire service is run by volunteers.The [http://gambierisland.org/Centre.htm community center] hosts concerts, children's Christmas parties, barbecues, and the like. It is available for rentals.
Camps
[http://campartaban.com Camp Artaban] is an Anglican camp, serving children, youth and adults. Sailing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, volleyball, crafts, camp fires, music and games are offered. Worship is held in an outdoor chapel, and all programs include components for spiritual growth. Camps are offered on a weekly basis during the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Programs include girls camp, junior and senior coed camp, family camp, single parents camp, and a fine arts camp. During the spring and fall seasons, the facility is available for use by outside groups.
[http://www.campfircom.bc.ca Camp Fircom] , a United Church summer camp for children, youth and families, is located on the island's south-eastern edge near Halkett Bay. During the summers, they offer camping experiences and programs, a tradition that began in 1923. During the fall to spring months they offer their remote site for rental by user groups of all shapes and sizes.
Links
* [http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/ltc/gm/default.cfm Gambier Island Local Trust]
* [http://www.campfircom.bc.ca Camp Fircom Society]
* [http://campartaban.com Camp Artaban]
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