South Island. 
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 is available for this park.
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.
About this park
Sandwell Park was established in 1988 to protect the archeological sites, including a petroglyph and shell middens, and their setting.
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.
Contact
| Park operator | This park is operated by RLC Park Services. |
|---|---|
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
