Gambier Island

Gambier Island is an island located in Howe Sound near Vancouver, British Columbia. It is about 17,049acres in size and is located about 10km north of the Horseshoe Bay community and ferry terminal in westernmost West Vancouver.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 only by B.C. Ferries passenger service, water taxi or other boats. There is no central road network.The island elects two trustees to the Islands Trust, an organization that unites small island communities in British Columbia to oversee development and land use. Other islands in Howe Sound include Keats Island and Anvil Island.PopulationThere are around 125 long-term residents on Gambier, but the population swells to more than 600 in the summertime due to the island's summer holiday homes. The island's scenic setting and solitude make it popular with artists and writers.CommunitiesThe main wharf and settlement area is called New Brighton, on the west side of the island. Gambier Harbour, West Bay, lies to the east, with another wharf and boat dock. At the north end of the island is Elkins Point.