Will the romance of taking the ferry ever fade? Will island life ever grow old? These were the questions swirling in my mind as I returned from a day trip to Nanaimo with my sister. A fellow passenger, J., assured me with a knowing smile, “Never. I still feel the thrill after all these years.”

J., a long-time resident of Gabriola, perfectly embodies the warm and welcoming spirit of this island. Like C.C. and me, she moved west from Calgary, seeking a different pace of life. After island hopping amongst several Gulf Islands, she finally settled on Gabriola. “They are all beautiful,” she said, “but Gabe holds a certain charm.”

It’s a charm I’m quickly discovering myself. From the friendly conversations on the ferry to the shared knowledge about everything dog related including the 411 on Friday morning community dog walks on the beach and Friday night darts at the Golf Club. There’s a strong sense of community here, a feeling of community woven through every interaction. Even the intricacies of garbage day – a topic of surprising importance on the island – reveal a unique connection to place and a respect for the environment.

Like so many people I’ve met here, J.’s story, with its reflections on aging, resilience, and connection to nature, adds another layer to the island’s allure. Her invitation to join her on a walk with her horses speaks volumes about the openness and generosity I’ve encountered in everyone I meet.

It has been just over two weeks since C.C. and I rolled off the ferry to take up residence on the island. In those few short days, Gabriola has begun to weave its magic. The initial romance hasn’t faded; it’s deepened into a sense of belonging and a growing appreciation for the island way of life. And, like J, I am holding on to the romance of taking the ferry as my heart settles into finding myself at home here at the edge of the sea.