High on Love takes place on Gabriola Island, just a scenic 20-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo, BC. Driving on is an option, and it’s easy and affordable to simply park in Nanaimo and walk onto the ferry. The festival grounds are just a 15-minute walk from the Gabriola ferry terminal. While island campgrounds are now full, locals are generously offering yard camping and billeting through our Community Exchange Facebook Group, and there are plenty of places to stay in Nanaimo.
Below are some suggestions to help you plan your pilgrimage.
GETTING TO THE FESTIVAL
ACCOMODATIONS + FERRY SCHEDULE
We recommend booking your accommodations early, as options can fill up quickly during the summer season. For your convenience, we've also provided the ferry schedule to help plan your journey to Gabriola Island.
Lodging & Travel Collaboration Private Facebook Group
We’ve created a private Facebook group for festival goers to connect around lodging and travel!
Use this space as another option to offer or find a place to stay on Saturday, July 18, or to coordinate rides to and from Gabriola.
💬 Please Note: This is a community-led space — we won’t be moderating or managing accommodations. Please use your own judgment and take conversations to private messages.
Descanso Bay Regional Park
Descanso Bay Regional Park on Gabriola Island is located a short distance from the ferry terminal and is an ideal location for discovering all Gabriola has to offer. This 40-acre oceanfront park has a family-friendly campground that offers private, un-serviced, wooded sites and is easily accessible by vehicle, foot, bike, or kayak.
*Important booking info: Descanso Bay campground bookings open 120 days in advance, which means bookings for the festival weekend (July 18, 2026) will be available starting March 18th or 19th. Mark your calendars and keep checking back to book your campsite on those days - they go fast!
Page’s Resort & Marina Campground
Nestled among forests and gardens, this campground offers secluded tenting sites and RV spots with electrical hookups. Amenities include washrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and picnic areas. In addition to camping, Page's Resort offers fully equipped seaside cottages for those seeking more comfort.
Airbnb
Gabriola Island has a variety of Airbnb options, ranging from private campsites to cozy cabins to private suites, with prices starting around $24 - $51 CAD per night.
Nanaimo Options
Nanaimo offers a range of affordable accommodations just a short ferry ride from Gabriola. From motels and boutique hotels to charming guesthouses, there’s something for every budget. Staying in Nanaimo is a great option for those joining us for the day—easy, accessible, and just 20 minutes across the water!
HIPCAMP
Check out HipCamp to discover camping options on Gabriola Island and nearby areas. HipCamp connects travelers with private landowners offering tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping experiences - often in beautiful, off-the-beaten-path locations.
It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the island while staying close to the festival. We recommend booking early, as summer accommodations on Gabriola fill up quickly!
FAQ's
IS THIS A KID FRIENDLY FESTIVAL? Yes! Anyone under 18 may attend for free when accompanied by an adult who has purchased a ticket. Our festival is family-friendly.
CAN I WALK FROM THE FERRY TO THE FESTIVAL VENUE? The walk from the ferry terminal to the festival grounds (The Commons) takes approximately 15 minutes and is accessible for most individuals of various fitness levels and ages.
ACCOMODATIONS? Our festival is just for the day, but we have accommodation suggestions on our Info page if you were thinking of staying over night! Update: We have created a private FB group for festival goers to connect around lodging and travel! Please find the link above in the Accommodations section. Use this space to offer or find a place to stay on Saturday, July 19, or to coordinate rides to and from Gabriola. 💬 Note: This is a community-led space — we won’t be moderating or managing accommodations.
WILL THERE BE FOOD AT THE FESTIVAL? Yes! We will have a food truck on site (Moonchild Vegan Eatery) along with cafes and a grocery store nearby.
Is this Festival Substance Free? This festival as well as The Commons (festival location) are drug, alcohol and smoke-free.
Can I Bring My Pet? No, this is a people-only festival. For the safety and comfort of all attendees, please leave your pets at home or with a trusted pet-sitter for the day. Service animals, are the only exception to this policy.
What Time is the Festival? The festival begins at 10am and goes until 10pm. We just released Evening passes if you are only coming for the end. The evening pass is from 5pm-930pm
Is there First Aid on site? Yes, we will have a designated first aid area.
Note this is not our complete FAQ section. Additional questions and answers will be added soon. Check back regularly for updates.