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. *As of April 2025 the last sailing on Saturdays from Gabriola to Nanaimo is at 11pm. Check current ferry schedule below to confirm.
Lodging & Travel Exchange 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 19, 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
*UPDATE* Unfortunately, the campsites at Descanso Bay are fully booked. Be sure to join our Facebook group to connect with locals who may offer camping in their yards or other accommodations. Alternatively, you could look into accommodations in the Nanaimo area, which would allow you to catch the last ferry when the festival ends.
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!
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.