Alison
8/10
Canada 🇨🇦
Cozy place in a beautiful spot that families of 5 will appreciate, but a little on the rustic side.
Pros: The location is truly spectacular. Beautiful views, lovely walk on the rocks of the beach. Classic gulf island vistas. The restaurant was great for dinner and super accommodating to our big group. Cute cabin. Comfortable beds. Very quiet. The sound of the rain on the metal roof was lovely. Even with a pub and restaurant next door, we hardly heard any traffic. Big enough for a family of 5 to sleep comfortably with a small kitchenette for self-catering. It is across the street from the water, but the road is very quiet. Beautiful sandstone formations, arbutus trees, blackberry bushes to pick in the rain. Cozy living room area in the lodge when the restaurant is closed. My eldest child played creepy songs in a minor key on the out of tune piano, and it was beautifully atmospheric. Great for our family for a short stay to connect with other family members camping near by.
Cons: There's nothing else there, so if you didn't bring breakfast or coffee, it's a drive away. Come prepared. No breakfast options available and no tea or coffee available in the morning in the main lodge. The bathroom door did not close completely. There was also no large pot -- we had planned to cook pasta for dinner as a quick way to feed teens. It rained for the entire time we were there (about 20 hours) and there wasn't really anywhere to hang coats, put wet boots and just a small mat for wet shoes, so our room got a little soggy. I don't mind the rain, but usually in this area places are better set up for it with hangers and mats.
Geoff
8/10
Canada 🇨🇦
Great family run establishment in a stunning location.
Pros: A great location, and wonderful to stay at a family run pub with character and history, so much nicer than a generic impersonal hotel chain. The place is dated but that is half the charm. We lucked out in that we happened to be there for an open mike music jam session which attracted some local island talent - a wonderful way to spend a summer's evening.
Sophie
10/10
Canada 🇨🇦
A memorable stay
Pros: We absolutely loved our stay at the Surf Lodge! The location is stunning—right across from the beach where we actually got engaged. What made our stay even more memorable was the kindness of the staff. When they found out we had just gotten engaged, they surprised us with complimentary dessert and drinks to celebrate—it was such a thoughtful and heartwarming gesture. The lodge has such a cozy, welcoming feel, and everyone made us feel so at home. We’re so grateful to have shared such a meaningful moment in such a beautiful place. We’ll definitely be back!
Jerralynn
10/10
Canada 🇨🇦
Wonderful stay at the surf Motel on Gabriola Island
Pros: I love the self registration and the confidence given in letting us check ourselves in. The smell of the nice clean sheets on the bed and of course the Fresh Ocean Air.
Cons: Nothing comes to mind.
Leah
10/10
Canada 🇨🇦
beautiful views, great food and Kind, friendly staff
Pros: Great location, fun little pub on the main floor. Staying at this lodge was like going back in time and I am all for it!
Cons: The staff were all so welcoming and friendly.
Kathleen
10/10
Canada 🇨🇦
Wonderful, Romantic lodge on the BC coast.
Pros: Our visit was to celebrate our anniversary and from making the booking the wonderful staff here did everything to make it special in a very romantic lodge on the BC coast. The staff reserved the best window seat, overseeing the rugged coastline, along with a perfectly cooked roast beef dinner with the biggest Yorkshire bake and delish lemon cheesecake! Little touches everywhere in our room, including locally made island soaps and fresh cream for coffee!
Cons: Everything was special, giving us a true sense of the beautiful Gabriola island.
Louise
9/10
Canada 🇨🇦
Pros: The staff were exceptionally welcoming and friendly even though they were very busy.
Cons: The bed faces the windows, and the light shone through the curtains in the early morning.