The Haven Resort

The Haven Resort

240 Davis Rd, Gabriola Island, British Columbia V0R 1X1 Canada
Traveller (2)
Pool & Beach (5)
Room 162
Room & Suite (3)

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About

3.5
#1 of 1 small hotel in Gabriola Island
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Location
3.6 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
3.3 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
3.4 of 5 bubbles
Service
3.8 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
The Haven is a not-for-profit charitable organization located on beautiful Gabriola Island, BC, Canada. Accommodations range from rustic cabins tucked away among the trees to suites overlooking quiet coastline waters. You will feel far from the hustle and bustle of the city, even though Gabriola Island is only 20 minutes by ferry from Nanaimo, or a 20 minute float plane ride from Vancouver. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool (seasonal), fitness gym, and on-site massage and other bodywork. While you are here, take a walk on beachfront trails, visit local art galleries and shops, participate in morning yoga and movement, or slide into a comfortable chair to catch up on some reading.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Complimentary tea
Beach
Game room
Children's playground
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Wifi
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Golf course
Hiking
Canoeing offsite
Patio
Tennis court offsite
Board games / puzzles
Highchairs available
Shuttle bus service
Taxi service
Conference facilities
Meeting rooms
Full body massage
Massage
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
First aid kit
Room features
Private beach
Desk
Dining area
Fireplace
Coffee / tea maker
Radio
Sofa bed
Bath / shower
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Safe
Sofa
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Microwave
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Ocean view
Landmark view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Ocean View
Family
15Reviews1Q+A5Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
wenda w wrote a review Jul 2018
Calgary, Canada
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Absolutely gorgeous, private location on the water. Beautiful view everywhere around property from woods to water & passing ferries. Older property but nicely maintained. Don’t forgot your hair dryer though, as they’re not supplied. Great retreat with lots of options for programs or just enjoying the lovely island.
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas L wrote a review May 2016
Surrey
4.0 of 5 bubbles
This was the cutest little cabin right on the water. It was tiny but very clean and had all the amenities we needed. Queen size bed, kitchenette, living room with TV, chairs outside to sit by the water. Quaint and comfortable.
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Date of stay: May 2016
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from rachelathaven, Manager at The Haven Resort
Responded May 24, 2016
Thanks for your review Thomas. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your visit - hope to see you again sometime soon! Rachel.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheresaCS wrote a review Jul 2012
Vancouver Island, Canada
3.0 of 5 bubbles
The setting is spectacular. The rooms and cabins are older and rustic but clean and comfortable. Our ocean view room had a small kitchen, a new/comfortable pull out sofa as well as queen bed and a stellar view.

But the staff are not well trained, not particularly friendly (strange for this friendly island) and very slow.

The food is abysmal. The meatloaf on Night 2 was the worst thing I have ever been served in a restaurant. The lamb on Night 1 was a close second. I did not have out of the park expectations, but I was very disappointed and hungry all weekend. The salad bar was fully stocked -- but salad for dinner 2 nights in a row was not up to par.

I would stay again, but skip dinner and go to an island restaurant. Breakfast and lunch at The Haven are just passable, but feeding chicken strips to adults is a questionable decision.
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Date of stay: July 2012
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Skip dinner at the resort and go to an island restaurant if you prefer something edible.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from chrisathaven, Manager at The Haven Resort
Responded Jul 19, 2012
Dear TheresaCS. Thanks for the great comments about the settings and accommodations. I am glad you found them to be comfortable. And I agree, the view really is stellar. I'm surprised and disappointed to hear that you found our staff to be unfrlendly. This is not usually the case, and I will be sure to pass your feedback on. The main business of The Haven are our personal and professional development programs, which we have been offering for nearly 30 years. In July we offer our programs for kids and early teens, which are very popular and fill up a year in advance. We always try to offer something that the kids like to eat, hence the chicken strips. The kids alternate dishes are always extra on top of what is already on the menu. Anyway, I'm sorry to hear that you did not enjoy the food while you were here. There are some wonderful restaurants on the island that offer an alternative to eating here. I hope you do come and stay again and if you do, please ask for me. Rachel
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patbarbar wrote a review Apr 2008
Saskatoon, SK, Canada
2.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed there with a group of family members just before a wedding we were attending in Parksville.

Overall I found the staff to be less than helpful, from check to the restaurant where service was slow and food passable. During the breakfast buffet, I had to walk into the kitchen to ask about ustencils as no one was around. I even had to wait to pay for the rooms.

It is located right on the shore and the views are stunning, there is a hot tub close to the ocen, but it is small and at night you can't gget near it unless you want to squeeze in with a bunch of loud obnoxious partyers.

The room we were in was small and uncomfortable.
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Date of stay: July 2007
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
2.0 of 5 bubblesCheck-in / front desk
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fred7777_10 wrote a review Sep 2012
Ann Arbor, Michigan
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We have stayed at The Haven on a number of occassions over the past three years. Our daughters are now 8 and 11 and we really like the setting which has mostly pedestrian areas, is right next to the ocean (lovely views with great sunsets) and offers buffet style meals.
Rooms vary from large to small depending on price and there are some with a sea view at higher prices.
There is a heated pool, hot tub overlooking the ocean and games room with pool table etc plus a bar.
Food is home style vs gourmet, but just right for our family and mostly fairly health conscious with a well stocked salad bar at all meals.
We love the sense as our kids get older that we can let them wander round the resort and not have to worry about their safety. In summary not a fancy resort, but very warm and friendly with a welcoming staff in our experience.
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Date of stay: September 2012
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: We liked the forest view rooms, some have a kitchenette included too, but we rarely used that as...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BillyRoseLee wrote a review Jun 2017
5.0 of 5 bubbles
What a cool place to spend couple of days! Nice little restaurant with excellent vegetarian fare, really friendly staff, good programs and a beautiful property. The view is worth a million! A real island treasure! I'll be back.
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Date of stay: May 2017
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from rachelathaven, Manager at The Haven Resort
Responded Jun 25, 2017
Thanks so much for the great review BillyRoseLee. We hope to welcome you back soon! Rachel
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private61 wrote a review Jul 2016
Vancouver, Canada
2.0 of 5 bubbles
I am sure there are nicer rooms available but ours was pathetic. We were told that it was a waterfront building, and then quite disappointed to find that for $140 we were put in a back basement type of room. Dank, dark, and tiny. No fridge, no coffee maker, no bottled water ( Island tap water is stinky to drink), no table, not even a chair to sit in or throw your pants or shirt on. Returned to the room in the evening to find a spider in my bed and two more on the walls. No one asked how our stay was when checking out. I guess this place has a greater purpose for retreats and counseling so don't expect it to be like a typical hotel or motel room.
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Date of stay: July 2016
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from rachelathaven, Manager at The Haven Resort
Responded Jul 20, 2016
Hi private61 - you are right, we are not a typical hotel! Most people come to The Haven for our programs and our rooms are set up primarily for that purpose. We do of course welcome other guests and I'm sorry to hear that you were disappointed in your room. We offer a range of room options, and our ocean view rooms have most of what you were looking for. We don't sell bottled water, however, for environmental reasons. I hope you enjoyed your stay on Gabriola.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grant M wrote a review May 2013
Greater Sydney, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I was invited to a conference at "The Haven" and, so, thought of it as a resort rather than a B & B where one might stay for a few nights. There are massage rooms, beautiful grounds and several "self-improvement" course with a definite New Age tinge. The food was part of the conference and offered both meat and meatless options, served as a small cafeteria. Coffee and a couple of kinds of tea, along with bread and a toaster, were available always. That came in handy when I stayed one day longer than the conference: there was no breakfast! If they do offer B & B as the reviews seems to suggest, it is worth it, but you will need a car, unless you are a keen walker and don't mind the rain. Gabriola Island is very green and there is a reason for that. Although I have ticked "business" below, it is because it was a conference venue. It would be suitable for the other categories shown.
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Date of stay: May 2013
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip: Hard to say. The rooms are scattered about the property and all have their fine features.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from rachelathaven, General Manager at The Haven Resort
Responded May 24, 2013
Hi Nissology, just a quick word of thanks for your review of your stay at The Haven. We were delighted to host the conference, and happy that you enjoyed your stay with us. You are certainly right about the weather, we have been known to have all 4 seasons in one day here, and an umbrella is essential (we do sell them in our store in case of emergency!). As well as hosting conferences and groups we do, as you say, offer a wide range of programs, although as we are in our 30th anniversary year I'm not sure they qualify as New Age. We also welcome people who just want to stay and spend some time on our beautiful island. I hope you come back one day, and thanks again for your kind words. Rachel Davey, Executive Director.
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fred7777_10 wrote a review May 2013
Ann Arbor, Michigan
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I love coming here as it is so peaceful and calm great massages availae and wonderful wks Long the coast of Gabriola. Very accessible from Vancouver or Victoria
not a fancy place but Down To earth and comforttable. Food good quLity but not Cordova. Blue!
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Date of stay: July 2012
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from rachelathaven, Manager at The Haven Resort
Responded May 7, 2013
Dear Fred7777_10 thanks for both of your wonderful reviews of The Haven. I am so glad you enjoyed your stay here. I hope that you will come back very soon. Many thanks, Rachel.
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vikinggrrl wrote a review Sep 2024
Vancouver, Canada
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Recommendations:
Try to avoid arriving after dark. Have a flashlight ready if you do.
Ask where your cabin/room is when booking, if you want an ocean view.
Do not stay in a downstairs room, it can be extremely noisy.
Take things you feel you need, a hairdryer, kettle, cups, etc. as they are not provided.
Take a few bottles of drinking water as Gabriola water can taste a bit off.
Take a few granola bars to tide you over.

This is a beautiful forested property facing the ocean with a number of cabins in a rustic country campus style. The cabins are wood framed, many two story (more about that later). Many of the cabins are in the wooded area so no ocean view, if that is important to you make sure you ask about it.

Mainly used for seminars and wellness programs, the rooms are quite utilitarian, clean sheets & towels, the beds comfortable and there is a small bar size fridge. There are no amenities such as a kettle, cups, hair dryer or iron and housekeeping is done only after you leave. However the staff is friendly and requests to the front desk provide quick service. The dining room was not open when we were there, apparently it is open only when a class or seminar is taking place. If you are there during that time breakfast and dinner can be had for an additional set fee, so you do need to be prepared to drive 5 to 10 minute to a restaurant, or stock up on snacks at the local grocery store. There was fresh coffee available in the office after 7 am on two of the days we were there but not on the last day.

Not so great - If you arrive after dark it is very difficult to find the turn off to Davis Street. There are very few street lights on Gabriola and the signage for the Haven is hard to spot, even though we are familiar with the island we missed it. Our room was down a narrow wooded unpaved path and we had to go back to the office twice as it was dark and couldn't find our way from the photo copied map. Luckily we did have a flashlight in the car and finally found it.

We were in a downstairs room with a large window in the door facing a walkway, the Venetian blind covering the window was too small and people walking by could see through the side gap into a unfortunately placed mirror that reflected the whole room. We used scotch tape to hold the sides of the blind tight to the window frame to block it.

On our second night a family of 4 noisy clam diggers moved in upstairs. After their dig, they would wash and rinse their catch at the tap on the wooden walkway outside our door and there was an odd smell, probably the clams cooking. Then it was time to party, the cabin being wood frame and un-carpeted made every noise audible, from footsteps to toilet flushing, so the stomping, shrieking, squealing, yelling and moving furniture around (?) was beyond maddening. This went on until about 11 pm, the receptionist from the front desk finally came and knocked on our door to see if it was us making the noise which seemed odd. But they did stop after she talked to them.
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Date of stay: September 2024
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
2.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: See the write up.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Answer from havengabriola
2 contributions
Hi, we offer programs for groups, not one on one counselling. Program participants have said that our programs have helped resolving limiting emotional patterns, and this is all done in a group situation, not one on one. Let me know if there's any other information I can help you with. Best wishes Rachel Davey (Executive Director)
Vikinggrrl wrote a tip Sep 2024
Vancouver, Canada41 contributions17 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"See the write up."
Read full review
Heather C wrote a tip Jun 2023
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"Exhorbitant price at $400.00 nite for rustic cabin where I left with bites/rash on arm and $50.00 cleaning fee for service dog "
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Grant M wrote a tip May 2013
Greater Sydney, Australia87 contributions43 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Hard to say. The rooms are scattered about the property and all have their fine features."
Read full review
fred7777_10 wrote a tip Sep 2012
Ann Arbor, Michigan6 contributions4 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We liked the forest view rooms, some have a kitchenette included too, but we rarely used that as on site meals were so convenient. Older rooms may be a bit musty due to being right on ocean."
Read full review
TheresaCS wrote a tip Jul 2012
Vancouver Island, Canada1 contribution1 helpful vote
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Skip dinner at the resort and go to an island restaurant if you prefer something edible."
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Gabriola Island area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
the haven hotel gabriola island
LOCATION
CanadaBritish ColumbiaGabriola Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
22
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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The Haven Resort - UPDATED 2024 Reviews & Photos

Frequently Asked Questions about The Haven Resort
Which popular attractions are close to The Haven Resort?
Nearby attractions include Pipers Lagoon Park (7.2 km), Newcastle Island (4.9 km), and Harbourfront Walkway (6.0 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Haven Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a fitness centre, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at The Haven Resort?
Top room amenities include a refrigerator, a desk, and a dining area.
What food & drink options are available at The Haven Resort?
Guests can enjoy complimentary tea, an outdoor dining area, and a snack bar during their stay.
Is parking available at The Haven Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Haven Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Asteras Greek Taverna, The View Oceanside Grill, and Woodfire Restaurant & Catering.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Haven Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness centre and locker rooms available in the fitness centre during their stay.
Does The Haven Resort offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and conference facilities during their stay.
Are there any historical sites close to The Haven Resort?
Many travellers enjoy visiting The Bastion (6.0 km).
Does The Haven Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is The Haven Resort accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
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