Adopted 7 March 1933 on Geological Survey sheet 278A, Prince Rupert, as labelled on British Admiralty Chart #1923A, 1870 et seq, and as identified in the 1930 BC Gazetteer. Confirmed 14 June 1946 on 103 SE, 2 October 1952 on 103H, and 7 May 1953 on c.3745.

Source: BC place name cards, files, correspondence and/or research by BC Chief Geographer/Geographical Names Office.

Named in association with Gardner Canal, in turn after commander Alan Garner, who sailed "...in the Europa, 50 guns, at Jamaica, in which ship Vancouver served under him as one of the lieutenants. During the Nootka difficulty, Gardner commanded the Courageux, 74 guns, and again Vancouver accompanied him as a lieutenant. Captain Gardner, as one of the lords of the Admiralty, signed on 10 August 1791 Vancouver's additional instructions for his voyage of exploration on this coast, having previously strongly recommended him for the service...."

Source: Walbran, John T; "British Columbia Coast Names, 1592-1906: Their Origin and History"; published for the Geographic Board of Canada, Ottawa, 1909 (republished for the Vancouver Public Library by J.J. Douglas Ltd, Vancouver, 1971)