A breathtaking weekend in Hornby Island, British Columbia

This week, I am taking you on an adventure to Hornby Island, British Columbia, known as the Hawaii of British Columbia.

Hornby is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, serene beaches, and clear waters. It is a true gem on the West Coast.

This tranquil island, with a small, close-knit community, offers a perfect escape into nature while being just a short trip from the bustling cities of Vancouver and Victoria.

I'll explore its picturesque landscapes, learn about the local culture, and uncover some hidden treasures along the way.

So grab your hiking boots, pack your beach gear, and join me as I discover all that Hornby Island has to offer!

Let's get stuck in!

Watch my episode on Hornby Island today!

Where is Hornby Island?

Hornby Island is located in the Strait of Georgia, between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia, Canada.

It's part of the Northern Gulf Islands and is accessible by a combination of ferries from the mainland and Vancouver Island.

The island is situated southeast of Denman Island, another of the Gulf Islands, which you must get to to catch the ferry across Hornby.

The journey is a ferry from Horseshoe Bay on the mainland to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Then, you drive up to Buckley Bay, which takes an hour, to catch a ferry to Denman Island.

Then, you must drive to the other side of the island to catch the next ferry to Hornby Island.

What is the cost of getting there with two adults and a car?

The price of the ferry is $238.90 for a return trip from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo. You can book this one online, and it may be cheaper at different times of the year and at different times of the day (like early morning or late at night).

$42.60 is the same for a return from Buckley Bay to Denman Island, and Denman Island to Hornby Island.

Please note that these two ferries can not be purchased online so make sure you give yourself enough time to queue up at the ferry terminal to buy your ticket.

If they sell out for a time on the ferry, then you are first in line for the next available ferry.

So, that is $324.10 for a normal-sized car and two people (adults).

Top Attractions on Hornby Island

Here are some of our favourite attractions we visited.

1. Tribune Bay Provincial Park

Known as "Little Hawaii," this park features a stunning sandy beach with clear, turquoise waters. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking. The park's warm, shallow waters make it ideal for families.

Tip: Bring your bathing shorts, suncream, and an umbrella for shade. There are few shade options, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun. If travelling in July and August, arrive early for a car parking space.
Thoughts: This beach is absolutely dreamy! It blew our minds as we lazed in the warm water all afternoon and admired the views. There is ample parking here, but as we went in September, I can imagine that it could get busy and fill up in the summer, so get there early. You have to go, it is better than what the videos or photos show.

2. Hornby Island Farmers' Market

Held every Saturday from May to September, this vibrant market showcases local produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food. It's a lively community event where you can meet local artisans, enjoy live music, and sample fresh, organic products.

Tip: Bring cash for the market, as the signal on the island can get sketchy. Be sure to give yourself enough time, as there are plenty of stalls to peruse, food to indulge in, and music to chill to.
Thoughts: We love a market! There are so many different types of stalls that we took our time and enjoyed the atmosphere. The island has a tight-knit community, which is vital to the local economy. Try and buy something local if you can!

3. Mount Geoffrey Escarpment

Offers scenic hiking and mountain biking trails with stunning views of the island and surrounding waters. The trails range from easy walks to challenging hikes, providing options for all skill levels and rewarding you with breathtaking vistas.

Tip: You will need some decent hiking boots for this one; you can make this visit as easy or as challenging as you like! We spent all morning hiking around, getting great views.
Thoughts: There are amazing views of Denman Island and the surrounding areas. If you fancy climbing, there are mounds within the park to get even better views. Take some water with you and snacks, as it is an in-and-out park.

4. Whaling Station Bay

Another beautiful beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming, picnicking, and watching sunsets. The bay is less crowded than Tribune Bay, offering a more peaceful and serene beach experience.

Tip: Parking can be tight, but if you go early, you are in for a treat. You will only find locals walking their dogs and the odd one braving the refreshing water temperature. If you are feeling brave, bring your swimming gear for a dip!
Thoughts: We went there on a whim, and what a great decision! We loved our coffee in our deckchairs in the middle of the beach, admiring the views. I even got time to record a podcast episode! This beach is huge, so there is a lot of space to pick from. It's a true hidden gem.

5. Hornby Heart Vineyard

A charming vineyard offers handcrafted wines made from locally grown grapes. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours of the vineyard, and the beautiful countryside setting. It's a great spot to relax and savour the flavours of Hornby Island wine.

Tip: Check their website for upcoming gigs and music performances. We booked one and took our deckchairs to chill on the farm, watching the music with the vineyards’ wine in one hand and food from the food trucks in the other. It was dreamy.
Thoughts: This is a classic Canadian activity and reminded me of the program Schitt’s Creek. We had the most amazing sunset, too; it was just out of this world. Great music, great wine, great food and a great atmosphere.

Where to stay on Hornby Island?

Bradsdadsland Campsite

Bradsdadsland Campsite is a unique and family-friendly camping destination on Hornby Island. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this campsite offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and comfortable amenities, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and families seeking a tranquil getaway.

Situated on the southeastern shore of Hornby Island, Bradsdadsland Campsite boasts stunning views of the ocean and easy access to the island's beaches. The campsite is surrounded by lush forests and open meadows, providing a peaceful and scenic environment for campers.

Everyone has options, including people like us with a little campervan or families with huge rigs. They can cater for all. Head to their website here to book.

My favourite brunch on Hornby Island?

Forage Farm and Kitchen

Forage Farm and Kitchen is a delightful destination on Hornby Island that offers visitors a taste of sustainable farming and farm-to-table dining. Known for its commitment to organic practices and local food production, Forage Farm and Kitchen is a must-visit for food enthusiasts and those interested in sustainable living.

This is situated on the island’s main hub for coffee brunch or shops, so it is easy to find. We headed to this area daily as these were the only options available, especially since we were not cooking much.

My favourite coffee spot on Hornby Island.

Vorizo Cafe

Vorizo Café is a beloved spot on Hornby Island known for its welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and exceptional coffee. Nestled in a charming location, this café has become a favourite gathering place for both locals and visitors, offering a perfect blend of comfort and culinary delight.

Vorizo Café is conveniently located in a quaint area of Hornby Island, surrounded by the island's natural beauty. The café's cozy interior and outdoor seating provide a relaxed and inviting ambiance, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee.

A great cup of coffee in an amazing setting, you have to try it at least once when on the island.

These are some attractions on Hornby Island that I wish I had visited.

Helliwell Provincial Park

This park offers breathtaking coastal hikes with panoramic views, unique ecosystems, and diverse wildlife. The trails lead through lush forests and along dramatic cliffs, providing excellent photo opportunities and a chance to experience the island's natural beauty.

2. Ford Cove Marina

A charming marina where you can enjoy fresh seafood, rent boats, and explore the nearby coves and islets. It's a great spot to start a kayaking or boating adventure, and the on-site restaurant offers fantastic views of the marina and surrounding waters.

Breathtaking journey to Vancouver Island from the mainland

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Some essential tips for navigating to Hornby Island.

The journey

It will be a long journey to get to Hornby Island as it involves a car ride, a ferry, another car ride, two more ferries, and the last car ride to your accommodation. However, it is worth it! You will need to time it well because you can not book the ferries to Denman Island or Hornby Island.

Get the main ferry booked from Horseshoe Bay to Vancouver Island, then plan your timings with the next ferry. You can also fly to Victoria International Airport in the south of the island and hire a car for the weekend. Don’t be discouraged by the journey; you will have an amazing time!

ESim or SIM card providers

In Canada, I would stick with the ESim option as phone plans are silly expensive here; I use GigSky, which you can order here. They offer very competitive rates with popular perks such as free use of 100 in an emergency, no internet required to update your app with a new plan, and customer service options if you need to talk to someone.

Language

English is the main language; however, if you speak French or Mandarin, you can find tour operators who could help with this type of trip in Vancouver.

Book your Hornby Island accommodation today!

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Summary of Hornby Island

Wow!

Tribune Bay is a must-visit destination on Hornby Island.

This place enchants me. We have seen the photos and videos online, but they don’t do it justice! It is sensational; I can see why people flock here every year.

From the stunning beaches of Tribune Bay to the dreamy sunset gig at Hornby Heart Vineyard, this little slice of paradise has truly captivated our hearts.

Reaching the island from the mainland is a long and expensive journey; however, it is worth it!

We loved the beaches, the views, the trails, the coffee, the campsite, the wine, the beer and the vibe.

There was every type of travel experience on our trip and something for everyone.

It was devastating to return to real life, and it is unfortunate that this little dream ended.

If you are visiting Vancouver or Victoria, you have to add this to your itinerary.

You will come away with unbelievable memories and sensational views.

I love you Hornby Island.