The Complete Guide to Hornby Island, BC: Beaches, Hikes, Food, and Where to Stay
Hornby Island, BC: A Complete Guide
Hornby Island is one of the most beautiful islands on the West Coast of Canada and one of the least known. Locals call it the Hawaii of British Columbia. The water is turquoise, the sand is white, everyone is on island time, and the population is small enough that most travellers haven't heard of it. Which is what we love most. It’s a true hidden gem.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a trip here. The ferries, the beaches, the hikes, the food, the experiences, and where to stay.
How to Get to Hornby Island
Hornby Island is accessed by two ferries from Vancouver Island. From Buckley Bay (about a 90-minute drive north of Nanaimo), you catch the first ferry to Denman Island. You then drive across Denman, about 15 minutes, to the second ferry that takes you to Hornby. It’s a scenic journey, well worth the drive.
Both ferries are run by BC Ferries. Book ahead in the summer, as the line-ups can be long, particularly on Fridays heading to the island and Sundays heading back.
If you are planning to come by boat, the main anchorages are Tribune Bay and Ford's Cove.
Beaches
The crown jewel. A wide, white sand beach with shallow turquoise water that gets warm enough to swim in for most of the summer. Nickanamed “little hawaii”. The beach is part of Tribune Bay Provincial Park and is the most photographed spot on the island.
A quieter beach on the northeast side of the island. Sandstone cliffs, tidepools, and softer waves. A great choice if you want fewer people.
Connected to Tribune Bay but stretches further along the southern shore. Often less busy than the main beach and ideal for long walks.
A small bay on the southwest side of the island with a marina, public dock, and quieter beach access. A favourite for kayakers and sailors.
Less swimming beach, more dramatic shoreline with sandstone cliffs and views of the Strait of Georgia.
Hikes and Nature
The signature hike on the island. A 5 km loop along sea cliffs with views of the Strait of Georgia, eagles overhead, and Garry oak meadows. Easy to moderate difficulty. The whole loop takes about 90 minutes if you take your time.
The high point of the island and a mountain biking destination. Trails range from easy walks to technical singletrack. Bring proper shoes or rent bikes from Hornby Island Bike Rentals.
A short, easy forest walk that ends at a quiet beach. Good for families and rainy days.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Tribune Bay is calm and shallow, making it ideal for paddleboarding. Hornby Ocean Kayaks rents equipment and offers guided tours of the surrounding islands.
Scuba Diving
Hornby Island is one of the top cold-water diving destinations in the world. Six gill sharks visit the area in summer and the visibility is exceptional.
Food and Drink
Hornby Island Bakery and Pizzeria
A local institution. Fresh-baked sourdough, pastries, and coffee served in a wood-beamed bakery. Worth planning your day around. Expect a line in summer.
The island's grocery store, located near Ford's Cove. Carries local produce, basics, and surprisingly good prepared foods.
Open during summer hours and serves dinner with ocean views. One of the most romantic spots to eat on the island. Reservations recommended.
Local favourite for coffee, baked goods, and breakfast.
A casual pub with island vibes, live music in summer, and a relaxed deck. The place locals go.
Unique Experiences
The Hornby Island Farmers’ Market is vibrant group of growers, home-bakers, hand-makers, artisans, and painters. Most of us are long-term residents who have spent many years exploring, developing and perfecting our craft. We are proud to bring you our harvest, the best from Hornby’s farms and studios, kitchens and gardens.
Stillwater opened its second location on Hornby Island in 2026, at Sea Breeze Lodge. An oceanside canvas tent spa steps from the shoreline of the Salish Sea. Botanical massage, couples treatments, and sea stone therapy designed to reset the nervous system. You can book your experience in advance here.
Hornby Island Pottery and Art Studios
The island has a long history of artists and potters. Several studios are open to visitors during summer. The Hornby Island Festival in August features the artistic community.
Where to Stay
A historic oceanfront resort with cabins that face the water. Family-run for decades, with a restaurant on-site and Stillwater Nature Spa now located on the property. The most romantic option on the island.
Tent and RV sites a short walk from Tribune Bay beach. The closest accommodation to the main swimming beach.
Bradsdadsland Waterfront Camping
A waterfront campsite with beach access. A favourite for families.
Vacation Rentals
Hornby has a strong selection of cabins and homes available through Airbnb and Vrbo. Book early. Summer fills up months in advance.
Cabins, a campground, and a marina. Family-friendly and central to the island's main attractions.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June through August) is peak season. The water is warmest, the markets are open, and the weather is reliably warm and dry. This is the time to swim, paddle, and enjoy the island at its busiest.
Spring (April and May) is quieter, with cooler weather and a softer pace. Wildflowers are in bloom and accommodation is easier to find.
Fall (September and October) is one of the best-kept secrets. The crowds are gone, the weather is still mild, and the light has a gentler quality.
Winter is the locals' season. Many businesses close. Worth visiting if you want true solitude.
A Note Before You Go
Hornby Island is small, off-grid in many places, and intentionally slow. Cell service is limited. ATMs are scarce. Plan accordingly. Bring cash, fill up your gas tank before you board the ferry, and enjoy the freedom of island time.
Planning a trip to Hornby Island? Stillwater Nature Spa is now open at Sea Breeze Lodge. Book a treatment at stillwaternaturespa.com
