A popular summer retreat for many Vancouver Islanders, Hornby has one of the best beaches in the northern Gulf Islands, and that’s saying a lot! The shallow, warm waters of Tribune Bay make going to the beach a favourite pastime, and the nearby windswept headland of Helliwell Provincial Park is a glory to behold at any time of the year, but the prolific blooming of spring flowers here is legendary! There are picnic tables at both sites and a private campground at Helliwell but no public camping sites on Hornby.
Although not a park, a block of crown land in the centre of the island opens this remote area to hikers and other explorers.
The parks and recreational areas have been preserved through the Provincial Government, joint Federal and Provincial initiatives, and through regional and community parks.
Provincial Parks:
Helliwell – On 160 acres of pristine headland meadow with twisted oak, arbutus, pine and virgin Douglas Fir, this undeveloped piece of heaven is wonderful to wander in, picnic, watch wildlife, or cautiously explore the cliffs. A 5 kilometer loop trail follows the bluffs and meanders through open fields and old-growth fir, making it a paradise for hikers.
This is a day use area only – alas!
CRD and Community Parks:
Tribune Bay is everyone’s favourite summer destination with wonderful rock formations, sandy beaches, and warm shallow water. 95 hectares here have been preserved for everyone to enjoy.
