A Slice of West-Coast Paradise: Hornby Island
If you want to go to a magical place this summer where you can unplug, relax, discover new hobbies, marvel at nature and get creative; I have two words for you: Hornby Island. This place has more beauty and creative juices than one can handle.
Helliwell Provincial Park - A must see!
I grew up coming to Hornby Island with my family and it was on this little slice of west-coast paradise that some of my best memories blossomed . Now I get to share it with my husband and my friends and anyone who is reading right now!
Me and my husband, Nathan! :)
Some fav camp spots:
Ford's Cove: We stayed here this summer for the first time and I really loved it. Usually we stay near Tribune Bay which is a hot spot, but Ford's Cove is extra peaceful, a little smaller, and a clean, friendly place to set up camp! There is a small grocery shop with a marina full of beautiful old boats and a little art store. My favourite part was walking along the sandstone right on the beach and encountering bald eagles every single time - seriously!
Tribune Bay Campsite: This is a wonderful spot if you want to be in the centre of it all. You will be right between one of the most popular beaches on Hornby (Tribune Bay), and the local shops, kiosks and market. I love to browse through here and look at all of the handmade treasures the artists have to offer. At your convenience is the Hornby Island Co-op and the gas bar. Just a quick bike down the road is Tribune's more free-spirited sister, Little Tribune Bay, which is, of course, smaller and where you can take it all off and go for a skinny dip. (In otherwords, it's a nudie beach!)
Bradsdadsland Campsite: I haven't stayed here myself, but I have good friends who stay here with their families every year and swear by it. Check out more by clicking here.
Rent a cabin or a locals home: If budget allows, renting out a cabin or home can be one of the best ways to experience the local vibe of Hornby. Maybe go in on one with some friends or another family. I highly recommend it!
Photo cred: tribunebay.com
Skimboarding
Pottery class (check any community board for things like these)
Photography - bring a camera or make room on your camera phone
Things I can't leave without doing:
Unplug
Relax
Yoga class by the ocean
Be inspired by the beauty
Forest Bathing/Hiking
Swimming in the ocean
Beach Badminton
Buying a cream cheese brownie from the Carboard Bakery
Having a pizza dinner at the Carboard bakery
Visit the 'Free Store' - Say 'hello' to the most exciting thrift shopping ever
Buying a beautiful and unique dress from a local artisan at Ringside Market (See photo below!)
There are SO many things to do on this isalnd, just get creative! The most amazing part is that Hornby is a catalyst for creativity as it gives you the time and breathing space to just be. I find when we are allowed to be ourselves, no pressures or stress, we get the most creative. It's my favourite place to go and be present.
Sometimes it take a day or two to really unwind from regular day life so try and spend more than a few days here if you can!
Beach Badminton! The guys built this net out of some driftwood. After you're done with your driftwood creations the park wants you to take it down for safety reasons, so don't get too attached to that beach fort!
Shinrin-yoku is Japanese for Forest Bathing. You can do a lot of that here. ;)
The skies like to show off at sundown. Keep an eye out for some of the most incredible sunsets you will ever see. This is on an evening walk near our campsite at Ford's Cove.
I hope this encourages you to visit or re-visit Hornby! If you have any questions or comments they are always welcome!
-Kira Alysa
