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Add PlaceTRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Annabella Stoll-Dansereau | University of British Columbia | Photo by Nick Kenrick, flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
This white sand beach feels out of place just around Vancouver Island. Nicknamed ‘Little Hawaii,’ this beach gives a tropical feel. Because of its shallow depths in the summer, it is one of the warmest saltwater swimming areas in all of B.C., as stated by BC parks.
While this beach is very popular, it stretches over 1km long, so it never feels too crowded. This stunning beach is part of the reason why Hornby is so popular today.
Photo: https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/tribune/
This locally owned and run distillery was created by an icebreaker captain and professor of organic chemistry. Through years and years of experimentation, they finally devised a process that creates uniquely flavoured spirits. While I must admit I have not tried them myself, the locals swear by this company, which is one of the strongest businesses on this tiny island.
The best way to see what locals are up to is by walking around this little market where vendors can sign up for booths and sell their work. There is a strong art focus in this market.
When I went here, I got some biking socks and a watermelon tie dye bucket hat! You might even see some kids selling their goods/playing music, as this is highly encouraged (they even get free booths).
This small pop-up café isn’t your typical coffee shop. While it does have the classic espresso drinks, they also serve authentic Mexican food and Kombucha on tap. As you can see in the photo above, there is a ton of outdoor seating where you can enjoy your food and drinks. Depending on when you travel to Hornby island, this café may have limited hours; however, it is open daily during the summer.
Photo: https://hornbyisland.com/food-drink/vorizo-cafe/
There aren’t many dining options in Hornby, and most nights, you will probably be best off going to the COOP and getting groceries. However, for a couple of nights, you might want to go to the local pub and restaurant. Serving food you might expect, like burgers and chicken strips, this restaurant will deliver comfort food.
Photo: https://hornbyisland.com/food-drink/the-thatch-pub-and-restaurant/
This started as just a food truck but was so popular that they turned it permanent, adding an outhouse-like structure to the back of the truck. Established in 1982, this is one of the earliest businesses in Hornby. The pizza is their specialty, although the coolies, croissants and butter tarts are also amazing.
This massive plot of land in Hornby is sometimes open to the public where giant steel structures, Jeffery Rubinoff’s lifework, are displayed. Check the website online for specific openings surrounding when you make the trip out to Hornby, but if the dates align, this is a very odd and unique activity to partake in.
While the actual sculpture artist has passed away, his legacy stays through these structures.
Photo: https://www.rubinoffsculpturepark.org/about/
If you are interested in gardening or appreciate plants, this could be a worthy place to visit on your adventures to Hornby.
You can nerd out about plants with the owner and buy various plants or enjoy the display of flowers. Of particular interest are the roses where there are 21 explorer roses from ‘William Baffin’ to ‘George Vancouver.’
Photo: Christophe Mehay, CC-BY-SA-3.0-migrated | CC-BY-SA-2.5
Ford Cove to Shingle Spit Trail
Home to many of Hornby’s finest hikes, this is a must-stop for those that love adventure.
The top hike, highly recommended by locals, is the Ford Cove to Shingle Spit Trail. This 6km route is still rated easy because there isn’t too much elevation gain (although it is still a hike and not just a walk). This can be done in any season, but the warm summer months would be most enjoyable. The views on this route include the ocean, other islands, and a waterfall approximately 1k into the hike.
Photo: alltrails.com
If you are planning on using the expansive trail network of mountain biking, you may want to stop by the local bike shop. Here you can get a tune-up or repairs for your bike or rent one if you don’t have one. You can also get a copy of trail maps here, so you don’t get lost or end up on a too difficult trail for your skill level.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057878940622
