Hornby Island
Hornby Island of British Columbia, Canada, is one of the two northernmost Gulf Islands, the other being Denman Island. It is located near Vancouver Island's Comox Valley,
Hornby Island as seen from the Hornby-Denman ferry | |
Location in British Columbia Location in Comox Valley Regional District | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Salish Sea |
| Coordinates | 49°31′10″N 124°40′0″W |
| Archipelago | Gulf Islands |
| Area | 29.96 km2 (11.57 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
Canada | |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Regional district | Comox Valley |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1,225 (2021) |
| Pop. density | 40.9/km2 (105.9/sq mi) |
A small community of 1,225 residents (as of the 2021 census), Hornby is home to many artists, retired professionals, small business owners, remote workers, and young families who share a love of rural island life. Over the past 30 years, the island has become a coveted destination and its population easily quadruples in size during the summer months. The shoulder seasons are a preferred time for hiking, mountain biking, marine activities, weddings, and retreats. Most people reach the island by ferries from Buckley Bay, Vancouver Island. A growing number of private boats also visit through mooring at the Ford Cove Marina or anchoring at Tribune Bay. The closest airport is Comox Valley Airport in Comox, which provides regional, national, and international service.
The primary destinations on Hornby are Tribune Bay Provincial Park, Helliwell Provincial Park, Ford's Cove, and Whaling Station Bay. The island is also a popular mountain biking destination, with a variety of designated trails in Mount Geoffrey Regional Nature Park, Mount Geoffrey Escarpment Provincial Park and Crown Land. The total land area is 29.92 square kilometres (11.55 sq mi), of which 40% is parkland.