Hornby Island Vacation Rentals

Hornby Island is located in the spectacular Salish Sea, off the coast on Vancouver Island. It's known as the "Hawaii of the North," thanks to its relatively warm waters and sandy beaches that are unlike anywhere else in the region. Typical accommodations on Hornby Island include rustic houses and wood cabins, tucked amidst the island's peaceful natural surroundings. You can't go wrong with your choice for this Pacific coast getaway.

Fresh Local Seafood and Produce

The small community residing on Hornby Island prides itself on its artisanal creations and fresh produce. This translates into high-quality fresh food and wine. Traditional pizza, bread, croissants, cakes and other delicious baked goods await at the family-owned Hornby Island Bakery & Pizzeria. For fine dining with ocean views and spectacular sunsets, Sea Breeze Lodge's restaurant offers a changing selection of seafood, contemporary cuisine, and even vegetarian options.

For a "farm to fork" dining experience, Forage Farm & Kitchen's menu features organic produce grown on the island. There's a variety of refreshing drinks, sandwiches, and enticing desserts to choose from. For locally-made libations stop at the Isla de Lerena winery, with varieties produced from vines that thrive in the warm local microclimate. Fossil Beach Farm produces handcrafted craft ciders on the island, using apples grown on the farm's orchard that's been operating since 1921.

Discover Local Natural History and Art

Hornby Island is perfect if you're looking to immerse yourself in nature. Learn more about your spectacular surroundings at the excellent Hornby Island Natural History Centre, with a large collection of specimens from the local environment. The centre hosts a range of educational programs and events, including a summer speaker series when experts speak on interesting topics related to local ecosystems. Visitors can participate in the centre's guided nature walks to learn more about the island's geology, flora, and fauna.

Beyond nature, Hornby Island also offers cultural diversions in the form of art and music events. Local craftspeople and painters exhibit their art at the Hornby Island Farmers' Market, held every Saturday from May until September, and also Wednesdays during July and August. Throughout summer, visitors can enjoy concerts covering genres from jazz to reggae. The 10-day Hornby Festival is a summer celebration featuring a fantastic lineup of artists, and there's Friday night jazz jams year-round at the Thatch Pub.

Beaches and Outdoor Family Fun

Hornby Island is probably best known for its beautiful sandy beaches, creating a perfect setting for family beach days that you'll remember forever. Tribune Bay Beach is a dramatic and stunning spot, with stretches of white sand and tropic-like blue waters, with the rocky backdrop of cliffs rising behind it all. Nearby Pebble Beach is beloved by children, with hours of fun to be had sifting through the stones. Whaling Station Bay Beach is a great place to spot ocean critters like spider crabs and sand dollars.

There's more family fun away from the water. Joe King Ball Park has a range of activities including a baseball field, a 18-hole disc golf course, and a track. The park also hosts a range of events such as tennis, hockey, and dance camps. After dark, head to Island Stars Observatory & Stargazing Studio, an astronomical observatory open to the public. Book a guided two-hour evening stargazing tour here. Sessions include a tour of the observatory, before its large telescopes focus on the stars above, accompanied by an expert explanation of the night sky.

Experience Hornby Island's Beauty

There's countless opportunities for excursions in and around Hornby Island to explore its stunning natural environment, both above and underwater. Sea kayaking is a must-do, with the calm and protected waters of the Georgia Strait being ideal for making your way around the island's coastline. Kayakers can expect to spot eagles, seals, sea lions, whales, and a range of bird species, depending on the season.

Hornby Island has abundant spectacular hiking through its wilderness splendor, such as through old-growth forest at Helliwell Bluffs. For thrills on two wheels, there's a network of mountain biking trails suitable for anyone from beginners to advanced riders. Those looking to explore the rich local underwater environment can enjoy world-class scuba diving and snorkeling. Hornby Island's underwater marine life includes the giant Pacific octopus, wolf eels, ling cod, and rare sixgill sharks.

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