HORNBY ISLAND

The coastline of British Columbia is crowded by hundreds of Gulf Islands, forest-green gems anchored in a nautical setting, equal in beauty, but each with its own character. Hornby Island, a diminutive Northern Gulf Island, is such a treasure. From the ferry dock at Shingle Spit to the marine stretch at Whaling Station Park, the Island's territory is a mere 29.92 km. Yet, it is every inch a haven for artisans, academics, and eco-conscious residents. Its 1,000 neighbours share a sense of stewardship, quality of life, and personal responsibility . . . it is the "Hornby Way". Are you searching for a bohemian existence, a retirement refuge, or a place to raise children in a carefree atmosphere? Then you are home.

Historically, Hornby was the seasonal home to the Pentlatch First Nation, the Coast Salish group harvested provisions from edible flora, fish and shellfish, and wild animals. Pioneer farmers, whalers, and loggers began to homestead on the Island in the late 1800s. By the 1960s, 150 residents called Hornby Island home, but once its idyllic setting was discovered it quickly became a desired destination . . . nothing has changed!

Two short ferryboat rides from Buckley Bay (15 minute drive south of Courtenay, 45 minutes north of Nanaimo) will deliver you safely to Hornby Island, off the eastern coast of Denman Island on the Georgia Straight. An eclectic mix of nature and culture awaits your arrival. The kilometre of sandy beach at Tribune Bay provides a tropical allure with warm shallow waters. The Bay is hemmed in by the funky hoodoo rock formations of Little Tribune Bay on the southern end (a remote beach that frowns upon tan lines) and the 69 hectare Helliwell Provincial Park to the east. Helliwell offers a 5 km "loop" that takes hikers past desert-like ecosystems with clinging cacti and nesting cormorants, in May wildflowers are unspeakably spectacular, and the last kilometre trails through an old-growth rainforest alit with bald eagles hunting salmon. The Park has the last known populations of the endangered Taylor's Checkerspot Butterfly and off the southeastern shore Flora Island is home to the rare six-gill shark. Or scuba-dive underwater caves off Maude Reef, Norris Rocks, and Lambert Channel, the cold water clarity is astounding.

In March, Denman and Hornby Islands witness the largest herring spawn in BC, attracting birds of prey, seals, and sea lions. Landlubber? Then cycle the Island or the upgraded "Your Mom" and "No Horses Trails", or attempt the 1,000 foot summit of Bench Trail. Keep an eye out for opossums; Hornby Island is their northernmost habitat. Island residents have worked collectively to protect their ecological wonderland; in the 1970s they established an Award-winning recycling program and Free Store that was the first of its kind in North America. Islanders have a strong bond and gather for many celebratory events and festivals. Enter the tree-stump door of the handcrafted cultural centre, fittingly known as the Community Hall for Friday night family dances, movies, or the medley of art shows and musical get-togethers. New Horizons shares social programs with the 50+ crowd, from Scottish dancing to yoga and cha-cha to bridge club. The Blues Society passes on the tradition of ragtime finger style, Hillbilly Blues, and soulful songwriting at the annual Hornby Island Blues Workshop. Sweet Thursdays is a standing fundraiser for sporting events at Joe King Ballpark Clubhouse (offering bocce, lawn bowling, tennis, hockey), and The Happening is a musical return to the 1960s.

The Fall Faire, the Heron Rock Plant Sale & Berry Tea, the Home, Garden & Green Innovation Tour, and the famous Hornby Festival illustrate the character of a close-knit community at home in their environment. Poets, Potters, photographers, and painters are celebrated, writers are read, and natural healers are revered. The Farmers' Market motto: "Make it, Bake it, Grow it", sums up customary wares. Drink Island-made honey mead, kayak, or browse the beatnik boutiques and bakeries at Ringside Market (a short walk to Tribune Bay). Ringside is also the home of life's necessities - medical and dental, fire and ambulance, gas station, post office, library, grocery and liquor, and the Coast Realty Group office. Creative learning and academic excellence are standard expectations from pre-school to grade 7; secondary school and North Island College are available at Courtenay. Seeking a sunset acreage, shingled cottage, lavender gardens, or an oceanfront property? Coast Realty Group (Hornby Island) Representatives are at your service because it's the Hornby Way to put People. Above all.