Mount Geoffery Escarpment Park

Highlights in this park

Mount Geoffrey Escarpment Park is located on the southwest side of Hornby Island. The park was designated as a Class A Provincial Park in 2004. The park provides recreational opportunities such as hiking and mountain biking on three main trails that offer spectacular views.

All of the north and south Gulf Islands are sensitive and dry ecosystems. Please respect the natural habitats, stay on trails, and be careful with smoking to prevent fires. When visiting the park, please park in designated parking areas and respect private property.

The waters of Lambert Channel are part of Helliwell Park. This area is managed as a marine protected area and has the following commercial fishery closures: anchovy, surf perch, pile perch, sea cucumber, octopus, scallop, squid, red urchin, Pacific oyster and green urchin. There are no recreational restrictions, although local fishers have implemented a voluntary closure on all marine life.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Many trails along the escarpment traverse the edge of cliffs and steep drop-offs. Please exercise extreme caution and stay well back from the edge.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure. Please use caution around cliff areas along the trail.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Getting there

Located on Hornby Island, two short ferry rides from Vancouver Island. To reach Hornby Island take the Denman Island Ferry from Buckley Bay, off Hwy 19a or take Buckley Bay exit 101 from Hwy 19. Once on the island, follow Denman Road to the Hornby Island Ferry terminal. Another 10 minute ferry ride will put you on Hornby Island. As you ride the ferry from Denman Island you will get your first views of Mount Geoffrey Escarpment Park. You can access the park at several points including a trail that traverses the park from the Hornby Island Ferry Terminal to Fords Cove Marina.

Things to do

Hiking

For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

The trails in the park and adjacent Mount Geoffrey Regional Nature Park and Crown land offer opportunity for walking, biking, and horseback riding. Some trails are restricted as to use (no horses or bikes). There are many areas where trails traverse the edge of cliffs and for your safety please stay back from the edges.

For more information on the mountain biking trails in the Nature Park and Crown land, please check the Comox Valley Regional District website.

Swimming

There are a few access points along the Ford Cove Shingle Spit Trail to access the beach for ocean swimming.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

The beach area of the park can be accessed by canoe or kayak. Please respect the private property within the park.

Fishing

There is opportunity for saltwater fishing adjacent to the park.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Wildlife viewing

There are viewing platforms in the park.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.

Cycling

The trails in the park and adjacent Mount Geoffrey Regional Nature Park and Crown land offer opportunities for mountain biking. There are many areas where trails traverse the edge of cliffs and for your safety please exercise extreme caution and stay back from the edges.

Some trails are restricted as to use (no horses or bikes) and some trails adjacent to the park cross private lands. Please respect owners’ privacy and property. For more information on the mountain biking trails in the Nature Park and Crown land, please check the Comox Valley Regional District website.

Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

For details on e-biking within Mount Geoffery Escarpment Park, see the e-biking section.

E-Biking

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Mount Geoffery Escarpment Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.

Horseback riding

The trails in the park and adjacent Mount Geoffrey Regional Nature Park and Crown land offer opportunity for horseback riding. Some trails are restricted as to use (no horses or bikes). There are many areas where trails traverse the edge of cliffs and for your safety please stay back from the edges.

For more information on the mountain biking trails in the Nature Park and Crown land, please check the Comox Valley Regional District website.

About this park

History

The park has significant historic values are associated with the Leaf House and location of the Ford Family residence and farm.

Conservation

The park is adjacent to Mount Geoffrey Regional Nature Park and undeveloped Crown land. Together they cover approximately 25 percent of Hornby Island.

The park has extensive areas of steep coastal bluffs, forested benches, wetland, and rugged shoreline and is situated within the coastal Douglas fir biogeoclimatic zone, which has very low levels of representation in the protected area system, and protects habitat for a number of rare vegetation and wildlife species. The park is also recognized for its contribution to protecting groundwater quality and quantity and several sensitive ecosystems.

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.

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