Park overview
There are no swaying palm trees to shade sunbathers, but Tribune Bay on Hornby Island is still close to paradise. Nicknamed “Little Hawaii,” the white sandy beaches of Tribune Bay stretch endlessly out to meet an aquamarine sea.
Boasting close to 1 km of fine white sand beach, the south-facing Tribune Bay is easily one of the most spectacular on the east side of Vancouver Island. Here, shallow waters meet near tropical temperatures during the summer and the bay is considered to be one of the warmest salt water swimming areas in B.C.
If you visit the park in the spring you’ll be treated to a dazzling display of wildflowers cloaking the hillsides along the beach. In the summer, dark blue salal berries and edible red huckleberries provide colourful contrast to the white sand and unusual rock formations along the shoreline.
A five minute stroll for Tribune Bay will lead you to “downtown” Hornby Island, an eclectic community with a unique assortment of shops and services. You may also choose to go sightseeing along the bluffs at Helliwell Park, just around the corner from Tribune Bay.
Advisories
Safety info
- Due to public safety and park security concerns, the park gate closes daily at 9pm.
Special notes
The following are not permitted anywhere within Tribune Bay Park:
- beach fires
- consumption of alcohol
- camping
- Dogs are not allowed on the beach in Tribune Bay Park.
- Due to Health Authority regulations, BC Parks has removed the drinking water hand pump from this park. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for this park.
Tribune Bay is a popular day-use destination for swimmers and picnickers. A picnic shelter with picnic tables is available along with six pit toilets and a tennis court. Bring your own water, as none is available in the park.
This park has six pit toilets. Four are located near the parking lot and two near the tennis courts.
Activities
Tribune Bay has one main trail that runs parallel to the beach for approximately 0.75 km. The tennis court is located at the end of this trail, near the beach.
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 sandy beaches and warm waters of Tribune Bay are ideal for swimming. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Limited opportunities exist for salt water fishing at this park. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the beach. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Tribune Bay Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Tribune Bay Park is 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. Take Buckley Bay exit 101 from Hwy 19. Once on the island, follow Denman Road to the Hornby Island Ferry terminal. Another ten minute ferry ride will put you on Hornby Island. From there follow the main road to the Hornby Island CO-OP then turn left following Central Road to the entrance to the park.
Nearby communities include Hornby Island, Denman Island, Comox Valley.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: November 2, 1978
- Size: 95 hectares (72 ha upland and 23 ha foreshore)
Park contact
This park proudly operated by:
Quality Recreation Ltd.
250 308-4479
info@explorebcparks.ca
The recently acquired Tribune Bay Campground is not currently part of the park.
Please refer to the Tribune Bay Campground website for up to date information on the campground and reservations. The Tribune Bay Campground contact number is 250-335-2359.
Nature and culture
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.