Everything you need to get to Hornby Island and make the most of your stay — the ferry route, the best time to come, and local tips from Ford's Cove.
Hornby Island is reached by two short BC Ferries sailings. From Vancouver Island, drive to Buckley Bay (about 20 minutes south of Courtenay), take the ferry to Denman Island, drive across Denman (about 10 minutes), then take a second ferry from Gravelly Bay to Hornby Island. There is no direct ferry from the mainland.
You take two separate ferries (Buckley Bay–Denman, then Denman–Hornby). On these routes fares are typically collected in one direction, so you usually pay once per round trip. Reservations aren't available — arrive early on busy summer days. Check BC Ferries for current schedules and fares.
July and August are peak season — warmest water at Tribune Bay, longest daylight, and full services including evening pizza at Ford's Cove. June and September are quieter with easier ferry loads. Winters are quiet, with reduced services.
A car makes it easy to reach the beaches, parks, and Ford's Cove on the island's south end, though Hornby is small and popular with cyclists.
The Ford's Cove general store is well stocked with fresh food and staples, and makes fresh homemade pizza daily in the evenings.
No. There is no sani-dump station anywhere on Hornby Island, so RV guests must carry out their septic waste.