Hornby Island is a small island of about 30 square kilometers. It is one of the Gulf Islands between mainland British Columbia and huge Vancouver Island. Hornby takes a bit of planning and effort to reach. First, there is the matter of getting to Vancouver Island, which itself is accessible only by air or ferry. Next, you'll have to go to the central eastern coast of Vancouver Island—about 200 kilometers north of Victoria—and take a short ferry ride to Denman Island. Next, you'l have to drive across small Denman and take yet another short ferry ride to Hornby. Obviously, you'll want to spend some time on the island to make the trip worth the effort.

Hornby is notable for having received an influx of young Americans in the 60's who fled the Vietnam draft. Many of them remained, and the island still has a considerable counterculture vibe.

On the south shore of Hornby, there are two beaches along a deep inlet. The larger of these, Tribune Bay, is a popular textile beach. The smaller beach, Little Tribune Bay, is southwest of Tribune Bay. The two beaches are separated by a headland. Little Tribune Bay is well known as the island's nude beach.

Most visitors to Little Tribune go nude, apparently with no hassles, which would be unlikely considering the island culture. The bay is shallow enough that the water is warm enough for swimming during summer.

Hornby Island information:   Website 1   Website 2

VISUAL RESOURCES

GPS: 49.5212, -124.6419

city, district, province, country  Hornby Island, Comox-Strathcona, British Columbia, Canada

classification  2 (traditionally nude)

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