Denman Hornby Kayaking

Nestled in the stunning Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Denman and Hornby Islands are a kayaker’s dream come true. With white sand beaches, lush forests ranging from arbutus and oak groves to coastal rainforests, and waters teeming with sea life, these islands offer paddling experiences that suit everyone from beginners to seasoned adventurers. Hornby Island, often called the “jewel of the Gulf Islands,” boasts diverse landscapes and warm swimming waters, while Denman provides serene coastal routes and charming village life.
Both islands are famous for their vibrant artistic communities, home to the highest number of artists per capita in Canada, especially known for their talented potters. Denman Village, the heart of Denman Island, welcomes visitors with its collection of shops, community halls, a library, a school, a post office, an art gallery, and a museum showcasing local works and the islands’ rich history.
Beyond kayaking, cycling is a fantastic way to explore the islands’ mostly paved roads. On Hornby, you can rent bikes at the Off Road Bicycle Shop next to the Co-op, making it easy to see more of the scenery on two wheels.
Whether you’re paddling past oyster beds, camping under towering Douglas firs, or spotting eagles overhead, Denman and Hornby promise unforgettable adventures. This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip, from getting there to launching your kayak and finding the perfect campsite.

From Victoria to Denman and Hornby Islands

Total Duration: 3 hours 35 minutes
Total Distance: 223 km
Route: Via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N
Ferries: Two ferry crossings are required.
1. From Victoria: Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N (4 minutes, 1.2 km).
2. Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Fanny Bay, taking exit 101 (2 hours 19 minutes, 195 km).
3. Merge onto Buckley Bay Rd (2 minutes, 1.1 km).
4. Take the Buckley Bay to Denman Island ferry (25 minutes, 2.1 km).
5. (Follow Denman Rd and East Rd to the Denman Island - Hornby Island ferry (13 minutes, 11.4 km.
6. Take the Denman Island to Hornby Island ferry (25 minutes, 2.0 km).
7. (Continue on Shingle Spit Rd to your destination (14 minutes, 10.8 km.

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From Nanaimo to Denman and Hornby Islands

1. Drive North from Nanaimo: Start your trip in Nanaimo, a vibrant city on Vancouver Island. You’ll head north toward Buckley Bay, where the ferry to Denman Island departs. You have two driving options:
A. Highway 19 (Inland Highway): A faster, direct route that’s perfect if you want to save time. (Distance: About 75 km (47 miles), Travel Time: Roughly 1 hour).
Directions: From Nanaimo, take Third Street to merge onto BC-19 N. Follow it all the way to the Buckley Bay turnoff. B. Highway 19A (Oceanside Route): A scenic coastal drive through charming towns like Parksville, Qualicum Beach,

Bowser, Deep Bay, and Fanny Bay. (Distance: about 75 km (47 miles). Travel Time: Around 1 hour, though it may vary slightly with traffic or stops to enjoy the views.)
Directions: Head north from Nanaimo on Highway 19A, passing through the coastal communities until you reach the Buckley Bay turnoff.
Road Conditions: Both highways are well-maintained, but check for construction or delays, especially during busy summer months. Highway 19 is quicker, while 19A offers stunning ocean views—pick based on your mood!
2. Arrive at Buckley Bay Landmark: The Buckley Bay turnoff is just north of Fanny Bay, a small community along the route.
Directions: Whether you’re on Highway 19 or 19A, take the exit at Buckley Bay and follow the signs to the Denman-Hornby ferry terminal. From Highway 19, this is Exit 101, leading you onto Buckley Bay Road for about 1.1 km (2 minutes) to the dock. Tip: The terminal is easy to spot with clear signage, so you won’t miss it.
3. Ferry to Denman Island Ferry Details: Board the Buckley Bay, BC - Denman Island, BC ferry for a quick 10-minute ride across Baynes Sound to Denman Island.
Schedule: Ferries run hourly, but it’s smart to check the latest timetable on the BC Ferries website for exact times and any service updates.
Experience: The short crossing offers beautiful views of the coastal landscape—keep your camera ready! Travel Time: Including wait time, plan for about 25 minutes total from Buckley Bay to stepping onto Denman Island.
4. Continuing to Hornby Island (Optional): If Hornby Island is your final destination, here’s what to do next: From the Denman Island ferry terminal, drive along Denman Road and East Road to Gravelly Bay on the island’s eastern side. (Distance: About 11.4 km. Travel Time: 10-15 minutes).
Details: The drive is short and straightforward, passing through Denman’s quiet, rural charm. Catch the Denman Island, BC - Hornby Island, BC ferry from Gravelly Bay to Shingle Spit on Hornby Island. It’s another 10-minute ride. Check the BC Ferries website for current times, as departures align with the Buckley Bay ferry to minimize waits. Travel Time Including wait time, budget around 25 minutes for this leg. From Shingle Spit, follow Shingle Spit Road to your destination on Hornby Island. Distance: About 10.8 km. Travel Time: Roughly 14 minutes. Details: You’ll wind through Hornby’s laid-back island vibe to reach spots like Tribune Bay or Helliwell Provincial Park.

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Accommodations

Both islands offer cozy options for your stay:
Denman Island: Choose from resorts or charming bed & breakfasts (B&Bs).
Hornby Island: Relax at resorts catering to island visitors. For more details or to book, call Denman/Hornby Tourist Services at 250-335-1642.

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Kayaking Essentials

Before you hit the water, here’s what you need to know:
Tidal Reference Port: Point Atkinson is your go-to for tide planning.
Weather and Sea Conditions: Check references for Chrome Island and the Strait of Georgia to stay informed.
Prevailing Winds: Expect winds typically from the northwest or southeast.
Pack essential safety gear like personal flotation devices (PFDs), sprayskirts, pumps, whistles, paddlefloats, charts, and spare paddles. For longer trips, a VHF radio and GPS can be handy, though they’re not always necessary for shorter, easier paddles.

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Wildlife and Other Notes

While paddling around Hornby, you might hear about Virginia opossums, a non-native marsupial introduced over 20 years ago. These prolific breeders eat songbirds and small mammals and often rummage through garbage and compost piles. Described as “cute, cat-sized rats with long tails and sharp teeth,” they’re a quirky part of the island’s ecosystem—though not everyone finds them charming!

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Vancouver Island Activities

Rivtow Lion Diving

If you are making a checklist of diving places on Vancouver Island, make sure it includes the Rivtow Lion Diving zone. Rivtow Lion was a ship that was sunk on purpose, and through the years, it has changed into an artificial cliff and a favourable destination for diving. Photography enthusiasts can find the inner sceneries of the ship charming to be a subject for their cameras.

Camping in Pachena Bay Campground

Make the best of your journey on Vancouver Island by camping in one of the possibly best campgrounds on the southwest of Vancouver Island. Pachena Bay Campground offers a quiet private campsite for those who want to get away from the bustle in towns. Not to mention the beautiful, clean, and sandy beach in which you are provided with every possible fun opportunity.

China Beach Storm Watching

The chance of storm-watching on China Beach is something that happens once in a lifetime. This beautiful sandy beach is warm even during cold weather. Powerful winds and pounding waves make the place attractive for storm watching. Big swells in China Beach offer excellent surfing. Also, natural features add up to the beauty of this beach, such as the breathtaking view of the ocean.

Port Renfrew Surfing

Take one step into the path of travelling, and next, you find yourself miles away from home. While you are exploring the adventure center of North America, do not forget to check out one of the world's most beautiful coastlines. Port Renfrew, aka The Jewel of the West Coast, is one of the hot spots for windsurfing and surfing. Enclosed by majestic mountains and trees, the town is where you can have fun doing recreational activities.

Fair Harbour Kayaking

Give rewards to yourself for working hard all week and plan to visit Fair Harbour to kill kayaking opportunities. Fair Harbour is an oceanic kayaking zone with all the necessary equipment to surf the water. Besides, you can find great recreational locations around and check all the activities on your to-do list.

Camping in the Strathcona Provincial Park Campground

As the oldest provincial park on the island, Strathcona Provincial Park Campground will be a memorable wilderness adventure. Every day you spend on this beautiful campground is a different new day, for you can experience any adventure and never get sick of it. As a hot spot for camping, you are given a chance to choose the setting of your campsite.

Gabriola Passage Diving

Hope to have a great adventure and do not fear new experiences. One of the best diving spots near Nanaimo downtown, accessible by both beach and ferries, offers a fantastic diving opportunity not to be forgotten easily. The mighty currents with great drifting experience increase the amazement of diving.

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Big swells and harsh waves have made this quiet, beautiful beach a hot spot for storm watchers and surfers. So., let your journey lead you to Wickaninnish Beach, where you can meet your expectations of adventure and fun. It's a big beach for wandering on with a nice and long curving view. Wickaninnish Beach is a kid-friendly beach with high chances of observing diverse sea life. Then, do not miss it for the world.

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Lead an adventurous life and get on the road to experience new adventures. Wickaninnish Beach welcomes surfers from all around the world, and this beautiful sandy beach is a great place to forget about all the bills and responsibilities. If you are looking for more reasons that justify Wickaninnish Beach's superiority for surfers, you may consider the lack of rocks with barnacles.

Victoria Kayaking and Canoeing

Victoria offers endless kayaking and canoeing opportunities, whether you have the expertise or not. It is the gateway to world-class paddling in which various wildlife and birdlife exist. But the adventure doesn't stop there; you can do any activity you imagine, and consequently, Victoria is the paradise of paddles for those who enjoy having more exciting excursions besides kayaking and canoeing.

Denman and Hornby Island Kayaking:

Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park-Denman Island

This marine park is a paradise for wildlife lovers, featuring Seal Islets and Sandy Island (also called Tree Island). It’s home to a large population of birds and butterflies, and at low tide year-round, you can walk from Denman to Sandy Island—a unique treat!
Difficulty: Novice
Travel Time: Full day to multiple days
Distance: 10 km (6.3 mi) one way from Denman ferry dock
Launch Sites:
1.Denman Ferry Dock (Vancouver Island side): A gravel beach where you can drive almost to the water’s edge, with plenty of long-term parking.
2.Fillongley Provincial Park: From the ferry terminal, head east on Denman Road, turn left onto Swan Road, then right onto Beadnell Road. 3.Mabel Road: A short road just southeast of Fillongley Park’s border.
Other Options: Union Bay (16 km/10 mi north of Fanny Bay on Highway 19A) or Scott and Chrisman Roads (long, steep trails off Northwest Road, west from the Denman ferry terminal).
Camping: Sandy Island offers walk-in campsites only, with no reservations required. Get more info at www.discovercamping.ca.
Warning: Watch out for combined wind and current in Lambert Channel between Hornby and Denman, which can make paddling trickier.

Fillongley Provincial Park Area-Denman Island

Little Tribune Bay and Tribune Bay-Hornby Island

Helliwell Provincial Park-Hornby Island

Camping on Hornby Island

Paddling Experience to Denman and Hornby Islands

Our paddlers, shared their memorable trip to Denman, giving you a firsthand look at what to expect.

Outbound Journey:

Our paddlers launched from the Denman ferry dock at 4:30 p.m., timing it with the flood tide. Before setting off, they popped into Abraxas Books & Gifts in Denman Village. Paddling under the ferry wharf startled some pigeons, and a ferry worker checked their safety gear (PFDs, sprayskirts, pumps, whistles, paddlefloats, charts, spare paddles, VHF radio, and GPS—though the last two weren’t needed for this easy paddle). They glided past farmed oyster beds in shallow, calm water with plenty of beaches to land on. After rounding Denman Point, they hit headwinds and choppy seas, passing a coastline dotted with coves, some houses and farms, but mostly natural forest. The scenery was breathtaking, with snow on the mountains behind Union Bay even in mid-July. Near Henry Bay and Longbeak Point, the wind picked up, but the water stayed manageable. The final stretch to Sandy Island was slow going due to the wind, but they arrived to find an “incredibly beautiful” island bustling with other kayakers and a group of sea cadets from Comox, who were polite and entertaining. They saw bald eagles, marine birds (possibly Bonaparte’s gulls), and a small seal near the island. Our kayakers camped on a sandy site near driftwood furniture, and some even pitched their tents partly on the beach near a large Douglas fir, using a tarp for a sand-free spot.

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Camping on Sandy Island:

The campsite was huge, so the sea cadets’ chatter (quiet by 9:30 p.m.) didn’t disturb them. Sheltered from the wind, which seemed to die down at dusk, they fell asleep to the gentle lapping of waves, wondering if the cadets would wake them with a trumpet at 6 a.m. Instead, an eagle’s cry jolted them awake at 5 a.m., just 15 m (50 ft) above their tent. By 5:30, they’d heard more eagle cries, a squabble between the eagle and crows, and spotted a second eagle. Our kayakers grabbed their camera for a walk, snapping photos of the eagle’s white head glowing in the morning sun.

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Morning and Return Trip:

After breakfast at 7 a.m., they packed up, visited with neighboring kayakers, and waited as the rising tide nearly launched their boats for them. Paddling back, the wind was in their favor. They crossed to Longbeak Point, drifting past an eagle on a tall post in the sand and a hawk on a low rock at the water’s edge—smaller than a red-tailed hawk but not quite a northern goshawk or Cooper’s hawk, an unusual spot for such a bird. Near Denman Point, they misjudged a submerged sandbar and had to push their boats over it, but escaped with no serious scratches. With the wind at their backs and a minor current helping, the 10-km return took just 1 hour and 40 minutes—almost an hour faster than the trip out. They noted the 10-km distance as perfect for most paddlers, offering exercise without being too tough.

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Exploring Fillongley:

Back at the launch site, they loaded their boats onto their Toyota and drove across Denman to explore the northeast coast between Fillongley Provincial Park and Gravelly Bay ferry dock. They’d heard Lambert Channel could have current and wind funneling through, but this area was recommended for its shallow beaches and protection from southerly and westerly winds. Parking at Fillongley’s day-use lot, they ate a hearty lunch, launched from the park, and paddled the coast. The views toward the mainland and Hornby were scenic, though houses crowded the park’s southern boundary. Gary called it a “nice spot” and plans to return with family for more camping and kayaking.

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What you Can Expect to See Near

Tahsis

Tahsis is an accessway to many hiking trails. This village municipality is situated at the top of the steep-sided Tahsis Inlet and is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife. Some of the best water activities like ocean kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, recreational fishing or sport fishing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are popular.

Sutton Range

The Sutton Range is a group of mountains and a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges that form the greater Insular Mountains. The amazing rock formation and alpine scale make the mountains within the range perfect for climbing. While you're atop Sutton Peak, Victoria Peak, Warden Peak, and mainland coast mountains are within your sight.

Sophia Range

The Sophia Range is a low small group of mountains on Nootka Island. Visiting the range would be fascinating overlooking inlets. The spectacular sights of the hills wrapped in trees ornamented with beautiful wildlife and birds are amazing while ascending. The range and the nearby park are a wealth of outdoor activities as paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Artlish Caves

As it is said, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Did you know it takes a long process for a cave to be created? Artlish Caves is no exception. It is the largest active river cave in Canada, and the running water is why these series of caves were carved out from the ground, which is still happening. While you are inside the caves, sharpen your eyes to find bats, spiders, and other creatures in the darkness.

Coral Cave

If you desire to search for hidden parts of nature to discover exciting facts, Coral Cave is a suitable option. Before stepping into it, you need to have caving skills. The beauty of the cave is doubled by the stunning rainforest that surrounded the entrance. While you are inside, you may see the flooded parts of the cave. Let's get into it to find more and realize the time effect for thousands or millions of years.

Thanksgiving Cave

Devote more time, get a challenging goal for yourself, and pack your equipment. It is time to face the longest and deepest cave on Vancouver Island, Thanksgiving Cave. Caving inside this mostly tight and beautiful cave is not a beginner's suitable exploration, but for an expert caver, the adventurers' rush worth any trouble. If you are a beginner, don't worry. Tahsis is the caving capital of Canada, so you have different chances nearby.

Upana Caves

Going deep into the forest is worthy enough to visit the stunning Upana Caves. Listen to the sound of a river passing by and detect several entrances with the famous one behind the spectacular Upana Caves Waterfall. Inside entrances, you may find birds' nests. Watch the evidence of years of existence by holes like the one in cheese. The stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be incredible.

Genevieve Range

The Genevieve Range offers a fascinating tour within Nootka Island with spectacular sights for mountaineers. The range's area is a remote paradise for those seeking peace and seclusion. While ascending peaks, the range allows breath-taking sights of the ocean, enormous trees below your feet covering hills along with lakes and creeks dotted the area and plenty of wildlife.

Haihte Range

The Haihte Range overlooking Tahsis and Zeballos is home to some of the largest remaining glaciers on Vancouver Island. It experiences many cloudy days due to being close to the coast. The high terrain, including long aesthetic lines, is perfect for skiing at the lower glacier shelves, and visitors would enjoy excellent alpine climbing at jagged spires along the main ridge.

Best Time to Kayak Around Denman and Hornby Islands

This table reworks the original West Coast Trail table to reflect kayaking conditions around Denman and Hornby Islands.
Weather Conditions: Summer months (June-September) are the prime paddling season on Vancouver Island’s east coast, with July and August being the warmest and driest. May and September see more rain and cooler temperatures, consistent with the region’s climate.

Kayaking Accessibility: The book implies that Denman and Hornby’s routes, like Fillongley and Tribune Bay, are accessible year-round but optimal in summer due to calmer seas . Spring runoff and fall storms are inferred as potential challenges.

Considerations: Peak season aligns with tourism trends (July-August), increasing demand for resources. Shoulder months (May, September) offer solitude but require readiness for weather changes.

Month	Weather Conditions	Trail Accessibility	Considerations
May	Variable; cooler temperatures with increased rainfall.	Routes open; some areas may have stronger currents from spring runoff.	Less crowded; prepare for wet conditions and potential wind shifts.
June	Mild temperatures; moderate rainfall.	Most routes operational, with calmer waters in bays.	More kayakers arrive; moderate weather makes it a good balance of comfort and quiet.
July	Warmer temperatures; drier conditions.	All routes accessible, with calm seas in most areas.	Peak season; higher demand for rentals and tours—book early.
August	Warm temperatures; drier conditions.	All routes accessible; excellent for longer trips.	Peak season continues; plan for crowds and monitor afternoon winds.
September	Cooling temperatures; increased rainfall.	Routes open; early fall storms may affect outer areas.	Fewer paddlers; variable weather requires flexibility and preparation.

Month

Weather Conditions

Trail Accessibility

Considerations

May

Variable; cooler temperatures with increased rainfall.

Routes open; some areas may have stronger currents from spring runoff.

Less crowded; prepare for wet conditions and potential wind shifts.

June

Mild temperatures; moderate rainfall.

Most routes operational, with calmer waters in bays.

More kayakers arrive; moderate weather makes it a good balance of comfort and quiet.

July

Warmer temperatures; drier conditions.

All routes accessible, with calm seas in most areas.

Peak season; higher demand for rentals and tours—book early.

August

Warm temperatures; drier conditions.

All routes accessible; excellent for longer trips.

Peak season continues; plan for crowds and monitor afternoon winds.

September

Cooling temperatures; increased rainfall.

Routes open; early fall storms may affect outer areas.

Fewer paddlers; variable weather requires flexibility and preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kayaking On Denman and Hornby Islands

What is the best time of year to kayak around Denman and Hornby Islands?

The ideal time to kayak around Denman and Hornby Islands is during the summer months, from June to September, when weather conditions are mild, temperatures are warmer, and the seas are generally calmer. July and August are the peak months, offering the driest and warmest weather, which enhances visibility and comfort on the water. May and September are also viable, with fewer paddlers, though you’ll need to prepare for cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. Always monitor marine weather forecasts, as winds can pick up, especially in exposed areas.