Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Englishman River Regional Park
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Tribune Bay Provincial Park
Helliwell Provincial Park lies down through a rocky wood with large old-growth Douglas fir trees and a rare Oregon white oak ecosystem. The Oregon white oak meadow ecosystem is among the various microclimates in British Columbia and is taken into account in an endangered habitat.
From any point along the cliffs, the interesting sight of unimpeded marine life, the fabulous panorama of the Strait of Georgia that links up with Tribune Bay and the Coast Mountains can be watched. Ocean views, beaches, forests, and mountains all in one! You will realize that people aren't kidding when they call it the Hawaii of Canada.
Helliwell Provincial Park is located on Hornby Island's east end near Denman Island.
There are two short ferry rides from Vancouver Island to reach Hornby Island. From Highway 19, turn left to Buckley Bay Rd, where you'll find BC Ferries Buckley Bay terminal. Another 10-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 St. John's Point Rd to the park.
The nearby park is Saint Johns Point Park, which is 2 km (1.2 miles) away.
There are beaches near Helliwell Provincial Park. Mushroom Beach is the closest to the southwest and Whaling Station Bay Beach at the north of the park. Also, Tribune Bay Beach is about 3 km (1.8 miles) to the northwest.
From Victoria:
The fastest route to get to Helliwell Provincial Park is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N. It is 226 km (140 miles) and takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Drive 1. 2 km (0.7 miles) and follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Fanny Bay. Take exit 101 from BC-19 N. After 195 km (121.1 miles), turn right onto Buckley Bay Rd (signs for Union Bay/Royston). Continue 1.1 km (0.6 miles) and take the Buckley Bay, BC - Denman Island, BC ferry to Denman Island. After 2.1 km (1.3 miles), follow Denman Rd and East Rd to Denman Island, BC - Hornby Island, BC. Drive 11.4 km (7 miles) and take the Denman Island, BC - Hornby Island, BC ferry to Hornby Island. After 2 km (1.2 miles), follow Shingle Spit Rd, Central Rd and St Johns Point Rd to Helliwell Rd in Hornby Island. Drive 13.2 km (8.2 miles) more to reach the park.
From Nanaimo:
Getting to Helliwell Provincial Park from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N. The route is about 115 km (71.4 miles) and takes almost 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Take Third St to BC-19 N after 3.3 km (2 miles), follow BC-19 N to Fanny Bay. Take exit 101 from BC-19 N. Drive 82.3 km (51.1 miles) more and then turn right onto Buckley Bay Rd (signs for Union Bay/Royston). After 1.1 km (0.6 miles), take the Buckley Bay, BC - Denman Island, BC ferry to Denman Island. Drive 2.1 km (1.3 miles) more and follow Denman Rd and East Rd to Denman Island, BC - Hornby Island, BC. Take the Denman Island, BC - Hornby Island, BC ferry to Hornby Island. After 2 km (1.2 miles), follow Shingle Spit Rd, Central Rd and St Johns Point Rd to Helliwell Rd in Hornby Island. You will get to Helliwell Provincial Park after 13.2 km (8.2 miles).
"Helliwell Provincial Park Loop" or "Helliwell Park Trail"
is an easy 3.5 km (2.1 miles) trail near Comox Valley. It has an elevation gain of about 51 m (167.3 ft) and includes wildlife to see. Dogs have to be on a leash.
Helliwell Provincial Park was established in 1966. Nearby communities include Hornby and Denman islands Buckley Bay, Fanny Bay, Courtenay, and Comox Valley.
Helliwell Provincial Park is part of the tribal region of Coast Salish people. The Qualicum First Nation lives in the area.
You'll be in love with hiking on this beautiful site. Walking around through the magnificent mature Douglas fir and Garry oak forest overlooking the ocean can be interesting for all ages. This fantastic area can even motivate you to run. It is a very environmentally sensitive area, so remember to stay on the pathways for your safety and preservation.
Cycling is allowed on roadways too, but for e-bikes, it is possible to ride on the trails within Helliwell Provincial Park. And don't forget your bicycle helmet because that's mandatory in British Columbia. Kayaking and canoeing along the beach are possible. The waters in this area were rated as the second-best cold water diving destination. You can enjoy whale watching and shark identifying. Wildlife viewing is another adventure for you. Based on the BC Act, Helliwell Provincial Park is one of the protected areas on Vancouver Island, where you are not allowed to hunt.
