Most people know Hornby Island for its legendary Tribune Bay—a white sand crescent that feels more Caribbean than coastal B.C. But beyond the sun-soaked beach days, there’s a quieter, more delicious side to the island that’s just waiting to be explored.
On a recent summer escape, we set out to discover the flavours and hidden gems that make Hornby truly magical. From lavender mead to cliffside hikes, here’s how we spent a few perfect days going beyond the expected.
Helliwell Bluffs to Mushroom Beach
Helliwell Park is one of Hornby’s most iconic trails—but fewer people venture all the way to Mushroom Beach. A short scramble (with the help of a little rope) leads you down to a rocky cove filled with smooth stones and tide pools. It’s a peaceful place to hunt for treasures, dip your toes in the ocean, and take in the sculpted coastline.
Sipping Views at Middle Mountain Mead
Set high above the trees, Middle Mountain Mead might just have one of the best views on the island. We sampled their botanical meads and took home a can of the Lavender Lemon “Magick Mead”, which is pre-mixed with soda water for a sparkling afternoon refresher.
Pizza, Bagels & Island History at Hornby Island Bakery & Pizzeria
This isn’t your average bakery. The owner, Jon Laskin—also a musician—is the son of the original founders of Cardboard House Bakery. We stopped in for one of their rustic, flavourful pizzas and returned the next day for a scone and bagel to fuel our hike.
Cliff Trail Hike
Hornby has an impressive network of trails. We chose the Cliff Trail, which offers sweeping views back toward the Comox Valley. The full loop took about 2.5 hours and was moderately challenging with rewarding vistas at every turn.
Low Tide at Sandpiper Beach
Sandpiper Beach turned out to be one of the most peaceful moments of the trip. At low tide, the rocks revealed their textured layers and we even spotted a kelp crab nestled in the seaweed. The soft light and stillness made for a perfect golden hour escape.
Dinner & Cocktails at The Breeze Restaurant
This spot was such a treat. We sat outside, overlooking the trees, and enjoyed an unforgettable dinner. The cocktail program is top notch—don’t miss my reel for a peek into our evening.
Saturday Market & Local Lager
We spent Saturday morning wandering the Hornby Island Farmers’ Market, chatting with makers and picking up small bites. Later that afternoon, we cooled off with a visit to Hornby Island Brewing Company—their Auspicious Lager was our standout pick.
Ford’s Cove for Sunset + Dinner
On our final night, we headed to Ford’s Cove. The sandstone formations were glowing at golden hour and we spotted a few brave swimmers jumping off the dock. We grabbed a simple, satisfying dinner from the Ford’s Cove Store & Restaurant and ate it with a front-row seat to the water.
Where We Stayed
We split our time between two lovely spots:
Woodpecker Hollow – a cozy, “friends-and-family” cabin nestled in the woods.
📍 @woodpecker_hollow_hornby
Raven’s Nook at Seabreeze Lodge – a newly completed, modern cabin with ocean views and a short walk to the beach.
📍 seabreezelodge.com/ravens-nook
Final Thoughts
Hornby Island has all the ingredients for a perfect getaway—but there’s so much more to it than Tribune Bay. Whether you’re sipping mead, hiking a hidden trail, or eating pizza under the stars, this tiny island continues to surprise and delight.
Already planning your next trip? Save this list for when you’re ready to go beyond the beach.
