The ferry ride from Buckley Bay to Hornby Island takes about 10 minutes per crossing, with a total travel time of roughly 1 hour including the drive between terminals.
The ferry ride from Buckley Bay to Hornby Island takes about 10 minutes per crossing, with a total travel time of roughly 1 hour including the drive between terminals.
You’ll hop on a 10-minute ferry from Buckley Bay to Denman Island, then drive 20 km (12.4 miles) across Denman to Gravelly Bay. From there, it’s another 10-minute ferry ride to Hornby. Round-trip fares run C$7.90 for passengers and C$19 for vehicles as of 2026.
Buckley Bay Ferry Terminal sits at 49.5333° N, 124.8667° W; Hornby Island’s terminal is at 49.5167° N, 124.6167° W.
Where exactly is Hornby Island located?
Hornby Island floats in the northern Strait of Georgia, part of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands chain. Tucked between Vancouver Island and the mainland, it’s only accessible by ferry—one reason it stays so quiet and car-dependent. With 30 km² of rugged shoreline, dense forests, and sheltered bays, it’s a magnet for wildlife and a favorite escape for artists, retirees, and outdoor lovers. Its spot in the Salish Sea puts it right in a biodiversity hotspot where tidal currents feed thriving marine life and coastal ecosystems.
What’s the route breakdown and timing for the ferry trip?
| Route Segment | Distance | Time (no traffic) | Fare (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buckley Bay → Denman Island | 0 km (ferry) | 10 minutes | C$7.90 (passenger), C$19 (vehicle) |
| Denman Island → Gravelly Bay → Hornby Island | 20 km (drive) | 15–20 minutes | Included in Buckley Bay fare |
| Total trip (Buckley Bay → Hornby) | 20 km (land + sea) | ~1 hour | Varies by vehicle/passenger |
Why is Hornby Island so isolated?
Hornby’s remoteness isn’t accidental—it’s kind of the island’s whole vibe. Originally home to Coast Salish peoples, it later drew European homesteaders in the late 1800s. By the 1960s and 70s, it had become a counterculture haven, luring artists and writers with its untouched beauty and laid-back vibe. Unlike bigger Gulf Islands, Hornby never got a bridge, so it stayed peaceful. Tribune Bay, its star feature, was carved out by glaciers and is now a protected marine area. The island’s also bear- and cougar-free—a rare treat on the BC coast—and hosts over 200 bird species, from bald eagles to great blue herons.
The ferry system here is seriously impressive: the Shingle Spit–Hornby route uses one of the world’s longest cable ferries, a 258-foot boat built in 2017 to replace the old fleet. These cable ferries run on a counterweight system, using steel cables anchored to shore to pull the vessel across narrow channels—no engines needed.
How often do the ferries run, and do I need a reservation?
BC Ferries runs daily sailings year-round from Buckley Bay to Denman Island, with 18 round trips each day. The Denman–Hornby leg doesn’t require reservations, but the Buckley Bay–Denman route has limited prepaid spaces. Pay fares at the terminal (no exact change accepted—credit/debit or cash works best).
If you’re not driving, check the BC Ferries site for bus connections from Nanaimo or Comox to Buckley Bay, though schedules aren’t exactly frequent. Bikes ride free, and pets need to stay leashed. Ford’s Cove is the island’s main hub, with a general store, gas station, and a handful of cafés.
Get there 30 minutes early, especially in summer when the Denman–Hornby ferry line gets long. Tides can mess with cable ferry timing, so peek at Fisheries and Oceans Canada for real-time updates. Grassy Point is the place to be for sunset, with unobstructed views straight across the strait.
Can I take my car to Hornby Island?
Absolutely. You’ll need to drive to Vancouver Island’s Buckley Bay terminal—about an hour north of Nanaimo and 30 minutes south of Comox and Courtenay—then hop on the ferry.
Is Hornby Island worth visiting?
Honestly? It’s one of the best islands in BC, especially in summer. The extra effort to get there keeps crowds manageable, so you’ll actually enjoy the peace. If you’re wondering what to do once you arrive, there are 14 great options to fill your days.
How do you get to Hornby Island without a car?
Start at Buckley Bay Ferry Terminal for a 10-minute ferry ride to Denman Island. From there, drive 20 minutes across Denman to Gravelly Bay, then take another 10-minute ferry to Hornby. With no traffic, the whole trip takes about an hour.
Can you reserve ferry to Hornby Island?
The Denman Island East (Gravelly Bay) to Hornby Island (Shingle Spit) route doesn’t take reservations. You pay at the terminal when you travel. During peak times, scheduled sailing times might shift if they switch to shuttle mode.
How much does it cost to get from Buckley Bay to Hornby Island?
Local BC Ferries (tel. 250/386-3431) run year-round between Buckley Bay and Denman Island. The 18 daily ferry trips take 10 minutes each way, and round-trip tickets cost C$7.90 per passenger and C$19 per vehicle.
Is the Denman Island ferry free?
The dock sits on the west side of Denman Island, just south of the Denman West ferry terminal. Moorage is free for the first six hours, then charged at $1 a foot per day.
Is the Hornby Island ferry a cable ferry?
The crossing of approximately 1,900 meters is the longest cable ferry route in the world. Built by Seaspan at its Vancouver Shipyards for CAD$15 million, this 258-foot ferry carries 150 passengers and 50 vehicles.
Are there bears on Hornby Island?
You’ll see deer, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, herons, and plenty of shore birds. There are no bears, cougars, sharks, poisonous snakes, or any other creatures that could harm you on Hornby Island.
Is Denman Island worth visiting?
Denman Island, BC offers a vibrant arts scene, lively events, stunning natural beauty, and tons of opportunities for active recreation or restful relaxation. Want to explore spectacular parks, discover talented artists, or enjoy a restorative healing treatment?
How do you get from Hornby Island to Horseshoe Bay?
- Take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Nanaimo – 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Drive up to Buckley Bay – about an hour.
- Take a ferry to Denman Island – 10 minutes.
- Drive straight across the island to Gravelly Bay – 15 minutes.
- Take the final ferry to Hornby Island – 10 minutes.
Who owns Hornby Island?
The Province of BC purchased two properties for $11.2 million near Tribune Bay Provincial Park. According to a news release, the 9.6 hectares of combined land will be added to the 95-hectare park, known for its unique rock formations, sprawling white sandy beach, and warm, shallow bay.
What is Hornby Island known for?
The Magic of the Gulf
Wreathed by the waves of the Salish Sea, Hornby Island is a world of wonders: sandy beaches, lush forests, and starry skies. Many of us came for a visit and stayed for life, drawn by its strong sense of community.
Who lives on Hornby Island?
A small community of 1,016 residents (as of the 2016 census), Hornby is home to many artists, retired professionals, small business owners, remote workers, and young families who share a love of rural island life.
Where can I watch the sunset on Hornby?
Grassy Point is a fantastic spot on the island for sunset views, especially from spring to fall when the sun sets further north on the horizon.
What days do seniors ride free on BC Ferries?
- BC Services Card
- BC Driver’s Licence
- BC Identification Card
- Birth Certificate (proof of BC residency required)
How many cars fit on a BC Ferry?
Most BC Ferries carry around 358 vehicles and 2,100 passengers and crew. You’ll often see these sister ships sailing between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen.
How much of the BC Ferry is reserved?
BC Ferries has increased reservation space from 40-50% on average to 95% of the vessel. They offer free reservations on all Saver and Prepaid fares.
