Canada's 'Hawaii Of The North' Is A Stunning Island Full Of Trails, Beaches, And Forests

Canada and Hawaii aren't usually directly compared as vacation destinations. When you think of Canada, you probably don't picture white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and lazy days under the sun. Traditionally, people choose Canadian destinations for winter getaways or wild adventure rather than sun-drenched relaxation. But although Canada's gorgeous mountains and parks are ideal for outdoor recreation, our charming neighbor to the north has plenty more to offer than just snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

Nicknamed "Little Hawaii" or the "Hawaii of the North," Hornby is one of Canada's most delightful hidden gems. A tiny island just off the coast of British Columbia, it boasts unusually warm weather for the region, some staggeringly beautiful beaches, and rolling, mountainous landscapes covered in lush, verdant forests that fully justify the tropical paradise comparisons.

Hornby is one of Canada's Gulf Islands, which lie in the Salish Sea, nestled inbetween Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia. Together with Denman Island, Hornby is one of the most northwesterly of the Gulf Islands and is a relatively remote spot, which contributes to its charm. The quickest and easiest way to get there is by plane, arriving at Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) which is just half an hour away by car and ferry. The drive from Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the nearest major hub, takes around five hours. That includes a ferry across the Salish Sea to Nanaimo, a ferry from Vancouver Island to Denman, and a final ferry from Denman to Hornby. For a more extravagant way to arrive, visitors can choose from a selection of private boat charters or even a seaplane!

Locals say this little slice of heaven floated up from the south thousands of years ago. It is easy to see why people compare its stretches of sand to the best beaches of Hawaii, and it is well worth spending some time exploring the many beaches. Tribune Bay is probably the most popular and well-known spot, a sweeping half-mile curve of sugar-soft, ivory-white sand sloping gently into crystal-clear, turquoise water. It genuinely looks like something plucked straight from the Caribbean! The rugged sandstone rock formations that divide the bay add an element of dramatic beauty to the view, as well as separating the main beach, Big Tribune, from the unofficial nudist section of Little Tribune. Thanks to the unusual microclimate the island enjoys, the weather is far better than most other spots in B.C., and the water is surprisingly warm.

More stunning sandstone rock formations can be found at Ford's Cove, which is a great place to get out on the water by boat, canoe, or kayak and drink in the natural beauty of the coastline. And while the beach here isn't as impressive, there are some excellent rocks for diving off that make it a great swimming spot as well. Other beaches on the island, like Mushroom Beach, Sandpiper Beach, and Fossil Beach, are rather more rugged and less akin to Hawaii but still excellent places to discover.

For fans of shelling, Pebble Beach and Whaling Station Bay are treasure troves. Pebble Beach is covered in smooth stones of all shapes, sizes, and colors, with pinpricks of sea glass scattered here and there, while Whaling Station Bay serves up sand dollars, shells, and even a few fossils for the sharp-eyed collector.

A huge highlight of Hornby is its fabulous hiking trails. Boasting both shaded, picturesque forest paths and stunning, perilous clifftop treks, it is a hiker's dream. Helliwell Provincial Park is one of the most spectacular spots, and the Helliwell Bluffs Loop takes you on a magnificent 3-mile walk along the top of the high cliffs and through old-growth Douglas fir and Garry oak forests. Expect glorious views across the Georgia Strait to the Coast Mountains on the mainland.

It is also a superb place for wildlife lovers, and, for a small island, boasts a surprisingly large selection of creatures. In the forests, you'll discover tree frogs, silk moths, and deer. In the skies, you will find eagles, guillemots, Canada geese, purple martins, and even hummingbirds. But it is in the sea where the most exciting wildlife can be found, from the tiny (starfish, jellyfish, herring, and sea cucumbers) to the vast (elephant seals, sea lions, orcas, dolphins, and whales). If you are feeling brave, you can even dive with six-gilled sharks for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Even if you aren't feeling the great outdoors, there's still plenty to enjoy on the island. Hornby has a reputation as a haven for artists and creatives, and there are loads of small galleries and studios to discover, like the Wayne Ngan Studio, the Jeffrey Rubinoff Sculpture Park, or Sarah Leckie's ceramics studio. It is also a great place to eat and drink, with plenty of excellent restaurants, farms, wineries, and even a mead brewery.