A popular tourist destination, Hornby Island is a very attractive place because of its mild climate, beautiful natural environment, and strong community roots.
The Beaufort Mountain Range on Vancouver Island shelters Hornby Island, giving it one of the best climates in all of Canada, where gardens flourish in warm, dry, sunny summers and mild winters. The winter rains set the stage for an incredible variety of year-round plant life and compensates for the dry summer season.
The warm summer months grace the area with perfect temperatures for outdoor fun in the sun and contribute greatly to the reputation that Hornby has earned as possibly the best place in Canada to garden. Whatever the season, Hornby Island's mild weather makes it the perfect place to buy land, whether for family living, farming or as a getaway retreat.
Many people discover Hornby Island while on vacation. They are amazed by its beauty and find it a hard place to forget due to its lush rain forest ecosystem and gorgeous white sandy beaches. Many of those vacationers have a hard time returning to their city lives and opt instead, to purchase Hornby Island real estate and call it home. Indeed, the natural beauty of Hornby Island is unsurpassed.
If you need convincing, just visit the incredible bluffs at Helliwell Provincial Park. The view of Vancouver Island and the mainland snow-capped mountains is spectacular. While you stroll alongside the ancient and rare Garry oak trees, you just might catch a view of Orca whales, sea lions, or majestic bald eagles, all common to the area.
If you prefer beaches to bluffs, the short drive to Tribune Bay Provincial Park will deliver you to one of the finest white sand beaches in the country. Swimming at Tribune Bay in the summer is the closest you can get to a tropical Canadian experience.
The waters around Hornby are known worldwide by the diving community. The rare and placid six-gilled shark takes up residence here, as do many other unique and beautiful species of fish and whales. The fishing in the area is incredibly rewarding, particularly in the late summer and fall when the salmon are biting.
For hiking, cycling, swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, power boating and fishing nothing beats Hornby. The beauty of the natural environment of Hornby Island makes it an incredible real estate value.
The number of people who live on Hornby Island fluctuates greatly throughout the year. The winter population of approximately 1000 residents is comprised of well-known artists and artisans, drawn by the free spirit and beauty of the island, as well as professionals, trades people, families, students, retired couples and more.
Together, the residents form a strong community with roots in neighborly values, environmentalism and the "co-operative mentality". Hornby Island is a small place, where people know their neighbors. Whether you are seeking a community to participate in or are looking for a place of private solace, Hornby Island's relaxed pace makes it the perfect place to buy real estate.
In the summer months the population increases to nearly 5000 people with the arrival of tourists, boaters using Fords Cove Marina, summer cottagers and other visitors. Vacation home rental services are provided through Frances Milan at
Wind and Waves Property Management. Frances has enjoyed vast experience and success in finding vacation properties for off island visitors during their stay on Hornby Island. Frances is always eager to show visitors Hornby Island hospitality and the amazing selection of retreats, cottages, cabins and other Hornby Island vacation homes available for rent. She knows Hornby Island and she knows the people. Other services offered include home maintenance and home security checks for off-island property owners. To contact Frances, please feel free to visit her website call Frances at her home office on Carmichael Road at (250)335-0968.
Despite the rural nature of Hornby, it should also be noted that there is no sacrifice when it comes to amenities and services. Just about anything you need is available on-island, and almost anything else can be imported by the ferry or the local courier service.
There is a Credit Union branch that is open 3 days a week. The Island's RE/MAX office is open daily, and ready to serve your real estate needs, at the Hornby Island Resort. The Hornby Island Resort, located just by the ferry landing, also houses an oceanfront pub and restaurant that offers a varied menu accompanied by excellent beers and live music. The long-standing Friday night live jazz performances have become something of a tradition on Hornby and are not to be missed.
Other amenities include a beautifully designed Community Hall, a regional library, and a Co-op grocery/hardware store and gas station, all located in the bustling heart of Hornby Island. Jan's Cafe and an artist's marketplace are also in the "downtown" area and contribute a festive feel to the shopping experience.
The Hornby Island School goes up to grade 7, after which older students are bussed to and from Courtenay to attend high school. The island also has doctor and dentist's offices and a Volunteer Fire Department that is always on call. All building trades are available for hire and Hornby Island architects are renowned for their brilliant designs that incorporate sound construction methods and natural landscapes, creating unique West Coast-style homes.
With all this and more, the Agents at RE/MAX The Islands are sure that you'll find Hornby Island a magical place - both to visit and ideally suited to satisfy your quest for prime, West Coast real estate. If you have any questions about Hornby Island real estate, do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to introducing you to the beautiful and pristine "Jewel of the Gulf": Hornby Island!
