One of my favourite places in southwestern BC has to be Hornby Island. It’s just one spot that feels special—whether you’re there to sightsee, take in the scenery, or slow down and enjoy the island vibe.

Helliwell Provincial Park is the real gem of Hornby. The park is home to old-growth Douglas firs, stunning wildflowers in the spring, and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot killer whales from the high cliffs. The 3-mile loop trail offers incredible views over Georgia Strait with the Coast Mountains in the distance—perfect for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, or just soaking in the raw beauty of the place. Not far from the park. Just a heads-up—camping isn’t allowed in the park, but Tribune Bay Provincial Park has options nearby.

What I love most about Helliwell is the variety. The rugged cliffs on the west side offer the occasional grand landscape shot, especially with the right light. The park also has a fair number of arbutus trees, and while they might not be the biggest, their twisting branches and peeling bark make for some fantastic abstract close-ups. Over on the east side, the woodland is a different world—lush, vibrant, and bursting with green in the spring. Come autumn, a hint of colour adds another layer of beauty.

Hornby Island is just one place that keeps calling you back—whether for the landscapes, the light, or just the chance to slow down and enjoy the island at its best.