One of my favourite places in Southwest BC is Hornby Island. It’s an incredible spot to visit—perfect for exploring, sightseeing, and unwinding. A place I find myself returning to over and over is Heron Rocks, located just south of the Heron Rocks Co-op Campground.

For anyone into abstract photography, this place is a goldmine. The tafoni rock formations, sculpted by years of wind and waves, are fascinating but can be tricky to photograph. At low tide, the shoreline transforms, revealing a maze of rock formations stretching from Ford’s Cove along a narrow rocky bank into Heron Rocks, where the formations become even more dramatic. It’s the place that can keep a nature photographer busy for hours.

Spring is when the area comes to life. The herring run draws in dozens of bald eagles, seals, and even whales, all competing in an incredible display of nature at work. By late April, the shoreline is dotted with wildflowers, including striking blue camas, adding more visual interest to the stunning landscape.

If you visit, park in the designated visitor area and avoid entering the private campground without permission. Heron Rocks is one of those rare places that catches beautiful first light in the morning and, in the late season, some stunning evening glow as well. The short path to Heron Rocks leads from a small parking lot at the entrance to the campground. To get to the campground, take the dirt road from Central Road. The distance from the paved road to the parking area is about 500m. Alternatively, visitors can park at Fords Cove, walk around the marina to the shoreline, and follow the shoreline for roughly 1km.