HOTNESS AT HORNBY

I'm highly aware that this is not a travel blog . . . But if you have not yet been to Hornby Island, I feel somewhat compelled to inform you of its awesomeness. Its own little oasis, Hornby Island is Vancouver Island's Hawaii.

It's an hour's drive from Nanaimo (or 45 minutes from Cedar if you drive like I do).

Once you get to Buckley Bay you take your first ferry to Denman Island and then another to Hornby Island. It may sound a little arduous but it's really not. Taking those ferries can actually be kind of fun!

The people are amazing on Hornby, so friendly and welcoming. During the year about 1,000 people inhabit the island - but in the summer that number jumps to about 4,000.

So many artists, artisans, jewelers, potters (you name it!) have open studios there. Many of them also show their work at the Hornby Island Farmer's Market (every Wednesday and Saturday from 10am - 2pm).

They say Tribune Bay (the main beach on Hornby) has some of the warmest ocean waters in BC. And if you're into "clothing optional" beaches, you can take a little trip around the corner to Little Tribune Bay . . .

Helliwell Provincial Park is honestly one of the most breathtaking places I have ever been to.

Hornby Island style certainly didn't disappoint either . . . I think today's photos really epitomize everything fun and cool about West Coast style.

The bluffs are crazy! That's my mom posing for my camera across the cliff. (The above photos of Helliwell did not even come near any editing software!)

Go for pizza at the Cardboard Bakery, watch the sunset, bask in the sun on Tribune, walk in Helliwell, shop in the Free Store, do absolutely nothing at all . . . While loving every second of it.

The Hornby Island Festival starts this Saturday July 31st and goes until August 9th - so what a perfect time to get up there!