B.C. island park with tropical beach vibes is getting a massive $6.6 million upgrade
A B.C. park that is a popular destination for adventure seekers will soon be home to a vast new campsite with several upgrades in the works.
The Ministry of Environment and Parks recently announced that construction has begun on the first phase of the Tribune Bay campground redevelopment on Hornby Island.
The formerly private campground near the shores of the namesake bay will be redesigned as part of a multi-million-dollar project that began when BC Parks acquired two properties in 2021 to expand Tribune Bay Provincial Park.
Hornby Island Outdoors
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“The upgraded campground will include a variety of accommodations, such as pull-through and back-in sites, electrified and non-electrified sites, and small, basic cabins,” said the Ministry of Environment and Parks in a release.
“New pit toilets and a new accessible shower building are also part of the $6.6-million project, along with more than 5,000 new plants to improve biodiversity, privacy and stormwater management.”
The Ministry said that the redesign is aimed at providing the space, privacy and amenities that guests expect when camping at BC Parks sites.
BC Parks will also replace the aging picnic shelter in the day-use area during the project, with a Phase 1 construction completion date targeted for May 2026.
BC Parks
Tribune Bay on Hornby Island is nicknamed “Little Hawaii,” with fine white sand and crystal-clear shallow waters.
“Here, shallow waters meet near tropical temperatures during the summer, and the bay is considered to be one of the warmest saltwater swimming areas in B.C.,” said BC Parks online.
The current Tribune Bay campground has approximately 120 sites. According to the ministry, approximately 40 campsites will be relocated to a different area of the B.C. park in winter 2027, though an exact location has not yet been determined.
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The Ministry is warning that temporary closures of the beach trail and the outdoor education centre are expected during construction, though alternative access to the beach will remain in place.
Public engagement for Phase 2 is expected to begin this fall, with planning continuing into spring 2026. Construction of the next phase in the B.C. park is planned to begin in the fall.
“There has been extensive public outreach and consultation with First Nations about the proposed redevelopment to ensure it honours the site’s values and unique character of Hornby Island,” added the Ministry of Environment and Parks.