Tribune Bay Park Recreation Enhancements

After almost three years of talking, learning and engaging about Tribune Bay Park and the proposed recreation enhancements, BC Parks is excited to share some updates!

During the engagement process, BC Parks heard how much people love visiting and camping at Tribune Bay, but that many would prefer a less crowded camping experience and that some improvements to the facilities would be appreciated. We also heard about issues with the capacity of the ferry system and congestion on the island as well as concerns about water use and water scarcity in the summer months. Professional assessments have highlighted the site’s cultural, ecological and hydrological features as key values for protection. The layout has been designed to consider the detailed information from these site-specific assessments and reduce impacts to vegetation, wildlife, hydrology, and cultural values. .

Considering the various opportunities and constraints of the newly-acquired properties, BC Parks has developed a concept plan for the enhancement of recreation opportunities at Tribune Bay Park, that includes the following features:

• A similar overall number of campsites as offered previously with a reduced density of campsites in the existing campground by developing additional sites on the other lands;
• An improved variety of camping opportunities and associated amenities (including walk-in/bike-in camping, park-beside camping and bunkies) with an emphasis on promoting sustainable tourism and car-free travel options;
• Park features, trails and camping options that are accessible to British Columbians of all ages and abilities;
• A new connector trail through the forest providing a safe and accessible route from the campground and community amenities to the beach.

Please see the “Documents and Maps” and “FAQs” section for more details.

Do you have a question about the project? Please let us know in the Question box below.

Background: In November 2021, the Province completed the purchase of two private properties on Hornby Island adjacent to Tribune Bay Park. The two properties were purchased with the goal of adding them to the park system to ensure recreational opportunities and other park values are protected in perpetuity.

Property A is the existing private Tribune Bay Campground, 3.25 hectares (8.03 acres) in size, which operated with approximately 135 campsites. The campground has been in continuous operation for decades.

Property B is a 6.35 hectare (15.7 acre) forested parcel that borders the existing park, featuring ~142m (465’) of beach frontage.

In addition, BC Parks is proposing to add the foreshore (area including the beach and a small marine area) in front of Property B to the park. Most of the foreshore in Tribune Bay is already within the park. BC Parks is considering adding this area to protect ecosystem values and to manage use so all visitors and campers can have a safe and enjoyable experience at Tribune Bay.

Adding the existing campground and the adjacent forested property to the park will help support and accommodate the growing public pressure for recreation and camping while managing for important values, including local use and nature appreciation.

The campground will not be fully integrated into the BC Parks system until consultation, engagement, planning and designation processes are complete. Tribune Bay Campground is currently operated by a private campground operator. Please refer to the Tribune Bay Campground website for up-to-date information on the campground and reservations.