Tribune Bay Park Recreation Enhancements

SPRING 2026 UPDATE

Upgrades to Tribune Bay campground

BC Parks is pleased to announce that the upgraded Tribune Bay Campground will reopen on June 10th, 2026. Visitors will be able to reserve campsites directly through camping.bcparks.ca starting at 7 am on April 21, 2026 for the whole camping season. Visitors can expect significant improvements that enhance comfort, accessibility, and the overall camping experience.

MAY 2026 UPDATE: BC Parks is pleased to share that Tribune Bay Campground will open for two limited weekends in advance of the scheduled season opening on June 10. Select areas of the campground will open for camping on the following weekends:

Thursday, May 28 to Sunday, May 31, 2026
Thursday, June 4 to Sunday, June 7, 2026

Reservations for these two weekends will be available to book on May 25 at 7 am on camping.bcparks.ca.

For stays prior to June 10th, visitors should anticipate some minor disruptions during their stay, including intermittent noise, minor construction activity, and maintenance operations. BC Parks and its contractors will make every effort to minimize impacts while completing the campground rebuild. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as these important improvements are finalized, and we look forward to welcoming campers back to Hornby Island.

The full campground will open on June 10, 2026

What’s new

A wider range of campsite options, such as 66 pull-through and back-in sites, including 24 electrified sites, and 9 accessible basic cabins
New universally accessible pit toilets, roads, campsites, cabins, and pay shower facilities
More than 5,000 new native plants to improve privacy, stormwater management and biodiversity as they grow
Improved access from the campground to the beach
A new accessible campground playground
A new picnic shelter in the day use area for the community and visitors to enjoy

New Policies for 2026

No wood-burning campfires

This season, wood-burning campfires are prohibited to ensure cleaner air for visitors and reduce wildfire risk. Propane fires are still allowed.

UPCOMING ADDITIONAL CAMPSITES AND AMENITIES

The next phase of work will focus on developing the remaining campsites and amenities in a new area of the park. Planning for the next phase of work has been extended to more fully explore all potential options. More information, including public engagement opportunities, will be shared in Fall 2026, with construction anticipated for 2027.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Tribune Bay Campground and will continue to share updates as additional planning and design progress.

Image of camping options at Tribune Bay Park

In 2021, BC Parks acquired two properties to expand Tribune Bay Park on Hornby Island. Since then, BC Parks has been creating a long-term plan for the new park areas, as well as improvements to the existing park. The expanded park will protect additional lands and offer opportunities to enhance natural, cultural, and recreational values at the park.

The park improvements include:

A similar overall number of campsites as previously offered with a reduced density of campsites in the existing campground by developing additional sites in other areas of the park where development is consistent with other park values; and,
Enhancing the park's existing facilities for an improved visitor experience, including accessibility and day-use upgrades.

Planning has included a focus on topics such as:

Understanding ecological values on the site and how to protect these values using best management practices, as well as enhancing ecological values through invasive plant management and planting native species;
Providing outdoor recreation opportunities for British Columbians of all ages and abilities;
Understanding the land and Indigenous history; and
Supporting sustainable tourism opportunities.

There has been consultation with First Nations and engagement with the public and stakeholders throughout the process.

Building on the information gathered through professional site assessments as well as conversations with the community, BC Parks has prepared a design for park improvements that includes:

Understanding and protecting sensitive ecological values including wetlands and watercourses;
Preserving areas with mature tree cover where possible;
Upgrading trails to enhance access to the shoreline and protect ecological and cultural values;
Redesigning entry points to the park to reduce congestion; and,
Providing a range of campsite options including walk-in sites, vehicle campsites and bunkies (sleeping shelters), while keeping the overall number of sites the same.

Photos

Typical back-in campsite

Example campsite

Example pull through campsite

Front view of bunkie (small cabin)

Example bunkie cabin

New picnic shelter in day-use area

Path to beach at Tribune Bay Park

Beach in Tribune Bay

High tide line in front of Parcel B

Documents and Maps

Concept Development

Assessments, Reports and Maps

Management Direction

FAQs

What changes are being made at Tribune Bay Park?

What can I expect in the new campground?

What ecological values exist in the park and how are they being protected?

How has BC Parks consulted with the community and broader public on this project?

Will there be any First Come First Serve sites available?

What do the basic cabins entail?

How many electrified campsites will the new campground have?

Are there any double campsites in the new campground?

I hear the Co-op store is under construction for summer 2026. What can I expect?

Timeline

Timeline item 1 - complete

Phase 1: Early Engagement

Prior to initiating a public engagement process for the two new properties, BC Parks consulted with Indigenous Nations and community partners.
Timeline item 2 - complete

Phase 2: Public Engagement and Assessments

BC Parks assessed the archaeological and ecological features of the two newly acquired properties and engaged with the community and Indigenous Nations on plans for the future management and enhancements.
Timeline item 3 - complete

Phase 3: Reporting Out

Please see Tribune Bay Park Addition - What We Heard under the Documents and Maps tab for a summary of input received through the survey and on-site community engagement opportunities.
Timeline item 4 - complete

Phase 4: Input on Draft Management Guidance

After collecting and considering feedback from partners, Indigenous Nations, stakeholders and the public, BC Parks prepared draft management guidance for the two additional properties, and a plan for moving forward.
Timeline item 5 - complete

Phase 5: Finalize Management Guidance and Develop Recreation Enhancement Plan

The conceptual plan for the proposed recreation enhancements and updated draft management guidance was shared.
Timeline item 6 - complete

Phase 6: Finalize Recreation Enhancement Plan and Issue RFP

A detailed construction plan for the existing campground was finalized, including campsite layout, invasive plant management and restoration planning. A Request for Proposals was issued for construction in Spring 2025.
Timeline item 7 - active

Phase 7: Onsite Construction

Redevelopment of the existing campground began October 1, 2025, and will be complete by the end of May, 2026. Upgrades include new amenities (shower building, playground) and improvements to campsite layout.
Timeline item 8 - active

Phase 8: Campground Reopening and Next-phase Planning

Spring/Summer 2026
Construction wraps up and the upgraded campground officially reopens in June 2026, featuring a new layout and upgraded facilities. The reservation system launches in April 2026, allowing visitors to book ahead for summer.
BC Parks continues planning and design work for the next phase of development of the remaining campsites.
Timeline item 9 - incomplete

Phase 9: Public Engagement on Additional Campsites

Fall 2026
BC Parks will conduct a new round of public engagement to gather community and visitor feedback on the design and layout of the upcoming additional campsites. Insights from this engagement will guide the final design before construction begins.
Timeline item 10 - incomplete

Phase 10: Additional Campsite Construction

2027 - TBD
Construction of the remaining campsites is expected to begin in 2027, moving capacity into another area of the park. Project updates and construction timelines will be shared on the project page as the project progresses.

Who's Listening

Park Info
General Inbox

Email: parkinfo@gov.bc.ca