Denman Island
by Marilyn Guille

From Buckley Bay, 20km (13 miles) south of Courtenay, Denman Island is a 15-minute ferry ride across Baynes Sound. Just up the hill from the ferry is Denman Village, the hub of Island activities and the location of a turn-of-the-century general store, liquor agency, post office and other businesses.

Denman has a year-round population of only about 1000 people, yet the island boasts two community halls, a library, a school, art galleries and a museum. There are over a dozen B&Bs ready to accommodate visitors, two campsites and public boat launches.

Eagle Rock, Lambert Channel Photo M. Guille

If hiking and picnicking is your idea of the perfect time, check out the 80-acre Fillongley Park on the east side of the Island; old growth trees, a salmon bearing stream, fern gullies, a native midden and a peaceful meadow will be your company, and you can camp and go beachcombing. On the south end of the island is Boyle Point Park, a day-use area only. After a hike through old-growth Douglas fir, the view of Eagle Rock, Chrome Island lighthouse, and the Strait of Georgia beyond is a west coast classic scene you don’t want to miss.

There are many artisan studios to visit as both Denman and Hornby Islands reportedly have the highest number of artists per capita in Canada.

The art gallery and museum in Denman Village has a collection of works by island artists as well as local history, and a self-guided tour of resident artists’ studios is a delightful way to spend the day.

Numerous species of birds and wildlife can be observed on the Island, and there are several public beach accesses. Swimming, kayaking, hiking, biking and beachcombing are all great ways to experience Denman.

Seasonal and year-round residents are proud and protective of the area’s natural environment, and work hard to maintain the ecosystems. Enjoy Denman, but keep ‘The Hiker’s Credo’ in mind… ‘Leave only footprints, Take only photos and memories…’