Posted on August 23, 2010
Island Profile: Denman Island
The shores of Vancouver Island are home to many smaller gulf islands, each with their own unique character and beauty. Within the Comox Valley are Hornby Island and Denman Island. While most will only ever drive across Denman Island to reach the aquamarine waters of Hornby Island, Denman is one that should not be missed.
Photo: jdww on Flickr
Safe from the perils of being a top choice destination as its easterly neighbour, Denman Island has remained mostly untouched. Home to a few more than 1,000 year-round residents, it’s a haven for artists, retirees, potters, gardeners and those who simply wish a slower pace of life. Denman Island is roughly the same shape and size as the island of Manhattan.
Map: Google Maps
Photo: darkthirty on Flickr
The Denman Village, a short walk uphill from the ferry, is the heart of the community. Built in 1907, the General Store serves as the island’s flagship and is flanked by the near-century old community hall, bakery, art gallery and a handful of quaint shops begging to be explored. Don’t leave out a quick stop at Denman Island Chocolate for an indulgent treat!
Photo: BillFromSpokane on Flickr
Photo: J. Woodward | iconoco on Flickr
There’s certainly no shortage of ways to keep busy on Denman Island. Fillongley Provincial Park is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, beachcombers and campers alike. However, if you’re planning on camping on Denman Island, reserve well in advance as Fillongley is the only campground on the entire island.
Photo: Rob__ on Flickr
Photos: J. Woodward | iconoco on Flickr
Photo: Alex Ristea on Flickr
Photo: sal de mar on Flickr
Aside from the obvious farm animals, Denman Island is home to a number of wildlife, including seals, bald eagles, sea lions, herons and deer.
Photo: sal de mar on Flickr
Photo: TylerIngram on Flickr
Photo: DragonWoman on Flickr
Another intriguing place to see is Tree Island – also known as Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park – dancing on the northern tip of Denman Island. Camping is allowed but note that campfires are banned year round and there’s no source of fresh drinking water.
Photo: Oceanwood on Flickr
Photo: Marvilus on Flickr
Photo: ☞Ћę ®ə◗ ℘∀ℕĐ▲☜ on Flickr
Those wishing to visit Denman Island or who seek more information about planning a trip to see it should visit Denman Island Online. The island is accessible by a 25-minute ferry ride from Buckley Bay, approximately a 20-minute drive south of Courtenay and 50 minutes north of Nanaimo.
2. I’m once again fundraising for the BC-SPCA’s Paws For A Cause, aiming to raise $2,000 by September 12, 2010. As of today, I’ve already reached 25% of my goal and have only a few weeks left! Please consider donating to my effort and support this worthwhile cause.
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Beautiful choice of photos…
Love articles like this — help s take a little trip in the middle of the day. Plus, with so many Gulf Islands, help sto choose which to visit next.
Now, can you find me one with a great coffeeshop, groovy book store, friendly pub and reasonable land prices? I have a novel to write and need a place to hunker down to do it ;-).
Then maybe Denman Island is just the ticket for you…
http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=9783294&PidKey=1240631773
http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=9370759&PidKey=285280849
http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=9705127&PidKey=-1497661620
Great Post Keira! We always zoom across Denman to Hornby but have always been curious about Denman.
One of the things I would like to do is take the path that leads near to Chrome Island to take photos of the Lighthouse off of Denman.
Nice post. Denman is highly over looked. I know I’m guilty of that and I was born on Hornby Island.