Denman Island, Gulf Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Denman Island, British Columbia is characterized by its beautiful natural setting. Stimulated by the quiet atmosphere, Denman residents produce an abundance of only one of its kind arts and crafts and have helped the small Gulf Island earn an esteemed reputation around the world.

Denman Island is situated in the northwest corner of the Georgia Strait, approximately 2 1/2 hours north of Victoria, 1 hour north of Nanaimo, and 20 minutes south of Courtenay. The 2 km ferry ride provides amazing views of Denman, as well as Vancouver Island's Beaufort Mountains.

19 km long and 5 km wide, Denman is has a rolling ridge that starts on the eastern side that island and goes up to 60 to 100 metres toward the western side of the island. There are sandy beaches, rocky coves, hiking trails, lush forests, and unspoiled farmlands to enjoy. One can closely watch deer, pheasants, herons, hawks and even the bald eagle!

There are three striking provincial parks on Denman Island and plenty of hiking trails in between. Boyle Point Provincial Park, located at the south end of the island is an ideal spot for eagle watching, especially during the spring herring run. From this hiking trail one can see the Chrome Island lighthouse. Fillongley Provincial Park is found on the east side of the island and features some of the largest stands of Douglas Firs and Cedars in the region. This is the only site on Denman Island for public camping, and advanced booking is recommended in order to secure a spot in this beachfront campground.

From Buckley Bay, 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Courtenay, a 15-minute ferry ride takes you to Denman Island where, after a 15-minute drive, you can take a connecting ferry to Hornby Island. Reservations are advised for accommodations.

Denman Island is one of the Northern Gulf Islands and is found off of the Comox Valley Region of British Columbia, Canada. ferry service links Denman Island to both Hornby Island from Gravelly Bay on the east side of Denman and across Baynes Sound to Buckley Bay on Vancouver Island on the west side.

Downtown Denman consists of one general store - gas station - government liquor store, post office, a natural foods store, hardware store, bookstore, dental bus (shared with Hornby two weeks a month), craft stores, a bakery/cafe, two real estate offices, an insurance brokerage, two community halls, the Dora Drinkwater Volunteer Library, a community school, and the museum.

Denman Island has something for everybody. Denman's handy location, beautiful natural environment and abundance of local arts and crafts will make it a place you will not forget any time soon!