Vancouver Island British Columbia Canada
DENMAN ISLAND BRITISH COLUMBIA -

Travel & Tourism Accommodations, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants & Information



Denman Island BC Links
Vancouver Island British Columbia


sea views on Deman are exceptional
Denman Island Travel & Tourism Accommodations, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants & Information

Denman Island, British Columbia is characterized by its beauty and its peaceful pastoral environment. Denman is renown for an abudance of artists and crafters. Denman Island is located in Georgia Strait, approximately 2 1/2 hours north of Victoria, 1 hour north of Nanaimo, and 20 minutes south of Courtenay.

Denman Island is connected to Vancouver Island by BC Ferries which has been operating this route for r over 70 years. The 2 km ferry ride provides supberb l views of Denman, as well as the Beaufort Mountain range on Vancouver Island.


Travel to Denman Island

To visit Denman Island, you need to travel to the Buckley Bay ferry terminal on Vancouver Island, where you will board the ferry for the 10-12 minute scenic ferry ride to Denman.

Driving to Denman

To drive to the Denman Island ferry in Buckley Bay, simply take the Inland Island Highway 19 on Vancouver Island:

  • From Victoria to Buckley Bay: 2.5 hrs.
  • From Nanaimo to Buckley Bay: 1.5 hrs.
  • From Courtenay to Buckley Bay: 20 min.

Denman is 19 km long and 5 km wide and is marked by a rolling ridge on the eastern side of the island that rises 60 to 100 metres. Denman has an abundance of sandy beaches, rocky coves, hiking trails, lush forests, and rolling farmlands to enjoy. As you travel Denman Island watch closely for an abundance of deer, blad eagles, blue herons, phesants, seals, sea lions and much more.  The waters around these islands are excellent for kayaking and scuba diving.

 

Seaview on Denman Island British Columbia
Photo by Elizabeth Morgan
Lush Forests on Denman Island
Denman Island BC
Photo by Elizabeth Morgan

Comox Airport

Flights into nearby Comox, British Columbia (located about 30 km north of the Denman) make getting to Denman Island easy. The flight from Vancouver to Comox is approximately 25 minutes, and you can also fly direct from Calgary to Comox. For more information, schedules and fares, visit Pacific Coastal (1-800-663-2872), or West Jet (1-800-538-5696).


Traveling by Train

Take the scenic train route from Victoria along Vancouver Island to get to Buckley Bay! The train stops a short walk away from the ferry landing, making the train an accessible way to travel to Denman Island. Check train schedules with Via Rail (1-888-842-7245).  The train travels between Victoria and Courtenay which will allow you to get to Buckley Bay from any city or town along that line.


Bus Service to Denman Island

Islandlink Bus Service currently provides 3 shuttle services daily between Campbell River/Comox/Courtenay and Departure Bay, and include a pick-up stop at the Denman Island ferry in Buckley Bay. If you're headed to the Vancouver International Airport, you can also find transportation from Horseshoe Bay on the mainland to the Airport. Check the Islandlink website for complete details, or call 1-877-954-3556

Greyhound offers direct transportation to the Buckley Bay ferry landing. There are 2 daily buses that go straight from the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo to Buckley Bay. Check the Greyhound schedules for complete information or call 1-800-661-TRIP.

Local Transportation

There is also a local bus route that will take you to/from Buckley Bay to/from Courtenay, B.C. This is a convenient service that allows you to make a day trip to Courtenay/Comox while enjoying the benefits of local transportation. Adult fare is only $1.25. Check local bus schedules.

Denman Island Attractions

Denman Island is best known for its gorgeous beaches, lush forests, and beautiful rolling farmland. Denman is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.


Provincial Parks

Denman boasts three beautiful Provincial Parks: Fillongley, Boyle Point, and Sandy Island. Each park features unique landscapes, views and wildlife. At Boyle Point enjoy the high elevation with amazing vantage points, and views of Eagle Rock, Hornby Island, Chrome Island and Vancouver Island. The forest trail that loops through the park is an easy one-hour hike.  Located on the northeast side of Denman Island, Fillongley Provincial Park boasts some of the largest remaining stands of Douglas Firs and Cedars in the region. There is a wheelchair accessible path through the forest and a series of walking trails around the lush salmon-spawning habitat called Beadnell Creek.  Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park (sometimes called Tree or Seal Island)islocated off the northern tip of Denman and is famous for rare wildlife and plants. Also referred to as Tree or Seal Island, Sandy Island became a marine park in 1966 when its 81 acres were recognized as a tropical ecosystem in need of protection. The warm water is ideal for swimming, and the beach is comprised mostly of white sand and ancient native midden (shell).


Concerts Denman

This annual concert series brings World-class talent to Denman's Community Hall.
Check locally for times and dates.


Christmas Craft Faire

The Denman Christmas Stroll in early December is a very special Country Christmas Faire—25+ years old. Denman Island is renowned for its high quality professional crafts. Over 70 booths in 2 Community Centres, just one block from the ferry landing.  Runs 10:00am to 4:00pm. Check locally for dates.


Pottery Tour

On the long weekend in May, pick up a map and follow the self-guided tour and discover Denman life through ceramic works of art.


Home and Garden Tour

The Home and Garden Tour is Denman Island's most popular tourism event! Don't miss this once a year opportunity to visit some of the West Coast's most homes and gardens. It is in June (16-17-June 2007)   Ask locally.


Museum

Denman Island has a popular museum that is a must see stop for tourists who are interested in learning more about the rich history of the island. The museum is open 1:30pm to 4pm, from June 24 to September 3.


Remember Jerry Garcia - an annual Denman Event

If you are around in the summer, ask around for info on the annual celebration of the life of guitarist Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead.

Windy Marsh farm is a great place to pick up organic fruits and vegetables.  There is also a gallery containing folk art.  Check out this unique farm.

Picture Coming Denman Hornby Canoes and Kayaks Ltd.,
Phone: (250) 335-0079, Cell: (250) 702-0350
E-mail:
We offer you all the essential ingredients for a superb and memorable paddling adventure. The sheltered conditions of Denman and Hornby offer a safe environment amongst spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife.

Denman Island Village is located up from the ferry hill and goes from the Denman Island Community Hall to the Denman Island Bakery.

The Denman Island Community Hall is the is the centre of “downtown” activity, and its grounds also host the soccer field, baseball diamond, tennis court, and children’s playground. In addition to the main concert hall, there is also the adjoined “Back Hall”, a smaller, more intimate venue that is used for music and other public gatherings. Check locally for entertainment dates and times.

The Denman Island Art Gallery is located above the Denman Island Senior’s Hall and features an an impressive pool of local talent. It is open every second Friday at 7:30pm. For the Summer Gallery schedule, please check locally. Take a look at the wooden sculptures of the f Denman Dancers on the Senior’s Hall lawn.  The Abraxas Books and Arts store is also in the village. Around the corner on Denman Road you will find outdoor picnic tables on the sunny lawn of the Denman Bakery and Café.  Check out the Denman Island Craft Shop, home to an ever-changing collection of local arts and crafts.

Denman Island Eats

The Denman Island Guesthouse Bistro

The Guesthouse Bistro is a fully licensed restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and lunch: 8am - 3pm, Thursday to Monday. Serving grilled focaccia sandwiches, daily specials. Dinner is served by reservation only. Call ahead to order seafood, stir fries or other daily specials. The Guesthouse also operates a drive through coffee bar 8am - 9am Thursday to Monday.

The Denman Island Bakery & Pizzeria
Fresh breads, great pizza, soups, sandwiches, breakfast rolls, scones, muffins, organic coffee, beer, wine. Fri. Greek Night, Sat. Hot Wings, and desserts. Outdoor seating available.

Rawganique
New vegan/vegetarian organic restaurant and market in the heart of Denman Village.

Amber's Kitchen
Located in the Kaleioscope Market. Enjoy breakfast or lunch on a sunny patio.

The Cafe on the Rock
Soups, sandwiches, burgers, desserts. Licensed.



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