Denman Island, BC

Know the town

About Denman Island

Denman Island is a quiet, rural island in Baynes Sound, a ten-minute ferry ride from Buckley Bay south of Courtenay. With farms, forests, artists’ studios and long stretches of undeveloped shoreline, it is known for its creative, close-knit community and its slower pace of life. It is one of the northern Gulf Islands, reached from the Comox Valley.

The village

Near the ferry landing, Denman Village has a general store, a café, a community hall and other small businesses that serve the island. Local craft fairs, home and garden tours and community events showcase the many artists and makers who live here, and farm stands and small producers sell their goods from roadside tables around the island.

Parks and beaches

Fillongley Provincial Park, on the east side, has old-growth forest, a pebble beach and a small campground. At the south end of the island, Boyle Point Provincial Park offers a forest trail to a viewpoint over Chrome Island and its lighthouse. Quiet country roads make Denman a lovely place to explore by bike, and the shoreline is perfect for beachcombing.

Hornby Island beyond

Denman is also the stepping stone to Hornby Island: a second ferry runs from Denman’s east side, so most travellers to Hornby cross Denman along the way. Both islands are planned under the Islands Trust, which works to protect their rural character.

Getting here

BC Ferries sails from Buckley Bay, about twenty minutes south of Courtenay on Highway 19, to Denman Island several times a day. Services on the island are limited, so plan ahead, especially in the off-season.

Denman Island’s verified local businesses are listed below, along with events in the Comox Valley.

For council, permits, garbage and recycling, parks bookings and other local services, visit Comox Valley Regional District — Area A.