Summary

• The first phase of the Tribune Bay campground redevelopment is nearing completion and is scheduled to partially open on Thursday, May 28, 2026, with a full opening on June 10, 2026
• The former private campground has been redesigned with a new layout that includes a wider range of camping options, such as 66 pull-through and back-in sites, including 24 electrified sites, and nine basic cabins
• New accessible pit toilets, showers and a playground are also part of the project

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The first phase of the campground redevelopment at Tribune Bay Park is nearing completion, giving people a mix of camping experiences at the popular destination known for its sprawling, white sandy beach and warm, shallow bay.

“Tribune Bay Park is a jewel in B.C. and people are drawn to this area to experience the natural beauty,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. “The campground redevelopment provides a wider range of options for accommodation, supports the local economy and helps ensure people can enjoy this special area for years to come.”

Former private campground redesigned

In 2021, the Province purchased two properties on Hornby Island: the last remaining beachfront property on Tribune Bay and an existing private campground with approximately 120 sites. The former private campground has been redesigned with new facilities and a wider range of camping options that include:

• 66 gravel pull-through and back-in sites, including 24 electrified sites
• nine accessible basic cabins that can accommodate as many as five people
• new accessible pay showers and 10 new accessible pit toilets
• a new playground with slides, an accessible flex swing, an accessible We-Go-Round and solid rubber play surface
• improved access from the campground to the beach

In addition, more than 5,000 native shrubs, sedges and trees have been added to improve stormwater management, ecological health and privacy between sites when the shrubs and trees grow higher. BC Parks has assessed and retained as many healthy trees as possible, but several invasive plants and unstable trees were removed during construction. Visitors should expect full sun until the vegetation grows higher.

The aging picnic shelter in the original Tribune Bay Park day-use area has been replaced for the community and visitors to enjoy.

Planning continues for Phase 2

Approximately 45 campsites were removed from the old campground to accommodate the accessibility improvements. The displaced sites will be built in a different area of the park, with construction on Phase 2 anticipated to begin in 2027.

Options continue to be explored for the best location to build the remaining sites and amenities, and there will be opportunities for public engagement. Once both phases are complete, the total number of campsites will be similar to the total number of sites that were previously at the campground.

The cost of the first phase is approximately $7.2 million. The campground is scheduled to partially open on Thursday, May 28, 2026, with a full opening on June 10, 2026. Reservations are open for the full season and can be viewed here: https://camping.bcparks.ca/

Quotes:

Josie Osbourne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim –

“Tribune Bay Park is truly a gem within the BC Parks system, and I’m grateful to see the first phase of this important redevelopment now complete. Integrating the former commercial campground into the provincial park is a significant milestone that will help protect this special place while improving the experience for visitors for generations to come. I want to thank local residents and BC Parks for working to prioritize accessibility, native plant restoration and minimizing environmental disturbance as much as possible during construction.” 

Karen Ross, executive director, Hornby Island Community Economic Enhancement Corporation –

“Tribune Bay campground is a major contributor to Hornby Island’s summer visitor economy, supporting local businesses and introducing generations of visitors to the island’s unique natural beauty. The Hornby Island Community Economic Enhancement Corporation is very excited to see Phase 1 of the campground rejuvenation nearing completion, and appreciates the care being taken to meet BC Parks’ high standards as visitors are welcomed back. As planning begins for Phase 2, we look forward to continued consultation and collaboration with the community on the long-term approach to restoring campsite capacity to historic levels.”

Daniel Arbour, director, Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) –

“We congratulate BC Parks for their significant investment in the Tribune Bay campground, which addresses past site issues, and will enhance campers experience for the long term. The CVRD looks forward to keeping collaborating with BC Parks as we steward multiple provincial and regional parks on Hornby Island and across the Comox Valley.”

Learn More:

• For more details about the project, including new policies for 2026, visit https://helpshapebc.gov.bc.ca/tribune
• For more information about Tribune Bay Park, visit https://bcparks.ca/tribune-bay-park/