Location
Canada
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
July to September
About Little Tribune Bay
Little Tribune Bay is a small cove on the south-east shore of Hornby Island, in the Strait of Georgia off Vancouver Island, just round the point from the much bigger and busier beach of Tribune Bay Provincial Park. Locals have long treated it as Hornby's clothing-optional beach, and visitors who prefer privacy head here rather than to the main bay. The cove has fine sand between eroded sandstone ledges, and the shallow bay warms up in summer more than most of the BC coast. Nudity here is customary rather than designated: there is no sign, and hikers may pass on nearby paths, so how private it feels depends on the tide and on how busy the island is. There are no toilets, shade, food or lifeguard on the beach.
Getting there
Reaching Hornby Island takes two ferries: Buckley Bay on Vancouver Island to Denman Island, then across Denman to the Gravelly Bay terminal for Hornby. Drive across Hornby to the Tribune Bay area and take the short trail to Little Tribune; parking is available but limited in summer. There is no public transport on the island. The final approach is a short walk on a trail, with some uneven rock at the shore, so it is not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Visitors describe a relaxed, well-known local nude beach that is calmer than the main Tribune Bay. Most people go nude without trouble, especially at quieter times. Tips are to arrive early or on weekdays, to pick a spot where the shoreline curves out of view of the paths, and to bring everything you need because there are no facilities. Privacy varies with tides and crowds.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
In Canada nudity in public is an offence under s.174 of the Criminal Code, but prosecution needs the Attorney General's consent and is rare at established nude beaches. Little Tribune Bay has no official designation or signage; sources describe nudity as tolerated and widely practised (checked 2026).
Naturism at Little Tribune Bay sits under Canada's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Canada public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 49.5195, -124.6413
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Canada
Frequently asked questions
Is Little Tribune Bay an official nude beach?
No. It is a long-standing, informally tolerated clothing-optional beach with no signage.
How do I get there?
Take the ferries via Denman Island to Hornby, drive to the Tribune Bay area and walk the short trail to the smaller cove next to the provincial park beach.
Are there facilities?
None on the beach. Bring water, food and shade.
When is it best?
Warm summer days at low to mid tide, early in the day or midweek for more privacy.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…