Helliwell Park sits on St. John's Point on Hornby Island, overlooking the northern entrance to Tribune Bay. BC Parks says the rocky headland was donated by John Helliwell and protects old-growth Douglas fir, Garry oak meadows, sea bluffs, intertidal habitat, and a large marine area.
The park is reached by ferries through Denman Island and then local roads on Hornby Island.
Helliwell Park is one of Hornby Island's signature walking destinations. A five-kilometre loop trail follows the Helliwell Bluffs and passes through mature Douglas fir and Garry oak forest, with broad views over Georgia Strait and the Coast Mountains.
Late April and early May are highlighted by BC Parks as the best time for wildflowers along the cliffside hills. Visitors need to stay on designated trails and respect roped restoration areas because the bluff ecosystem is fragile.
The marine side is equally notable. Flora Islet was added through the Pacific Marine Heritage Legacy, and BC Parks says it is one of only two locations in the world where divers can see the rare six-gill shark. Kayaks and canoes can be launched from the beach for paddling around the bluffs.
Plan around the five-kilometre loop trail, bluff viewpoints, old-growth forest walking, spring wildflowers, paddling around the headland, wildlife and marine viewing, scuba diving near Flora Islet, and road cycling to the park.
Bring drinking water because potable water is not available. Stay well back from cliff edges, do not cross restoration ropes, avoid peak summer parking hours when possible, and note that smoking is prohibited.
