Sandpiper Bathing Beach - Left

Hornby Island was named in 1850 after Rear Admiral Phipps Hornby. Early settlers chose this sheltered island, which had fertile solid and provided ample amounts of water to build farms. As a result, Hornby Island became a bountiful farming community. To protect the island from inappropriate use and development, the Islands Trust organization was formed in 1974. Sandpiper Beach is a sandy rocky sanctuary on the eastern side of Hornby Island and in the beach's vicinity are some of the island's best attractions such as the wineries, vineyards, and artisan workshops.

There are paved roads for walking and cycling around the beach. During the summer, one can enjoy swimming and beach activities.

Get directions to this beach

COVID-19

Keep your distance from other people.

Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread.

Water Quality

Passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time
Historical Status
This status is based on the latest sample, taken on August 2nd, 2022. Swim Guide - Main updates the status of this beach as soon as test results become available. These results were posted to Swim Guide on August 17th, 2022 at 1:44 PM.

For water quality icon legend, click:

Report Pollution

Monitoring Frequency

Source Information

Approximately 100 beaches are monitored by Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority). Island Health is split into three service delivery areas: North (20 beaches), Central (39 beaches), and South (40 beaches). Sampling is conducted from the beginning of May until Labour Day (September 4th, 2017).

Island Health follows the Canadian Recreational Water Guidelines.
E. Coli Guidelines

200 E. coli / 100 mL – geometric mean (usually 5 samples)

400 E. coli / 100 mL – single sample maximum

Beaches are automatically posted when a sample result exceeds 1000 E. coli / 100 mL.

Island Health states that consideration is given to posting a beach advisory when the geometric mean exceeds 200 E. coli / 100 mL or a single results exceeds 400 E. coli / 100 mL. However, posting a beach advisory when samples exceed the geomean and/or single sample maximums are not automatic, and depend on the circumstances.

Enterococci Guidelines

35 enterococci / 100 mL – geometric mean at least 5 samples

70 enterococci / 100 mL – single sample maximum

Beaches are automatically posted when a sample result exceeds 175 Enterococci/ 100 mL.

Consideration is given to posting a beach advisory when the geometric mean exceeds 35 Enterococci / 100 mL or a single results exceeds 70 Enterococci / 100 mL.

Beach advisories will be automatically posted when a sample result of over 1000 E. coli or 175 Enterococci per sample is received, as studies indicate there is an elevated risk associated with these bacterial levels.

Water Quality Graph