HISTORY: PURVEYORS SINCE 1937

Previously known as Beasley’s Store, Halfmoon Trading Post, and B & J Store, the Halfmoon Bay General Store — now called Halfmoon General — has been a beloved part of the Halfmoon Bay community for over 85 years.

What began in 1937 as a small general store has grown into a cherished gathering place for locals and travellers alike — and now, after years of rebuilding, we’re thrilled to welcome you back.

From its earliest days, Halfmoon General has been more than just a store. In 1937, it opened its doors to serve the small, rural community of Halfmoon Bay — one of the only public amenities around at the time. Built right on the bay, long before the roads were paved, the store was once easiest reached by boat. It played a key role in coastal life, serving as a stop for the Union Steamship Co., and connecting the region with goods, mail, and new arrivals.

Over the decades, the store evolved into a true community hub. It’s hosted everything from parties and meetings to music lessons and beauty services. It also supported the backbone industries of the region — logging, fishing, ranching, and tourism — acting as a vital supply point and transportation stop for taxis, mail routes, and passenger buses.

Halfmoon General was even at the heart of communication in Halfmoon Bay. From 1950 to 1989, it held the local mail delivery licence, and was one of the first places in the area to have a telephone. It’s passed through the hands of many local families — including the Walls, Taits, Beasleys, and Shoemakers — each helping shape the store into a reflection of the hardworking, resilient spirit of this community.

Today, Halfmoon General stands proudly as the longest-running business in Halfmoon Bay. Reimagined for the modern era but rooted in history, it now includes a grocery store, café, and liquor store — all under one welcoming roof. We’re honoured to open our doors again and continue this story, ready to serve our community with warmth, care, and a whole lot of local love.

In early summer 2025, we’re opening all our doors — and we’re so happy to be back and operating at full capacity!

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

A vintage photograph of a dock with a horse-drawn carriage, a large steamship in the water, and a forested shoreline in the background, labeled "Halfmoon Bay B.C."
An envelope with handwritten address and a green postage stamp, featuring a postmark stating 'WALAMOODN BAY FEB 5 30 B.C.'
Close-up of a vintage 2-cent postage stamp featuring a portrait, with cancellation marks and handwritten text reading 'BAY- FERMONT BAY- 28- 1-88- ALB.'