The best things to do on Bowen Island
Located in the middle of Howe Sound, Bowen Island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver but it feels worlds apart. With its vast forests, endless shoreline, and little coves, this idyllic island is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature. While it may only be 12 km long and 6 km wide, there is a surprising amount of things to do on Bowen Island.
Whether you’re planning a day trip to Bowen Island or a short weekend break from Vancouver, the island offers countless outdoor adventures. Explore the hiking trails, rent kayaks and paddle along the shoreline in search of local wildlife, or hire bikes and venture out to the quieter side of the island.
Bowen Island isn’t just about the outdoor activities though. As you walk around, you’ll notice that the island is home to an astonishing number of galleries, boutiques and craft shops. As the 5th most artistic community in Canada, arts and culture are the fabric of Bowen Island. Pop into Branch 01 and check out their locally curated goods, and then head to Artisan Square to browse the art galleries.
With so much to do, I’ve put together a complete guide to Bowen Island to help you plan your own trip. In this post, you’ll find the best things to do on Bowen Island, as well as practical information on how to get to Bowen Island and where to stay.
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IN THIS GUIDE
The best things to do on Bowen Island
VISITING BOWEN ISLAND: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
How to get to Bowen Island from Vancouver
TRAVELLING BY CAR
Take the 20-minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove on Bowen Island. Ferries leave roughly once an hour. You can see the full Bowen Island ferry schedule here. A return trip costs $50 – 60 for one vehicle (less than 7 ft. tall and 20 ft. long) with two passengers but you only pay on the way to Bowen Island. On the way back, you’ll just get in the queue and drive straight onto the ferry.
Unlike other ferry routes to the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island, the Bowen Island to Vancouver ferry is a non-bookable route. Fares are paid at the terminal at the time of travel instead. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure to ensure you get on the ferry. There are usually long queues in the summer months so I would suggest getting there 30 minutes beforehand if possible.
CAR HIRE
I personally use Auto Europe to book car hire for my trips as it’s really easy to use. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. They also clearly show what is and isn’t included in the price. If you need any help, their 24/7 customer service is very good.
TRAVELLING TO BOWEN ISLAND WITHOUT A CAR
If you’re looking for Vancouver weekend getaways that don’t require a car, Bowen Island should be at the top of your list. There are plenty of things to do on Bowen Island without a car. The ferry arrives into Snug Cove and the village, beaches and numerous trails are all accessible by foot. Being quite small, it’s easy to walk to the main attractions. You can also hire bikes or scooters to get around once you’re there (more on that later though).
If you’re travelling to Bowen Island without a car, take the bus to Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal and board as a foot passenger. The #250 Horseshoe Bay and #257 Horseshoe Bay Express both provide regular daily service from Downtown Vancouver. The ferry costs $11 return for a foot passenger.
Alternatively, if you aren’t planning to take your car to Bowen Island, you could travel by water taxi. The Cormorant Water Taxi provides both schedules and chartered services for many routes, including Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Bowen Island (Snug Cove). For more information, visit their website.
Getting around Bowen Island
Bowen Island is quite compact so you can explore a lot on foot if you’re travelling without a car. If you plan on exploring the quieter, west-side of the island having a car would be helpful. Bear in mind though that parking is limited on Bowen Island. It fills up quickly in the summer months so if you’re planning to visit in peak season, I would avoid bringing your car. You can bring your own bike or rent one on the island if you want to explore further afield.
You can also use the local buses to get around Bowen Island. There are three bus routes; #280 Bluewater, #281 Eaglecliff and #282 Mt. Gardner. The bus schedule is in line with the ferry schedule so buses arrive and depart in time with the ferries but this can vary. You can check the latest bus schedule here to plan your trip.
While having a car does give you more flexibility, there are plenty of things to do on Bowen Island without a car. I’ve included a section later on which lists out the best things to do if you’re travelling without a car.
The best time to visit Bowen Island
Bowen Island is a great year-round destination. In spring, the weather is usually quite pleasant although there can be quite a few rain showers. Summer is the ideal time for hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities as it is mainly warm and sunny. If you’re hoping to hike some of Bowen Island’s trails and go kayaking, July and August are the best months to visit for good weather. However, be prepared for crowds and limited parking. If you plan to go in the summer months, I recommend travelling as a foot passenger or bringing/ renting a bike to get around.
Fall and winter are also lovely times to visit Bowen Island. It can be cloudy and rainy but you can also get crisp sunny days too. It’s much quieter and accommodation is usually cheaper so it’s a great place to go if you’re looking for a quick weekend break from Vancouver.
WHERE TO STAY ON BOWEN ISLAND
A lot of people just do a day trip to Bowen Island but it really is such a quaint and pretty place that I suggest staying for one night if you can. There are a couple of hotels but most of the accommodation on Bowen Island is either cabins or B&Bs.
If you’re visiting Bowen Island without a car, try to find somewhere close to Snug Cove so that you’re within walking distance of the shops and restaurants. Accommodation usually books up quickly on weekends and in the summer months, so make sure you reserve in advance once you know your dates.
CAMPING ON BOWEN ISLAND
Camping is not allowed on Bowen Island. There aren’t any official campgrounds and wild camping is not permitted anywhere on the island.
Artisan Suites
Located in the quaint Artisan Square, this all-suite boutique hotel puts you in the heart of the island’s cultural hub. There are four suites with views over the ocean and mountains. It’s a 15-minute uphill walk from Snug Cove so it’s a great place to stay if you’re not bringing your car (or a heavy suitcase).
EVERGREEN COTTAGE
If you’re bringing a car and want something more peaceful, I highly recommend the Evergreen Cottage. It has gorgeous water and mountain views of Howe Sound and West Vancouver. Guests can relax on the large deck or cozy up inside next to the stone fireplace. The property also has 5 acres of private land which has lovely walking trails.
WILDWOOD CABINS
For a truly magical stay, book a rustic cabin at Wildwood and head off the grid for a couple of days. Tucked into the forest canopy, there are four classic log cabins, a yoga studio, and a wood fired barrel sauna. Guests can also enjoy the secret sunset viewpoint up on the ridge behind the cabins. It’s definitely one of the best places to stay on Bowen Island!
The best tHINGS TO DO ON BOWEN ISLAND
1. Go kayaking
Located in Howe Sound, Bowen Island has incredible views of the mountain ranges. Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to take in the views and spot local marine wildlife. Bowen Island Sea Kayaking offers single and double kayak rentals, as well as stand-up paddle boards (SUPs). They’re located in Snug Cove right next to the marina so it’s very easy to get out on the water.
Paddle around the little inlets, islands and beaches at your own pace, or join one of their kayaking tours and learn about the island’s history and geology. If you’re visiting during the summer months, I recommend reserving your rentals in advance as it’s one of the most popular things to do on Bowen Island.
2. Walk around Crippen Park
Crippen Park is a lovely sprawling regional park on Bowen Island. While Dorman Point and Killarney Lake are the main highlights, there are actually a number of shorter trails that wind through the park. Alder Grove Trail and Killarney Creek Trail and Meadow Trail are lovely routes that take you through the lush forest. Make sure you take a quick stroll along Lady Alexandra Promenade, an accessible boardwalk path that was built in the 1920s.
Crippen Park is also a lovely place for a picnic. There are a number of picnic shelters and barbecues near Snug Cove, as well as picnic tables throughout the park.
3. Explore Artisan Square
This small vibrant community is located just a 10 to 15 minute uphill walk from Snug Cove. It’s a quaint place to explore and has some lovely views of the mountains and ocean in the distance. You’ll find a number of boutique shops selling fresh flowers, stylish clothes, eco-friendly soaps and other artisan goods. Artisan Square is also home to various art galleries and small businesses, including a dentist and gym.
Artisan Eats Café is a great place for breakfast or lunch. They serve homemade salads and sandwiches, as well as a number of daily specials such as quiche and cauliflower rice bowl. Afterwards, stop by Cocoa West Chocolatier for some handmade chocolates. They also serve delicious ice cream which is perfect on a hot day.
4. Explore Bowen Island’s hiking trails
Bowen Island has some lovely hiking trails which are easily accessible from the ferry terminal. There are 3 main hikes on the island:
- Dorman Point: Located in Crippen Regional Park, this is the shortest hike on Bowen Island. The 2.4 km out-and-back trail is considered an easy route with minimal elevation gain (112 m) and takes about an hour to complete. It is steep in places but not for long. Once you reach the top, you’ll get a stunning view of Howe Sound and the mainland. The view at the very top is a bit obstructed by trees but there is a short trail on the right that leads to a better viewpoint. The trail head is close to the ferry terminal so it’s a convenient hike to do if you’re visiting without a car.
- Killarney Lake: While it’s a much longer hike than Dorman Point (7.9 km loop), Killarney Lake is another easy route. It’s a relatively flat trail with minimal elevation gain and takes about 2 hours to complete. The trail wraps around the lake so take some food with you and find a spot to enjoy the peace and quiet. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
- Mount Gardner: If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, Mount Gardner is the one to do! It’s a gruelling 17 km round trip with over 700 m elevation gain so it’s definitely not for the faint hearted. However, the views from the top are beautiful. On a clear day, you can see the Sunshine Coast, West Vancouver and Burrard Inlet. It’s one of the most popular things to do on Bowen Island for a good reason!
5. Cycle around Bowen Island
One of the best things to do on Bowen Island is to hire bikes and explore further afield. Bowen Island is very bike-friendly city and has a number of lovely cycling paths. A lot of people bring their bikes over from Vancouver and use them to get around the island. If you don’t have your own bike, you can easily rent one from Bowen eBikes. They provide electric bikes from Snug Cove just meters from the ferry terminal. These pedal-assisted bikes are capable of speeds up to 24 km an hour. Given that Bowen Island is quite hilly, you’ll be glad to have an electric bike!
You can book a bike in advance by emailing rentals@bowenbikes.ca, or you can pick one up on the day. They operate on a first-come first-served basis so there is no guarantee that they will have a bike on the day if you don’t reserve in advance.
6. Venture out to the Cape on Bowen Island
Located on the west side of the island, the Cape is a beautiful and relatively untouched area. A lot of visitors don’t make it over to this side of Bowen Island as it’s not very accessible without a car. However, if you’re travelling by car to Bowen Island, I highly recommend driving out to the Cape to explore the quieter side of the island.
Head to Roger Curtis Lighthouse first and then make your way to Turnstall Bay for sunset. As you get closer to the Cape, you’ll notice that there are lots of paved roads that lead to plots of land but there aren’t any houses. It felt as if we’d stumbled on an abandoned community but they are actually in the process of developing this area. Many of the 10-acre lots have already been sold so it won’t be long before you start to see houses and estates here.
7. Check out the local art galleries
One of my favourite things to do on Bowen Island is to pop into the local art galleries. There are a number of lovely galleries dotted around Snug Cove and up in Artisan Square. The artwork ranges from photography and paintings to pottery and clothing.
Arts Pacific is located in Artisan Square and showcases the handmade work of 15 different artists. They sell wall art, jewellery, pottery and sculptures so you’re bound to find some lovely gifts by local artists here.
Catching Stars Gallery is another great place to explore when visiting Bowen Island. It’s located just off the main road opposite Bowen Island’s liquor store on Dorman Road. It’s easy to miss it if you aren’t looking for it! The gallery is a BC Artist Cooperative and has a beautiful and diverse collection of handcrafted artwork. They sell lovely glass works, paintings and sculptures, as well as pretty home décor such as pillows, candles and soaps.
8. Try some amazing cocktails at Copper Spirit Distillery
Located on the main road minutes from Snug Cove, this boutique craft distillery and tasting lounge serves incredible cocktails. Founded by Miguel and Candice Kabantsov, all of their spirits are handcrafted on Bowen Island. Miguel is responsible for distilling the spirits while Candice creates the delightful botanicals for the cocktails.
The tasting room serves mini cocktails (1/2 oz) using their vodka, gin and rye. As per BC Liquor Law, you can try up to 3 cocktails per person. We loved the ‘Not Your Grandma’s Soap’, a sweet concoction of their vodka, lavender and botanicals, and the ‘Cherry Rye Sour’, which is a twist on the classic sour. They do close relatively early (7pm in the off season and 8pm in summer) so I recommend popping in before dinner.
9. Go golfing at Bowen Island’s award-winning golf club
Voted one of Canada’s Hidden Gem Golf Courses and one of the top 25 nine-hole courses in Canada, Bowen Island Golf Club is very picturesque. Carved out of a West Coast rain forest, the 9-hole golf course has incredible views of Howe Sound. If you’re a keen golfer then I highly recommend booking a couple of rounds of golf here. The Club House offers rentals and light refreshments from May through to September. You can find more information and book your tee time at Bowen Island Golf Club.
10. Pop into Branch on Bowen
With its pastel colours, Branch on Bowen is an adorable little shop right next to the ferry terminal. They serve delicious tacos as well as Earnest Ice Cream. Pop into their gift shop, Branch 01, next door and browse a selection of locally curated items made by Canadian artisans. From beautiful pottery to delicate jewellery, they have a lovely shop and you’re bound to find some special mementos to take home.
11. Explore Bowen Island’s lovely beaches
Bowen Island has 48 beaches and coastal access points so you’re spoilt for choice. The majority of the beaches are pebbly and rocky but Sandy Beach does have some sand (hence the name). You can swim at most beaches but not all so make sure you check Tourism Bowen Island before your trip.
Sandy Beach and Pebbly Beach are both close to Snug Cove and are easily accessible on foot from the ferry terminal. They’re both located in the sheltered Deep Bay so the water here is warmer than other bays on Bowen Island. On the opposite side of the island, you have Roger Curtis Beach and the lovely Turnstall Bay Beach.
12. Watch the sunset at Turnstall Bay Beach
Located on the western side of Bowen Island, Turnstall Bay Beach is one of the best places to watch the sunset. Explore the Cape and Roger Curtis Lighthouse and then head over to Turnstall Bay Beach just before sunset. It can get quite windy so make sure you wrap up warm as the temperatures drop quickly once the sunsets on the west side.
The easiest way to get to Turnstall Bay Beach is by car; however, you can get the #280 Bluewater bus which stops near Turnstall Bay. From there, it’s about a 10 to 15 minute walk to the beach.
13. Unwind with some yoga at Nector Yoga Retreat
Yoga and meditation are very popular things to do on Bowen Island and there are several retreats you can attend. Nectar Yoga Retreat is one of the most established yoga retreats, offering curated and intensive overnight retreats and workshops for those looking for the full yoga and meditation experience. Located in the middle of the woods, their Scandinavian-inspired cottages provide the perfect place to rest and recharge.
If you’re not a big yogi, you can still attend a class during your trip to Bowen Island. Nectar Yoga offers Saturday and Sunday classes on the pier which is a unique experience.
14. Book a fishing trip with Bonchovy Fishing Charters
Although it’s not for everyone, a fishing trip is a quintessential West Coast experience. If you’re looking for a family friendly activity or want to try fishing for the first time, Bon Chovy Fishing Carters run daily trips throughout the year. Their experienced team provide all of the gear and equipment you need and will take you to the best spots near Bowen Island. You can choose from half-day and full-day trips, as well as private charters and multi-day fishing expeditions.
THINGS TO DO ON BOWEN ISLAND WITHOUT A CAR
There are plenty of things to do on Bowen Island without a car. Most of the activities and attractions listed above can be reached without a car, either on foot or by bike or bus.
Snug Cove
You can easily explore all of the main sights around Snug Cove, including Branch on Bowen, Sandy Beach, Pebbly Beach, and Crippen Park.
Hiking trails
The trail heads for Killarney Lake and Dorman Point are also very close to the ferry terminal so you don’t need a car to get there. Getting to the trail head for Mount Gardner is also quite easy as it’s close to Killarney Lake. You can either walk there (which does add on a few km to an already long hike) or get the #282 Mt. Gardner bus which will drop you closer to the trail head.
Artisan Square
The #280 bus connects Snug Cove and Artisan Square so if you’re not keen on walking up and down the hilly road, you can jump on the bus instead.
Bowen Bay and Turnstall Bay Beach
The #280 bus goes from Snug Cove to Bowen Bay. It also stops at Turnstall Boulevard which is a 10 – 15 minute walk from Turnstall Bay Beach.
The Cape
This is definitely one of the harder things to do on Bowen Island without a car. You could take the bus to Turnstall Boulevard and walk to the Cape and Roger Curtis Lighthouse but that would take about an hour one way. The best option would be to hire a bike and cycle down to the Cape instead.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK ON BOWEN ISLAND
I’ve already mentioned a few places in this guide (namely Artisan Eats Café and the lovely Copper Distillery) but here are a few other places to try during your trip:
The Snug Café
The Sung Café is a very cozy coffee shop with great outdoor seating. It’s a popular spot with locals who pop in for coffee and breakfast bagels and wraps. Make sure you visit at least once for breakfast or brunch and enjoy the bustling atmosphere!
Barcelona Tapas & Wine Bar
Get a taste of Spain at this tapas and wine bar. They serve delicious homemade food and a fine selection of Spanish and local wines.
Tuscany
Not a fan of Spanish tapas? Travel to Italy instead and visit this cute Italian Trattoria serving wood oven pizzas and Mediterranean cuisine.
Bowen Island Pub
Just up the hill from the ferry terminal, Bowen Island Pub is a lively spot to visit, especially if you’re staying overnight. They serve all the pub favourites and have an extensive cocktail menu with a number of their own creations. They also serve beers from the Bowen Island brewery.
Doc Morgan’s
This gastropub has it all; great food, great service and great views. The patio looks out over the cove and the expansive lawn making it the perfect place to enjoy a cold drink and some hearty food after a day exploring.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST THINGS TO DO ON BOWEN ISLAND
There is no shortage of amazing things to do on Bowen Island. From hiking the iconic Mount Gardener to relaxing on one of the island’s many beaches, Bowen Island is a lovely getaway from Vancouver. Whether you choose to visit for the day or stay for the weekend, make the most of the slower pace and enjoy being on ‘island time’.
Where to explore next?
There are so many incredible places to explore in British Columbia. If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, have a look at these guides:
- Sunshine Coast: Stretching almost 180 km from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound, the Sunshine Coast is home to old growth forests, secluded beaches, and magical fjords. Spend a few days in the quaint town of Gibsons and check out the ever-growing number of breweries and distilleries. Or head up to Powell River on the north island for some peaceful solitude and endless outdoor activities.
- Vancouver Island: Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia. Take the ferry over to Victoria for a city break that combines culture, history and outdoor adventures. Continue on to Sooke and see why this charming town is one of Vancouver Island’s best-kept secrets. Or, if you’re looking for the best beaches in BC, take a trip to Tofino, the surf capital of Canada.
Love from Steph
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