7 Things to Do on Bowen Island, BC
Heading to Bowen Island, BC? If this small island isn’t on your to-do list yet, now’s the time to add it! Close and convenient enough for a Vancouver day trip, Bowen Island is a small island in the Howe Sound that makes you instantly feel miles away from the big city. It’s the perfect weekend getaway from Vancouver, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia.
Bowen Island is covered in forest and has little coves just waiting to be explored by you. There are beaches, hikes, and trails and it’s overall a great place to visit. For several months of the year, you can spot whales off the shore and the island invites you to relax and slow down from city life. The best thing is, it’s not even far from the city! Where is Bowen Island you ask? It’s just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.
Despite the fact the Bowen Island population is relatively small at just over 3,000 people, there are plenty of things to do in Bowen Island. Check out my earlier post on Bowen Island, BC here.
Here are 7 stunning things to do on Bowen Island to escape the city:
How to Get to Bowen Island, BC from Vancouver:
Getting to Bowen Island from Vancouver is super easy! You have two options:
BC Ferries
You just take a short, 20-minute ferry on BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove, and you can either take your car or you can walk or bike on. There is a lot you can see and do on the island without a car, so if you’re going for a day trip from Vancouver it’s not necessary. But some of our favourite things to do on Bowen Island are only accessible by car, so keep that in mind. The ferry is around $60 for one car and two people to get to the island, but you don’t have to pay a return fare.
Bowen Island water taxi
The Bowen Island taxi boat costs $20 one way, $40 return and goes from Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver to Snug Cove on weekdays.
Where to Stay on Bowen Island, BC
Artisan Suites on Bowen is a really cute collection of four suites at Artisan Square, about four minutes by car or 30 minutes walking from Snug Cove ferry terminal. It’s located above the delicious Artisan Eats Cafe.
Nectar Yoga has a collection of six luxe A-frame cabins and deluxe cottages situated on a large forested property with its own trails and a creek. Daily meditation and yoga, as well as breakfast, are included.
There is the newly open Kitoki Inn, Opened this summer, (July 2021), this boutique Bowen Island accommodation, nestled in the island’s lush temperate rainforest, fuses elements of Japanese minimalism with contemporary West Coast style in its three cedar‑clad guest cabins. It’s on my list of places to visit soon.
7 Things to Do on Bowen Island, BC:
1. Grab some Treats at Branch & Butter
Branch & Butter on Bowen Island is not only adorable, it’s also delicious. Whether your idea of a treat is gourmet toast or gourmet ice cream, you’ll find both at this cute shop right off the marina.
Next door, you’ll find their lovely boutique Branch 01 with unique, locally curated goods by Canadian makers.
2. Practice Yoga in a Geodesic Dome at Nectar Yoga BnB
Bowen Island is a very zen place, and you can’t get much more zen than practicing yoga in a dome, in the middle of the woods. I have had a few friends stay here and cannot say enough great things about this yoga Bnb.
3. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner on Bowen Island
When you’re not out adventuring, kayaking, or doing yoga, it’s time to sit down with a glass of wine and an amazing meal on Bowen Island. There are a few really good restaurants that will provide both a great ambiance and a full tummy. If you’re wondering where to eat on Bowen Island, check out my short restaurant list below! Note: all the restaurants close pretty early on Bowen Island, so don’t leave dinner too late.
4. Explore The Cape on Bowen Island
One of the untouched wonders of Bowen Island is along the Cape on the west side of the island. It’s a little quiet, there are all these beautifully paved roads for development, but no homes or buildings. We saw a few starting to be built up, most still mostly empty streets.
Start by driving to the Roger Curtis Lighthouse, and make your way through the streets to Pebbly Beach during sunset.
5. Do an Outdoor Activity
Rent a kayak, go for a hike on the many trails on the island or even spend a day on a beach. Either way, you have amazing views. I have heard the hike to Killarney Lake is long but fairly easy being flat most of the way.
And of course, the ever-popular hike up Mount Gardner is one to do while visiting. The view from the top of Mount Gardner is of Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast, West Vancouver and Burrard Inlet. Whilst I haven’t hiked it (it’s a 7-hour hike), maybe I will one day, especially given that it’s one of the top Bowen Island tourist attractions.
And for those who want to kayak, Bowen Island Sea Kayaking rents single and double kayaks (and stand-up paddleboards) in the Bowen Island marina. It’s really the only place for Bowen Island kayak rentals, and a short walk from the ferry.
6. Catch an Epic Sunset
Many of the Bowen Island trails lead to a great sunset watching spot. Whether you’re down by the Roger Curtis Lighthouse, or Pebbly Beach, make sure you wrap up warm in the winter or stay out in summer, to enjoy a Bowen Island sunset.
Bowen has several wonderful Island beaches to choose from. Some of them are not well labeled or that easily found, but include; September Morn, Bowen Bay beach, Sandy Beach (closest to Snug Cove), and Tunstall Bay beach.
7. Do a Tasting Flight at Copper Spirit Distillery
Newly opened, they offer tastings, live music, and even a bite to eat. Conveniently located on the main road in Snug Cove, you can do a happy hour before grabbing dinner, do a tasting after a meal or even hang out here on a rainy afternoon.
Ok, I had to include a list of places to eat, otherwise, it’s not really a travel guide by me.
Where to Eat on Bowen Island, BC
1. Snug Cove Cafe
Grab a warm beverage and pastry from this institution on Bowen Island. Locals and tourists pop in to grab their coffees, breakfast bagels, and tasty lunches throughout the day and it seems as though it’s never not busy.
2. Artisan Eats Cafe
From housemade sandwiches, salads, daily specials like a cauliflower rice bowl to enormous meringues, there is something that will catch your eye. I had the cauliflower rice bowl this time and I would commute to just eat that every day. I regret not taking home one of their VERY large meringues, just an excuse to go back soon!
3. Tuscany Pizza
They have a wood-fired oven for their pizzas. If pizza isn’t your thing (what?!) then there are some delicious-looking pasta dishes on the menu too.
4. Barcelona Tapas & Wine Bar
If you were looking for a lighter option, grab tapas at Barcelona. It’s right next to the Copper Spirit Distillery, on the main street. They have a large patio for sunny days and a lovely ambiance inside.
5. Cocoa West
Craving something sweet? Stop by this chocolatier for a coffee, hot chocolate while sampling their many delicious chocolates. Don’t forget to try their ice cream, especially on a hot, summer’s day.
6. Riley’s Cidery
A small cidery just located mere minutes from the village is open Thursday to Sunday. The ciders are made from the 30-year-old orchard it’s located on. It has new owners who took it over recently and made it into a cidery, so excited to go next time!
*This Bowen Island map includes the Bowen Island attractions and businesses listed below so you can get your bearings and locate these things to do on Bowen Island, BC.
Those are some of our favourite things to do on Bowen Island! You can also just relax on the beach, or have a leisurely meal at a restaurant, either way, there’s plenty to do and see on Bowen Island. For more of our favorite things to do in BC check out 8 Weekend Getaways from Vancouver!
Have you ever spent time on Bowen Island, BC? What are some of your favorite things to do on this idyllic island? Share your comment below.
