There's a tiny, sparkling island floating just off the coast of Vancouver that's quietly been my favourite city escape for years. I've been coming here since the summer of '04, staying at my friend's waterfront home like a seasoned freeloader.
The best part? No car needed. No stressy reservation system. You barely even need a plan — just a BC Ferries ticket, a tote bag, and a vague interest in charming things like a local cidery or a bagel breakfast sandwich by the water.
After many ferry trips over, I'm divulging all my Bowen Island recommendations, so you can have an unforgettable day escaping Vancouver.
How to get to Bowen Island
Bowen Island has a million charming little perks, but one of the best? Getting there is almost laughably easy. I say this as a chronically chaotic-stressed traveller. (I will do just about anything to avoid the second-hand embarrassment of watching a middle-aged man wrestle his suitcase into the Flair luggage sizer, insisting “it fits” when it obviously doesn't fit). I digress.
To get to Bowen, you just have to head to Horseshoe Bay (a 30-minute drive or transit ride from Vancouver), walk onto the ferry as a foot passenger, no car needed, and you’re off. The sailing takes about 20 minutes, and the ferry leaves every hour.
Pro Tip for the summer traveller: The Snug Cove ferry is a non-reservable route. If possible, try to travel during non-peak sailings to avoid wait times.
Walk off the ferry and go right to the café
Once you dock at Snug Cove, you’re right in the island's buzzing little hub — cafés, trails, beaches, and boutiques are all just steps away. It's like teleporting into a West Coast postcard without the stress of actually planning a trip.
Adorable fact to give you a clearer vibe: Bowen Island is (according to their website) the 5th most artistic community in Canada, based on the number of residents who derive their primary income from the arts. Expect to find plenty of galleries, studios, and artisanal shops.
First things first (always), let’s talk caffeine. Right at the ferry terminal, you'll find Tell Your Friends Café. They have great coffee (and I've been told I’m a snob about this, so I really mean it). For brunch (because really, what's the point of a vacation without a bagel), try out The Snug Café or Tippy's.
Shop local
Just a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute car/bus ride from Snug Cove is Artisan Square — a trove of galleries, boutiques, wellness spots, and cafés perched on Cates Hill with gorgeous views of Howe Sound. It's the perfect place to pick up an entirely necessary souvenir to add to your knick-knack collection. (And you’ll feel great doing it because: support the arts)!
Don't miss stopping by Wren Boutique, Narwhal on Bowen, Tosh Home & Garden, or the Bowen Island Flower Shop.
Explore the island's nature
If you love a good nature walk, you've come to the right place. The Bowen Island Whale Trail is a beginner-friendly path that hugs the coast — perfect for if you're my boyfriend and want to interrupt conversation every time you spot a seal or bald eagle (it's not his fault, he's from Ontario and the only wildlife they have are raccoons, squirrels, rats, and the occasional deer).
There’s also the Killarney Lake Loop for an easygoing option or Dorman Point Trail, just a short walk from the ferry terminal, which is a quick, steep climb that offers a scenic lookout (and potentially sweaty photo opp).
If you're feeling ambitious, tackle Mt. Gardner, the island’s highest peak. It's 17-kilometre round-trip, but it does have stunning views of Howe Sound, West Van, and the Sunshine Coast.
Unlike many Vancouver beaches in the thick of summer, Bowen's beaches tend to have clear and clean water — but fair warning, they’re mostly rocky. I know, the fashion commentators will be horrified, but for the sake of your safety (and at the expense of your dignity), I do recommend water shoes. I’m so sorry.
Another way to get some adventure in? Biking the scenic backcountry roads of the island.
A quick heads-up for cyclists, though (disclaimer: I am not a cyclist, but this is what I’ve been told by my friends who wear spandex): Bowen's roads are stunning but hilly. Novice riders might want to stick to the trails. If you prefer the water, kayaking and paddleboarding are amazing ways to soak in those stunning views from a different angle.
Before you head out to explore, grab a trail map at the ferry kiosk or the Bowen Visitor Centre to make sure you get the most out of your little adventure!
Drink up
You simply can't leave the island without trying local cider. Bowen Cider House is a cottage-core dream, nestled on a farm with roaming sheep, ducks, and the occasional horse. It's really a true farm-to-glass experience. (For my non-drinkers, the fresh apple juice honestly rivals the cider itself).
Over at Riley's Cidery, you can sip cider in the picnic area overlooking their apple orchard that hosts nearly a thousand heirloom apple varieties. Need I say more?
Bowen Island is the effortless, picturesque escape you didn't know you needed. With easy ferry access, hikes, swims, and artisanal charm at literally every turn, it's the perfect mini getaway in B.C.
No car, no stress, just cider and sparkling Howe Sound views. You're welcome!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
