Locals named this little island in BC as one of the best spots to visit, instead of Whistler
Whistler is a B.C. destination we all know and love. Summer or winter, you're basically guaranteed to have a fun weekend getaway from Vancouver there, but there's a downside.
With popularity comes crowds, and a hefty price tag to match. Waiting to snap a photo at a hiking lookout can be reminiscent of an airport Starbucks line, and the Sea-to-Sky highway can go from enjoyably scenic to road-rage-inducing with long weekend traffic.
Sometimes you just want a peaceful escape from the city — a quick and easy spot that won't cost you a fortune. Luckily, we polled the Narcity audience to find just that, asking readers where to visit in B.C., instead of Whistler. The results are in, and if you're looking to mix things up for your next getaway, head to Bowen Island.
This little island is the perfect answer to your summer in the city woes, scratching that itch for tranquil beauty and a slower pace. In less than 20 minutes, BC Ferries will take you from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to the charming harbour of Snug Cove.
While the journey is quick, you'll feel like the busy streets of Vancouver are a world away — separated by the sparkling ocean.
You can walk or drive onto the ferry, and it leaves frequently throughout the day from 5:45 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., making it easy to plan a trip. It can get busy, though, depending on when you go, so try to aim for non-peak travel times and walk on if possible.
Once you step off into the cute town, you can head to The Snug Cafe to feul up for the day.
From there, you can head up to Artisan Square to explore the local shops and boutiques, picking up some souvenirs for your day away.
Beautiful trails are winding around the island if you want to go for a hike, and Mount Gardner is a go-to, and is the highest point on the island.
If you want to explore more, you can rent a bike from Bowen eBikes, or take a kayaking tour along the shoreline.
Nothing quite says relaxing like lying on a beach, though, and Bowen has a few to choose from.
The pebble-filled shores have clear blue water to cool off in, and views that you can look out on for hours and still be left breathless.
After exploring to your heart's desire, you can stay at one of the local accommodations or just hop on the ferry back home in the evening.
Bowen Island checks all the boxes for the perfect Vancouver day trip — quick, easy, and absolutely beautiful.
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.
