This tiny island is a 20-minute BC Ferries ride from Vancouver and is brimming with charm

Jumping on BC ferries for an escape from the bustling city life is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. You can embrace the slower pace of life on this small island, which is just a 20-minute-long ferry ride away

Bowen Island comes alive, especially in the summer — a community filled with charming shops, beautiful views, and rocky beaches.

You can take the ferry over from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Snug Cove on Bowen Island, and the quick trip is full of breathtaking views. You might even get lucky enough to spot a whale or two on the way.

There are lots of sailing times to choose from too, which makes it easy to plan a last-minute day trip over to the island.

While there you can stroll around the tiny community, wandering in and out of the local shops and boutiques.

Dorman Point Lookout is a popular trail in the area that takes you to a stunning lookout, where you'll see the vast ocean stretching in front of you and islands throughout it. It's also only two and a half kilotmers long, so you won't need to break that much of a sweat.

If you're feeling adventurous you can rent scooters to tour the island on, stopping by the beaches and parks.

While waiting for the ferry back to Vancouver, you can grab dinner and drinks near the waterfront, all while watching the ferries come in and out of the harbour as the sun goes down.

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.

"This article has been updated since it was originally published on August 1, 2023.