BOWEN ISLAND
BOWEN ISLAND
#SIAonBowenIsland
Looking for a day trip from Vancouver that’s not Victoria or Whistler? Try Bowen Island. Just a mere 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, this woodsy and quaint destination is suitable for the traveler looking for a quick break from the city.
Bowen Island had been on my list for quite some time and I honestly wish I could have gone sooner! It is the perfect place to unwind, reflect and reset and unbelievable close to the mainland. The city offers a good handful of hikes, a great amount of local eateries and artisan shops, and of course, nature.
Nature is by far the best draw of Bowen Island. Coming in from the ferry, the town looks small and quaint – it is. The east end of the island is largely dominated by Crippen Regional Park where you may find lots of leisurely hikes and spots to picnic. When my girlfriends and I visited, we managed to do two of the shorter hikes, Dorman Point and Killarney Lake, during our 5.5 hour stay there. Not a walk in the park but it wasn’t easy nor intermediate either. Great for a pre- or post-lunch stroll as we did!
The food we had was honestly really great in Bowen. Very homey and pretty affordable. Of course, being by the sea we went crazy on the seafood. Be sure to try all the little cafes and shops around – good, wholesome food with some of the nicest people ever. The brand new Copper Spirit Distillery was also a welcomed addition to the island as well – a great opportunity to give you a real taste of the island’s local gin, vodka, and rye (whisky coming in 3 years!).
Know before you go:
Reception is a little spotty on the island so if you’re really nervous, be sure to preload your GoogleMaps up before leaving Snug Cove. The island is tiny - it’s so hard to get lost here.
Getting around Bowen Island:
Ferry – Obviously, you will be requiring a ferry to get to Bowen. It is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay for $10.45 per person on foot or $29.60 per vehicle. This is a roundtrip ticket – no ticket is required on the way back home. You can even take the passenger-only ferry from Granville Island for $20 per way per person.
Car – If you have a car, you have the freedom to explore more of the island, especially the west side of the island! I went on foot for my first time visiting but it would certainly be easier driving up and down those hills! Just be sure to ensure you have enough time to plan for the ferry ride back!
On foot – We visited Bowen via this method and it was super easy! Everything around the Snug Cove Marina was within walking distance and appropriate for a day trip out. Busses are infrequent on the island so double check the timetables if you have to go further beyond Snug Cove.
Hitchhike - I’ve never tried it myself but I noticed a lot of approved hitchhiking pick up spots dotted throughout the island. Bowen Island is extremely safe; everyone there is so friendly. If you try this method, let me know how it went!
Things to do in Bowen Island:
Hiking – Go take some time outside! This was a major draw for our trip so we decided to do Dorman Point and Killarney Lake. These are both within walking distance of Snug Cove which was super appealing to us. Mt. Gardner is the big, intermediate hike on the island so I’m hoping to do that next!
Get on the water – There were a lot of canoes and kayaks for rental that I saw on the island. Although I didn’t participate in this activity this time, it’s something I would look into for the next time I visit the island.
Eat – There are so many great little eateries around the island! Even though we were there for just a short amount of time, we managed to hit up a number of places – some of which I will surely return to.
Shop - Visit Artisan Square for some great eateries, cute flower shops, boutiques, wellness centres and more.
Trails - Not hiking because you won’t break a sweat on these but there are some lovely trails on the west side of the island. Park at one of the three parking lots (Cape Roger Curtis, Pebbly Beach, Western Bowen Bay) and walk along in the trees by the water. Don’t forget to check out the Roger Curtis Lighthouse!
Things to eat in Bowen Island:
Artisan Eats Bakery and Cafe — for the best quality eats on the island. Everything was delicious here - burger, bucket of fries, salad, artisan breads and pastries and to their deceptively enticing pistachio bar! Lovely.
Doc Morgan’s Pub – for seafood, especially their peel and eat shrimp, over-the-top Caesars and their lightly-battered halibut fish and chips.
Snug Cove Café – for smoothies, sandwiches and wraps.
Copper Spirit Distillery – for a much-needed alcoholic break. Tastings and mini cocktails available here and this bronzed and emerald green room.
Branch – for hipster tacos and scoops of Earnest Ice Cream while you’re waiting for the ferry.
Candy in the Cove – for when you’re craving something sweet and for rare British candies imported all the way from the UK.
Cocoa West Chocolatier - for artisan chocolates, ice creams and hot chocolate. Need I say more?
Visiting Bowen Island was like having a breath of fresh air and a much-needed city break. The town is small and charming and I am looking forward to my return the next time I’m feeling like I need to escape the business of Vancouver.