Take a Day Trip to Bowen Island

Planning a trip to Bowen Island is an easy way to get back to nature and escape the city. The best part is, it only takes one hour to get there, yet you'll feel a world away from Vancouver. Unless you look across the water, that is. Take a scenic ferry crossing, hike, relax on beautiful beaches, shop, go kayaking, and enjoy great restaurants. There's a remarkable amount of things to do on Bowen. It's one of the best day trips from Vancouver, but you also would not regret turning it into an overnighter.

Getting to Bowen Island

The BC Ferry to Bowen Island leaves from the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver. It's a 25-minute drive to Horseshoe Bay from downtown Vancouver; however, parking is limited, so it's much easier to take TransLink bus 250 or 257 Express from downtown Vancouver, taxi, or Uber.

There are over a dozen sailings to and from Bowen Island each day - check the schedule to see which ones work for your itinerary. The crossing takes only 20 minutes, and note that you can't make a reservation on this route. Instead, you'll need to buy your ticket when you arrive. Fare prices are round-trip, so you only need to pay on the Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island leg, not on the way back.

While you can take a car onto the ferry, you don't need to. The village of Snug Cove on Bowen Island is compact and walkable. Hiking trails and beaches are also within easy walking distance.

Browse the Boutiques and Galleries

Step off the ferry into the village of Snug Cove. You'll find boutiques and galleries lining Bowen Island Trunk Road, perfect for browsing. Start with Narwhal on the boardwalk near the ferry terminal. They carry a range of cute garden supplies, books, jewelry, clothing, and home goods.

Next, head to The Hearth Gallery. Housed in the same building as the public library, the Hearth showcases the work of local artists. It's run by the Bowen Island Arts Council, a non-profit.

Further up the road, you can find eclectic clothing at Squirrel on Bowen. Catching Stars Gallery has a curated selection of local art, including paintings, pottery, photography, and jewellery. Phoenix Books has a great selection of books by both local and global writers.

If you are up for a short walk, head up the hill to Artisan Square. It's 10 to 15 minutes from Snug Cove via a trail next to Cates Pharmacy on Bowen Island Trunk Road. Leafy Artisan Square is home to boutique clothing stores, art galleries, and Cocoa West Chocolatier.

Slow Down in Nature

You don't have to go far from Snug Cove to immerse yourself in Bowen Island's nature.

Stroll Through Crippen Regional Park

Crippen Regional Park spreads out on both sides of the village. Grab a book and wander over to the Snug Cove Picnic Area next to the water to relax on the grass and watch the boats come and go. Or follow the trails through the forest along Killarney and Terminal Creeks. It's the perfect place to slow down and do some forest bathing or a walking meditation. If you're up for a short hike, take the four-kilometre-long trail around Killarney Lake to watch for birds.

Go for a Kayaking Adventure

Get up close and personal with the ocean in a kayak. Bowen Island Sea Kayaking offers guided tours and rentals from its convenient dockside location next to the ferry. Their three-hour shoreline tours are a great way to get a feel for the area. Or stay on the island into the evening to take one of their sunset or moonlit kayaking tours.

Relax on Beautiful Beaches

If you want to hit the beach, pack your swimsuit and towel and make the short walk to Sandy Beach or Pebbly Beach. Both beaches are in Deep Bay, just north of the ferry terminal. Find a spot to lounge on the shoreline and breathe in the fresh sea air.

Eat Local

Bowen Island doesn't have any chain restaurants - all of the cafes and eateries are locally owned.

Breakfast on Bowen Island

If you're looking for something light, you've got options. Grab coffee, pastries and sandwiches at The Snug Cafe, a quaint cofee shop inside a converted cottage. Artisan Eats Cafe in Artisan Square also has fresh bread, sandwiches, and a full breakfast menu. If you're looking for a bigger meal, you've got to try Tippy's Cookhouse. This brunch restaurant is out-of-this-world delicious and offers one of the island's nicest patios. Their bennies on fried potato latkes are to die for, as is literally everything else on the menu.

Lunch on Bowen Island

Branch on Bowen on the pier makes delicious tacos, perfect for lunch or an afternoon snack. Tell your friends cafe is another great breakfast or lunch option with delicious sandwiches, soups, and yummy pastries.

Dinner on Bowen Island

For dinner, don't miss Bowen Island's destination-worthy restaurants. Vancouver locals take the ferry just to eat at these spots, so they can get busy - make a reservation. Tuscany Restaurant has a gorgeous grape vine-draped patio that gets extra magical after dark when the twinkle lights come on. Their Tuscan-style pizza is perfect for sharing. You'll find Barcelona Tapas & Wine Bar next door to Tuscany. This cozy spot offers sharable small plates made with sustainable seafood and locally sourced ingredients.

For drinks, head to Copper Spirit Distillery, the coolest place for cocktails on Bowen Island. Their sleek and modern tasting room serves cocktails made with their craft whiskey, gin, and vodka.

Stay the Night

While Bowen Island makes the perfect day trip from Vancouver, you can also extend your trip and stay the night.

Spend the night in Snug Cove at Artisan Suites on Bowen. Located in Artisan Square, some of the suites have incredible views of the ocean.

Nectar Bowen Island offers cottages nestled amongst the forest in the centre of the island. Your stay includes yoga classes, guided meditation, and a vegetarian breakfast.

Whether you visit for the day or stay overnight, Bowen Island offers an easy escape filled with nature, local food, and laid-back island charm. Best of all, it’s all just a short ferry ride from Vancouver.