Miller Retreats - Cosy Cabins Guide
Food scene
Whilst we have a fun kitchen to cook and bbq at Miller Retreats, Bowen has an incredible food scene - most of the spots are walkable from our cabins.
An ocean-front, family-run, family-friendly café on the dock on Bowen Island, BC. Fresh tasting menu of healthy(-ish!) cafe style with vegan and vegetarian friends, our gluten-free and celiac options. Many of the menu ideas are inspired by the owner's time in Australia + New Zealand and passion for great coffee and delicious food. ps. tell your friends ;)
24 locals recommend
tell your friends cafe
400 Bowen Island Trunk RdAn ocean-front, family-run, family-friendly café on the dock on Bowen Island, BC. Fresh tasting menu of healthy(-ish!) cafe style with vegan and vegetarian friends, our gluten-free and celiac options. Many of the menu ideas are inspired by the owner's time in Australia + New Zealand and passion for great coffee and delicious food. ps. tell your friends ;)
Doc Morgans is a crowd-pleaser, pub grub, and a patio looking out onto the Marina. The karage chicken is delicious and the fish & chips are famous! Family-friendly and great service.
37 locals recommend
Doc Morgan's Marina Pub & Restaurant
439 Bowen Island Trunk RdDoc Morgans is a crowd-pleaser, pub grub, and a patio looking out onto the Marina. The karage chicken is delicious and the fish & chips are famous! Family-friendly and great service.
An exceptional Italian Trattoria treasure, dine outside on the patio under the greenery and stars. Pasta, pizza, salads and specials that are sensational. A hidden gem which will fast become your favourite!
Highly recommend calling ahead to reserve your table. 8 minute walk Miller Retreats.
47 locals recommend
Tuscany Restaurant
451 Bowen Island Trunk RdAn exceptional Italian Trattoria treasure, dine outside on the patio under the greenery and stars. Pasta, pizza, salads and specials that are sensational. A hidden gem which will fast become your favourite!
Highly recommend calling ahead to reserve your table. 8 minute walk Miller Retreats.
Exceptional Spanish tapas made of locally sourced & sustainable seafood, hormone & antibiotic-free meats. Local wines and beers to pair, and the aubergine is unforgettable.
Highly recommend calling ahead to reserve your table. 8 minute walk Miller Retreats.
36 locals recommend
Barcelona Tapas & Wine Bar
449 Bowen Island Trunk RdExceptional Spanish tapas made of locally sourced & sustainable seafood, hormone & antibiotic-free meats. Local wines and beers to pair, and the aubergine is unforgettable.
Highly recommend calling ahead to reserve your table. 8 minute walk Miller Retreats.
Groceries and more here at the Ruddy, 3 min walk from Miller Retreats make's it an easy trip for last minute supplies and ready-to-go meals.
33 locals recommend
The Ruddy Potato
996 Dorman RdGroceries and more here at the Ruddy, 3 min walk from Miller Retreats make's it an easy trip for last minute supplies and ready-to-go meals.
Take out sushi, 4 mins from Miller Retreats - one of my fave sushi spots in the lower mainland. High quality and attention to detail to meet your sushi cravings.
15 locals recommend
Bowen Sushi To Go
994 Dorman RdTake out sushi, 4 mins from Miller Retreats - one of my fave sushi spots in the lower mainland. High quality and attention to detail to meet your sushi cravings.
Boutique craft distillery and tasting lounge on Bowen Island, BC Canada. Vodka, gin and whisky made with 100% organic ingredients. The tasting room is a fun spot and you can purchase your fave craft spirit!
12 locals recommend
Copper Spirit Distillery
441 Bowen Island Trunk RdBoutique craft distillery and tasting lounge on Bowen Island, BC Canada. Vodka, gin and whisky made with 100% organic ingredients. The tasting room is a fun spot and you can purchase your fave craft spirit!
Neighbours to tell your friends is Branch! A seasonal snack bar and boutique shop, tacos and Earnest Ice Cream - delicious!
20 locals recommend
Branch 01
400 Bowen Island Trunk RdNeighbours to tell your friends is Branch! A seasonal snack bar and boutique shop, tacos and Earnest Ice Cream - delicious!
This cidery sits in a one-of-a-kind apple orchard on Bowen Island, rich in biodiversity and home to nearly one thousand varieties of heirloom apples. These apples all have their own interesting stories and the cidery is our way of sharing and preserving this unique place. Visit and taste ciders and enjoy the picnic area overlooking the orchard.
13 locals recommend
Riley's Cidery
620 Laura RoadThis cidery sits in a one-of-a-kind apple orchard on Bowen Island, rich in biodiversity and home to nearly one thousand varieties of heirloom apples. These apples all have their own interesting stories and the cidery is our way of sharing and preserving this unique place. Visit and taste ciders and enjoy the picnic area overlooking the orchard.
We are a dog-friendly host, we have a dog bed and with a fenced-in garden your 4 legged friend can enjoy the garden (there are some gaps, please supervise). If you forget dogfood or treats, you can walk over to the local pet shop.
Bowen Pet Supply
992 Dorman RdWe are a dog-friendly host, we have a dog bed and with a fenced-in garden your 4 legged friend can enjoy the garden (there are some gaps, please supervise). If you forget dogfood or treats, you can walk over to the local pet shop.
Beaches
Bowen has an incredible beach collection. The beaches are a mix of easy-to-find and slightly of the beaten track, google maps will help you. The beaches range from pebbles mixed with sand to rocky mixed with boulders. Be sure to pack beach shoes and a camera, the seals, whales, and dolphins are always stars of the show.
Walk out the front gate of Miller Retreats, cross over Miller road and into the forest, follow Maple Trail all the way down to the roundabout. Walk straight over and up the street and you'll find the signed trail head sign for Sandy Beach. Swimming, paddling and sun bathing! The sun stays on this spot right up to 5pm in high summer.
Great spot to paddleboard, kayak and snorkel!
Dogs not allowed July & August
Sandy Beach
402 Venture RdWalk out the front gate of Miller Retreats, cross over Miller road and into the forest, follow Maple Trail all the way down to the roundabout. Walk straight over and up the street and you'll find the signed trail head sign for Sandy Beach. Swimming, paddling and sun bathing! The sun stays on this spot right up to 5pm in high summer.
Great spot to paddleboard, kayak and snorkel!
Dogs not allowed July & August
Drive across the island for the most magical sunsets. Tunstall Bay is a sandy and rocky beach known for its swimming, boat launches, and again - postcard sunsets.
Dogs not allowed July & August
23 locals recommend
Tunstall Bay
Drive across the island for the most magical sunsets. Tunstall Bay is a sandy and rocky beach known for its swimming, boat launches, and again - postcard sunsets.
Dogs not allowed July & August
Drive over to the Cape and walk the 1-km sunset trail that connects the Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse park and enjoy the Roger Curtis pebble beach.
29 locals recommend
Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse
1652 Whitesails DrDrive over to the Cape and walk the 1-km sunset trail that connects the Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse park and enjoy the Roger Curtis pebble beach.
A short drive, north of Tunstall Bay lies Bowen Bay, a popular destination for young families due to its placid, shallow waters and sandy shores.
Dogs not allowed July & August
15 locals recommend
Bowen Bay
A short drive, north of Tunstall Bay lies Bowen Bay, a popular destination for young families due to its placid, shallow waters and sandy shores.
Dogs not allowed July & August
This beach has exceptional morning and lunchtime sunshine, south and east-facing you can look back towards Vancouver. Unofficially this is a clothing-optional beach if you forget your swimming suits ;)
September Morn Beach
This beach has exceptional morning and lunchtime sunshine, south and east-facing you can look back towards Vancouver. Unofficially this is a clothing-optional beach if you forget your swimming suits ;)
Activities
If you're looking for adventure, Bowen has something for everyone. There are trails all over the island and for all levels. We also have a selection of card, board games, and garden games if you're looking to soak up all that Miller Retreats has to offer.
Bowen Island Sea Kayaking rents clean, well-maintained, newer model kayaks (singles and doubles) for experienced and beginning kayakers. Kids kayaks are available and they have a good selection of stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).
Whether you are planning a leisurely tandem paddle along the Bowen shoreline or wish to provision your kayak with gear and food for a multi-day group expedition around Howe Sound, Bowen Island Sea Kayaking is your best local source for kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Summer and holiday long weekends tend to book up early, book ahead online to reserve your kayak or paddleboard in advance
30 locals recommend
Bowen Island Sea Kayaking
Bowen Island Sea Kayaking rents clean, well-maintained, newer model kayaks (singles and doubles) for experienced and beginning kayakers. Kids kayaks are available and they have a good selection of stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).
Whether you are planning a leisurely tandem paddle along the Bowen shoreline or wish to provision your kayak with gear and food for a multi-day group expedition around Howe Sound, Bowen Island Sea Kayaking is your best local source for kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Summer and holiday long weekends tend to book up early, book ahead online to reserve your kayak or paddleboard in advance
Minutes from the Ferry terminal, you can pick up an eBikes from this locally owned and operated company. The bikes are Class One, pedal-assist, and capable of speeds up to 24km/hr. They do require you to spin the pedals for the electric motor to kick in.
Bowen Island is a hilly place to explore and electric assisted biking is key to making the most of your visit. Book ahead to reserve your bikes and bring your own helmet, or include a helmet in your rental.
8 locals recommend
Bowen eBikes
431 Bowen Island Trunk RdMinutes from the Ferry terminal, you can pick up an eBikes from this locally owned and operated company. The bikes are Class One, pedal-assist, and capable of speeds up to 24km/hr. They do require you to spin the pedals for the electric motor to kick in.
Bowen Island is a hilly place to explore and electric assisted biking is key to making the most of your visit. Book ahead to reserve your bikes and bring your own helmet, or include a helmet in your rental.
This 9-hole golf course carved from a West Coast rainforest on Bowen Island, BC features magnificent views of Howe Sound. The 3,003 yard, par 35 layouts designed by Russ Olson offers three sets of tee boxes that ensure challenge and reward for players of all skill levels.
Great clubhouse for refreshments and book your tee time online to avoid missing out a gem of a course.
28 locals recommend
Bowen Island Golf Club
810 Beach DrThis 9-hole golf course carved from a West Coast rainforest on Bowen Island, BC features magnificent views of Howe Sound. The 3,003 yard, par 35 layouts designed by Russ Olson offers three sets of tee boxes that ensure challenge and reward for players of all skill levels.
Great clubhouse for refreshments and book your tee time online to avoid missing out a gem of a course.
The latest addition to Bowen fun is a wooded course beginner friendly with some short par threes and a couple of long challenging par fours. Trails and fairways are rough and playable.
Disk rentals can be picked up from Bowen eBikes.
Veterans Park Disc Golf Course
The latest addition to Bowen fun is a wooded course beginner friendly with some short par threes and a couple of long challenging par fours. Trails and fairways are rough and playable.
Disk rentals can be picked up from Bowen eBikes.
Hikes/Trails
Easy access hike from Snug Cove taking you through the woods and up a well-kept gravel hill to southeast views of the City.
1-2 Km hike, 1 hour out and back.
8 locals recommend
Dorman Point
370 Robinson RdEasy access hike from Snug Cove taking you through the woods and up a well-kept gravel hill to southeast views of the City.
1-2 Km hike, 1 hour out and back.
A fave walk, you can walk from Miller or drive to the car park. The lake loop is 9km in total and takes approximately 2-3 hours to return depending on your speed and how many times you stop to stare at the wonderful wildlife. The lake is exempt from motorboats, and so the birds, otters, beavers, and fish are in plenty. Keep your eyes in the woods high for an owl sighting, pure magic.
The are restrooms and picnic area by the car park.
38 locals recommend
Killarney Lake
A fave walk, you can walk from Miller or drive to the car park. The lake loop is 9km in total and takes approximately 2-3 hours to return depending on your speed and how many times you stop to stare at the wonderful wildlife. The lake is exempt from motorboats, and so the birds, otters, beavers, and fish are in plenty. Keep your eyes in the woods high for an owl sighting, pure magic.
The are restrooms and picnic area by the car park.
Bowen Island’s tallest mountain with an elevation of 719m. Download a map as the trail signage is not fully complete. 4-6 hours depending on speed, pack snacks and proper hiking shoes and equipment advised. It is a challenging hike at times and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views – Vancouver to the south, the Sunshine Coast to the north and Vancouver Island to the west.
6 locals recommend
Mt. Gardner
Bowen Island’s tallest mountain with an elevation of 719m. Download a map as the trail signage is not fully complete. 4-6 hours depending on speed, pack snacks and proper hiking shoes and equipment advised. It is a challenging hike at times and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views – Vancouver to the south, the Sunshine Coast to the north and Vancouver Island to the west.
City advice
Customs and culture
Covid19 precautions are in place on the island.
Please follow the local businesses guidance on mask and sanitiser procedures. The local community is close-knit and with a ranging age population, we all need to do our part.
What to pack
Layers and beach shoes, we've got towels!
Bowen gets glorious sunshine, and when the temperature drops. Bring layers to keep warm and cozy.
Slippers and socks will complete your cabin experience and whilst there are some sandy spots at the beaches. We recommend bringing water shoes to avoid the pebble/shell dance ;)
Towels - we have towels and we have beach towels for your stay.
Book before you go
Check the ferries
Horseshoe Ferry Terminal can get really busy at the height of summer. When you approach the terminal stay in the right-hand lane to avoid the Nanaimo and Sunshine Coast traffic, you'll be ushered into lane 8 down to the ticket booth.
Once you've got your tickets, you'll head down lane 1 and load from the lane on your printed ticket.
Check the BC Ferries website for sailings and sailing delays, I recommend a book/snacks in case there is a sailing delay. You can leave your car parked in the ferry terminal and head into Horsebay for food/drink/shopping - take your ferry ticket for re-entry.
Getting around
Walking, biking, cars and bus!
It's easy to get around Bowen by car and bus. Miller Retreats is very central, you can walk on the ferry and walk to the cabins. You can drive, and leave the car parked for your stay. To explore the west side of the island you'll need a car, bike or the local bus.
Note. Hitchhiking is allowed on Bowen Island and you'll signage
Don't miss
Saturday Farmers Market
Check out the local bounties just up the hill at the Bowen Island Community School (mostly in the upper/undercover area, sometimes in the parking lot) every Saturday 10 am -12 pm, until mid-October.
Veg, fruit, jam, baked goods, flowers, herb salts, and more.