Shahar’s guidebook for Bowen Island
Greetings from the west coast of Canada!
Greetings from the west coast of Canada! We are a family of three (Me and my two children) living on beautiful Bowen Island in British Columbia, very close to Vancouver (20 minute ferry trip to Horseshoe Bay and then 30 minute bus or 20 minute drive to downtown; or 25 minute passenger water taxi to Granville Island or Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver). Bowen Island is a special community to visit because it is SO BEAUTIFUL, and special in that it really feels like a village. People move here because of its beauty and the sense of community. It has about 3500 full time residents, and many of them are young families. The beaches are quiet, the forests are old growth and lush (50 shades of green!!). It's quiet but you also have coffee shops and restaurants and a bit of local art and a music scene. It really is a wonder that such a natural paradise is so close to one of Canada's major cities. Bowen residents sometimes feel as if we are living in one of this areas best kept secrets...
Bowen Island is situated off the Sea-to-Sky highway between Vancouver and Whistler, a major ski destination. There are also many ski mountains on the north shore of Vancouver, readily accessible by bus from Horseshoe Bay (which is where the ferry from Bowen docks in West Vancouver). There are ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, so this is a great leaping off point to explore some of the most beautiful areas of the lower mainland of British Columbia. The weather in this area is glorious in the summer and fall months (May—October)—sunny, dry, temperate—and wet and rainy through the winter months (November—April). The good news about weather in the winter is that it is mild (usually above 0 degrees, hovering around 5-10 degrees), and therefore everything stays green even in the thick of winter. There are snowcapped mountains all around us, though. It's beautiful all year round.
You can walk the trails of Bowen, spend time on beaches, hang out at coffee shops, or travel to Vancouver or the coastal mountains that surround it for the day. You can also use this as a jumping off point (but don't forget there is a ferry!!) for trips north to Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, etc. On the North Shore of Vancouver, which we are close to, you can visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Lynn Valley, hike the famous Grouse Grind for amazing views of the city, and explore an infinite array of trail systems, ski mountains (with cross-country and downhill) and snowshoeing terrain high in alpine territory. This is wild, coastal BC at its best! From our living room windows, you see snow-peaked mountains and trees, and you can hear the sounds of the ferry coming and going. It's a beautiful place to explore.
The best way to know more about Bowen is to go to our very informative tourism website at: https://www.tourismbowenisland.com
71 locals recommend
Bowen Island
Greetings from the west coast of Canada! We are a family of three (Me and my two children) living on beautiful Bowen Island in British Columbia, very close to Vancouver (20 minute ferry trip to Horseshoe Bay and then 30 minute bus or 20 minute drive to downtown; or 25 minute passenger water taxi to Granville Island or Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver). Bowen Island is a special community to visit because it is SO BEAUTIFUL, and special in that it really feels like a village. People move here because of its beauty and the sense of community. It has about 3500 full time residents, and many of them are young families. The beaches are quiet, the forests are old growth and lush (50 shades of green!!). It's quiet but you also have coffee shops and restaurants and a bit of local art and a music scene. It really is a wonder that such a natural paradise is so close to one of Canada's major cities. Bowen residents sometimes feel as if we are living in one of this areas best kept secrets...
Bowen Island is situated off the Sea-to-Sky highway between Vancouver and Whistler, a major ski destination. There are also many ski mountains on the north shore of Vancouver, readily accessible by bus from Horseshoe Bay (which is where the ferry from Bowen docks in West Vancouver). There are ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, so this is a great leaping off point to explore some of the most beautiful areas of the lower mainland of British Columbia. The weather in this area is glorious in the summer and fall months (May—October)—sunny, dry, temperate—and wet and rainy through the winter months (November—April). The good news about weather in the winter is that it is mild (usually above 0 degrees, hovering around 5-10 degrees), and therefore everything stays green even in the thick of winter. There are snowcapped mountains all around us, though. It's beautiful all year round.
You can walk the trails of Bowen, spend time on beaches, hang out at coffee shops, or travel to Vancouver or the coastal mountains that surround it for the day. You can also use this as a jumping off point (but don't forget there is a ferry!!) for trips north to Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, etc. On the North Shore of Vancouver, which we are close to, you can visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Lynn Valley, hike the famous Grouse Grind for amazing views of the city, and explore an infinite array of trail systems, ski mountains (with cross-country and downhill) and snowshoeing terrain high in alpine territory. This is wild, coastal BC at its best! From our living room windows, you see snow-peaked mountains and trees, and you can hear the sounds of the ferry coming and going. It's a beautiful place to explore.
The best way to know more about Bowen is to go to our very informative tourism website at: https://www.tourismbowenisland.com
Food scene
Rustique Bistro located in Snug Cove on Bowen Island BC Canada. It offers a warm and cozy ambiance and delicious French food!
19 locals recommend
Rustique Bistro
433 Bowen Island Trunk RdRustique Bistro located in Snug Cove on Bowen Island BC Canada. It offers a warm and cozy ambiance and delicious French food!
On a little island, up a tiny hill, overlooking an expansive view of ocean, mountains & forest, you'll find a French-inspired and welcoming café. In the early morning, the scent of fresh baked breads & viennoiserie float through the air. As the day progresses, so does the hustle and bustle of locals greeting each other over their strollers & laptops, balancing rich lattés with grilled paninis while catching up on island gossip.
Come join us!
41 locals recommend
Artisan Eats Café & Fine Foods
539 Artisan LnOn a little island, up a tiny hill, overlooking an expansive view of ocean, mountains & forest, you'll find a French-inspired and welcoming café. In the early morning, the scent of fresh baked breads & viennoiserie float through the air. As the day progresses, so does the hustle and bustle of locals greeting each other over their strollers & laptops, balancing rich lattés with grilled paninis while catching up on island gossip.
Come join us!
Brilliant food quickly, and with a dazzling smile…The Snug Café on Bowen Island is a small, wooden building that is almost as old as the Snug Cove village. It’s more than a café, breakfast or lunch stop. The Snug is a Bowen institution, a meeting place, a cornerstone of our community.
The Hayes family took over Snug operations in January of 2007. A family of bakers, chefs and jokers. The Hayes family believe in producing great food using the freshest ingredients possible and using local produce whenever available.
So drop on by have a coffee, have a chat… meet the community.
32 locals recommend
Snug Cafe The
445 Bowen Island Trunk RdBrilliant food quickly, and with a dazzling smile…The Snug Café on Bowen Island is a small, wooden building that is almost as old as the Snug Cove village. It’s more than a café, breakfast or lunch stop. The Snug is a Bowen institution, a meeting place, a cornerstone of our community.
The Hayes family took over Snug operations in January of 2007. A family of bakers, chefs and jokers. The Hayes family believe in producing great food using the freshest ingredients possible and using local produce whenever available.
So drop on by have a coffee, have a chat… meet the community.
Tuscany Restaurant on Bowen Island. Italian Trattoria and stone oven pizza in a character home by the water.
47 locals recommend
Tuscany Restaurant
451 Bowen Island Trunk RdTuscany Restaurant on Bowen Island. Italian Trattoria and stone oven pizza in a character home by the water.
Bowen Sushi To Go
994 Dorman RdSmall, cozy and very yummy. The the owner is a lovely man!
Doc Morgans Pub & Restaurant has been a staple on Bowen for more than 30 years, only a quick 20min ferry from Vancouver, with the most delicious fish and chips, great seafood, and the best patio on the island, Doc's is a wonderful way to enjoy the West Coast at it's best!
37 locals recommend
Doc Morgan's Marina Pub & Restaurant
439 Bowen Island Trunk RdDoc Morgans Pub & Restaurant has been a staple on Bowen for more than 30 years, only a quick 20min ferry from Vancouver, with the most delicious fish and chips, great seafood, and the best patio on the island, Doc's is a wonderful way to enjoy the West Coast at it's best!
Located on the Snug Cove, Barcelona Tapas & Wine Bar is the new addition on Bowen’s restaurants scenery.
Fully renovated in the Historical Bow Mart, Barcelona Taps & Wine Bar offers traditional Spanish dishes in a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Seasonal and Local
Our menu is made of locally sourced and specialty imported products as well as sustainable seafood, hormone & antibiotic free meats.
36 locals recommend
Barcelona Tapas & Wine Bar
449 Bowen Island Trunk RdLocated on the Snug Cove, Barcelona Tapas & Wine Bar is the new addition on Bowen’s restaurants scenery.
Fully renovated in the Historical Bow Mart, Barcelona Taps & Wine Bar offers traditional Spanish dishes in a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Seasonal and Local
Our menu is made of locally sourced and specialty imported products as well as sustainable seafood, hormone & antibiotic free meats.
Great place to get your shopping for food and some local delicatessens.
Village Square in Snug Cove at Dorman Road, Bowen Island, BC.
33 locals recommend
The Ruddy Potato
996 Dorman RdGreat place to get your shopping for food and some local delicatessens.
Village Square in Snug Cove at Dorman Road, Bowen Island, BC.
tell your friends cafe
400 Bowen Island Trunk RdSightseeing
"The scenic hiking trail that wraps around Killarney Lake offers the perfect reason to make a day trip to the peaceful community of Bowen Island. Just 20 minutes by ferry from Horseshoe Bay, one gets the full sense of laid-back island life.
The best option is to walk onto the ferry and either bus to Horseshoe Bay or drive and pay for day parking by the ferry terminal. Check with BC Ferries for updated sailing times.
From the Snug Cove ferry terminal on Bowen Island, walk up the road past the marina towards the shops. Here you can grab a coffee or snack before your walk to Killarney Lake. To get to the start of the trail, go right onto the first street called Cardena Drive and walk about 100 meters to a green and yellow GVRD parks sign on the left of the road. This sign marks the start to Crippen Regional Park.
Take the trail as it heads into the forest to a 4-way junction a short distance away. Go straight and continue as views of the lagoon can be seen between the trees on the right.
The trail intersects with Miller Road just beyond the fish ladders. Cross the road and continue along the path now called the Hatchery Trail. When you reach a 3-way junction, go right towards the open meadow. Continue straight through the meadow and across a wooden bridge to another 3-way junction. Go left towards a fork in the trail. Both of these trails lead to Killarney Lake, however follow the trail to the left and later return from the trail on the right.
After a few more minutes of walking, Killarney Lake becomes visible through the trees. Go left at the gravel road and a quick right onto the path. A few more steps brings you to a bench with a complete view of the lake. After taking photos and enjoying the view, continue along the trail, past the outhouses and parking area. About 10 minutes further you arrive at another viewpoint along the western shore of the lake." (From https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/killarney-lake/)
38 locals recommend
Killarney Lake
"The scenic hiking trail that wraps around Killarney Lake offers the perfect reason to make a day trip to the peaceful community of Bowen Island. Just 20 minutes by ferry from Horseshoe Bay, one gets the full sense of laid-back island life.
The best option is to walk onto the ferry and either bus to Horseshoe Bay or drive and pay for day parking by the ferry terminal. Check with BC Ferries for updated sailing times.
From the Snug Cove ferry terminal on Bowen Island, walk up the road past the marina towards the shops. Here you can grab a coffee or snack before your walk to Killarney Lake. To get to the start of the trail, go right onto the first street called Cardena Drive and walk about 100 meters to a green and yellow GVRD parks sign on the left of the road. This sign marks the start to Crippen Regional Park.
Take the trail as it heads into the forest to a 4-way junction a short distance away. Go straight and continue as views of the lagoon can be seen between the trees on the right.
The trail intersects with Miller Road just beyond the fish ladders. Cross the road and continue along the path now called the Hatchery Trail. When you reach a 3-way junction, go right towards the open meadow. Continue straight through the meadow and across a wooden bridge to another 3-way junction. Go left towards a fork in the trail. Both of these trails lead to Killarney Lake, however follow the trail to the left and later return from the trail on the right.
After a few more minutes of walking, Killarney Lake becomes visible through the trees. Go left at the gravel road and a quick right onto the path. A few more steps brings you to a bench with a complete view of the lake. After taking photos and enjoying the view, continue along the trail, past the outhouses and parking area. About 10 minutes further you arrive at another viewpoint along the western shore of the lake." (From https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/killarney-lake/)
One of my favourite lakes and by the island. It just got upgraded. Higher Grafton Lake Loop is a 3.1 kilometer loop trail located near Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips. Here is the link to Google maps to find your way here: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Bowen+Island,+British+Columbia/49.37199,-123.36246/@49.3777273,-123.3773154,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m5!1m1!1s0x54866b0a15721b2f:0x1150cf2b21435466!2m2!1d-123.370154!2d49.3767653!1m0
Grafton Lake
One of my favourite lakes and by the island. It just got upgraded. Higher Grafton Lake Loop is a 3.1 kilometer loop trail located near Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips. Here is the link to Google maps to find your way here: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Bowen+Island,+British+Columbia/49.37199,-123.36246/@49.3777273,-123.3773154,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m5!1m1!1s0x54866b0a15721b2f:0x1150cf2b21435466!2m2!1d-123.370154!2d49.3767653!1m0
Artisan Square is located a healthy 10-15 minute walk up the hill. A vibrant small community where one can shop for fine cashmere, stylish yoga wear, high end clothing, boutique hand-made chocolates, fresh flowers, eco-friendly soaps and modern housewares. Visit various art galleries and enjoy fresh croissants and a stunning view at a French bakery & café, Enjoy a workout at the Gym, take in a Pilates or Yoga class, and don't forget to schedule in a massage at one of the many wellness venues. A variety of services are also available such as office & accounting, a doctor & a veterinarian!
Artisan Square (Flag) station
Artisan Square is located a healthy 10-15 minute walk up the hill. A vibrant small community where one can shop for fine cashmere, stylish yoga wear, high end clothing, boutique hand-made chocolates, fresh flowers, eco-friendly soaps and modern housewares. Visit various art galleries and enjoy fresh croissants and a stunning view at a French bakery & café, Enjoy a workout at the Gym, take in a Pilates or Yoga class, and don't forget to schedule in a massage at one of the many wellness venues. A variety of services are also available such as office & accounting, a doctor & a veterinarian!
City advice
Getting around
Bring a car, bike, hike or use our Bus system :)
There are three community transit bus routes operated by TransLink. The 280 Bluewater runs from Snug Cove towards the western side of the island, turning around at Spyglass Road. The 281 Eaglecliff runs from Snug Cove along the eastern side of the island to Hood Point and back. The 282 Mt. Gardner runs on weekends only. Buses generally arrive to and leave Snug Cove with the arrival/departure of the ferry, but there are some exceptions. Please check the BUS SCHEDULE to determine the departure time: https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/251679 (it may change!)
Getting around
Walking on the Ferry?
If you plan to walk on the ferry to Bowen Island, please remember that most of the trails are accessible straight from the ferry terminal. However, many of the trails don't have a place to fill up your water bottle so make sure to have water before you go on your hike. Bowen is a small island but the trails can take you to almost any location which means you might need to find a way to get back to the ferry. And it's hilly :) So, make sure you are in good shape before climbing one of our local mountains!
Ways to save
Ways to save...
Bowen Island offers so many free attractions... Our local museum is free and so is a very cute library. But it is the outdoors that are the real kicker... You can park almost anywhere for free, go on endless hikes, have a picnic on one of our beaches and try to find hidden art in the woods.
Don't miss
Farmers market
Every Saturday during the spring and summer we have a farmers market at the local school.
Don't miss
So many beaches :)
We have so many beaches on this island. From September morn, pebbly beach, sandy beach, Crayola beach, and Tunstall. There are more but these are the most popular. Don’t miss the Lighthouse Park with its unique pathway and hidden beaches