Martina’s guidebook for Bowenshire
Feasting on Bowen
Arguably the most well-known establishment on the island thanks to its amazing outdoor patio with views of the Cove (best patio on the island) and its cozy heritage building. An eclectic range of dishes covering a range of cuisines including plenty of pub favourites.
37 locals recommend
Doc Morgan's Marina Pub & Restaurant
439 Bowen Island Trunk RdArguably the most well-known establishment on the island thanks to its amazing outdoor patio with views of the Cove (best patio on the island) and its cozy heritage building. An eclectic range of dishes covering a range of cuisines including plenty of pub favourites.
The menu is often rotated to highlight seasonal products, but there are a few staples we wholeheartedly endorse – patatas bravas and the forest mushrooms. Their desserts are also amazing! Did we mention they have Prosecco on tap? We were sold at Prosecco on tap. Buen Provecho!
36 locals recommend
Barcelona Tapas & Wine Bar
449 Bowen Island Trunk RdThe menu is often rotated to highlight seasonal products, but there are a few staples we wholeheartedly endorse – patatas bravas and the forest mushrooms. Their desserts are also amazing! Did we mention they have Prosecco on tap? We were sold at Prosecco on tap. Buen Provecho!
This might be the most popular restaurant on the island. You’re sure to understand why when you see the charming outdoor patio that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into an Italian landscape (and if you’re lucky enough to visit when the wisteria is in bloom? Snap!). You must have reservations. Food fired pizzas and house made pasta is the name of the game here.
Buon appetito!
47 locals recommend
Tuscany Restaurant
451 Bowen Island Trunk RdThis might be the most popular restaurant on the island. You’re sure to understand why when you see the charming outdoor patio that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into an Italian landscape (and if you’re lucky enough to visit when the wisteria is in bloom? Snap!). You must have reservations. Food fired pizzas and house made pasta is the name of the game here.
Buon appetito!
Lovely location right on the pier. Tasty breakfast and lunch options. They also often do popups with local chefs.
24 locals recommend
tell your friends cafe
400 Bowen Island Trunk RdLovely location right on the pier. Tasty breakfast and lunch options. They also often do popups with local chefs.
Lovely location right on the pier. Hand made tacos (SO yummy and super creative!) and Earnest Ice Cream. Also has a great little gift shop attached with lots of unique and local gifts.
20 locals recommend
Branch 01
400 Bowen Island Trunk RdLovely location right on the pier. Hand made tacos (SO yummy and super creative!) and Earnest Ice Cream. Also has a great little gift shop attached with lots of unique and local gifts.
The unofficial community centre of the island, The Snug is a must for that locals vibe. Baked goods, sammys, hot breakfasts, soups, salads.
Must try: It’s all yum. We remember fondly our building days when we literally survived off of the Breakfast Burrito and The Breakfast Bagels.
32 locals recommend
Snug Cafe The
445 Bowen Island Trunk RdThe unofficial community centre of the island, The Snug is a must for that locals vibe. Baked goods, sammys, hot breakfasts, soups, salads.
Must try: It’s all yum. We remember fondly our building days when we literally survived off of the Breakfast Burrito and The Breakfast Bagels.
This friendly family run business is one of our faves. There are a few small tables, but we usually grab take out and enjoy a picnic either in the yard or out and about somewhere.
Must try: We love the Dy-old roll. And if you are a fan of Korean food, their traditional dishes are amazing. They also often have their homemade kimchi for sale.
15 locals recommend
Bowen Sushi To Go
994 Dorman RdThis friendly family run business is one of our faves. There are a few small tables, but we usually grab take out and enjoy a picnic either in the yard or out and about somewhere.
Must try: We love the Dy-old roll. And if you are a fan of Korean food, their traditional dishes are amazing. They also often have their homemade kimchi for sale.
Another Bowen institution with gorgeous food (you’ll feel like you’re in France with the display brimming with their selection of freshly made salads, sandwiches and baked goods). Lovely peek a boo views of Howe Sound and an outdoor patio. You can also pick up freshly baked breads (also available at the General Store and the Ruddy) – we could not live without the fermented sourdough baguette.
Must try: Umm…everything?
41 locals recommend
Artisan Eats Café & Fine Foods
539 Artisan LnAnother Bowen institution with gorgeous food (you’ll feel like you’re in France with the display brimming with their selection of freshly made salads, sandwiches and baked goods). Lovely peek a boo views of Howe Sound and an outdoor patio. You can also pick up freshly baked breads (also available at the General Store and the Ruddy) – we could not live without the fermented sourdough baguette.
Must try: Umm…everything?
Home to the island’s famous organic chocolatier, you can grab a coffee while picking up some sweet treats. The artistry of their chocolate is something to behold. One of our favourite Bowen gifts to give is their chocolate bars – easy to pack and so pretty!
Their hot chocolate is completely out of this world. Or grab a coffee or a gelato (or both!) and sit out on their cute little patio.
29 locals recommend
Cocoa West Chocolatier
581 Artisan LnHome to the island’s famous organic chocolatier, you can grab a coffee while picking up some sweet treats. The artistry of their chocolate is something to behold. One of our favourite Bowen gifts to give is their chocolate bars – easy to pack and so pretty!
Their hot chocolate is completely out of this world. Or grab a coffee or a gelato (or both!) and sit out on their cute little patio.
This little gem is worth a visit. It is the epitome of a charming, small town business. In addition to the small grocery selection where you can pick up some staples, as well as healthy, healing wares and their own farm fresh eggs, they are also awesome cooks with a wide selection of takeaway meals and treats including pies, pizzas, lasagnes etc. Simply pop in the oven and then put your feet up with a cold bevvy.
Must try: We love their fruit pies for a sweet treat. And for a different take on Indian, the Curry Pie (vegan) even impressed Derek, the ultimate carnivore.
9 locals recommend
Alderwood Farm
1351 Adams RdThis little gem is worth a visit. It is the epitome of a charming, small town business. In addition to the small grocery selection where you can pick up some staples, as well as healthy, healing wares and their own farm fresh eggs, they are also awesome cooks with a wide selection of takeaway meals and treats including pies, pizzas, lasagnes etc. Simply pop in the oven and then put your feet up with a cold bevvy.
Must try: We love their fruit pies for a sweet treat. And for a different take on Indian, the Curry Pie (vegan) even impressed Derek, the ultimate carnivore.
For the carnivores in the house, this is a must stop! An amazing array of locally sourced, ethically raised and absolutely delicious meats (including sausages and a selection of premarinated/prepped choices) and ready made options such as sauces and soups. The bacon is the best we've ever had!
Meadowbrook Market
For the carnivores in the house, this is a must stop! An amazing array of locally sourced, ethically raised and absolutely delicious meats (including sausages and a selection of premarinated/prepped choices) and ready made options such as sauces and soups. The bacon is the best we've ever had!
Activities on Bowen
If you haven’t yet ridden an e-bike, now’s your chance to join in the fun! If you have, then we don’t need to sell you on just how enjoyable this mode of transport is. Bowen Island is the perfect place for e-bikes with the slower speed limit and island time driving. With so many great places to explore, an e-bike allows for adventuring at a relaxed pace. Riding around on our e-bikes is some of the best fun we’ve had on the island. We have 4 bikes available for you to rent. If you would like to book additional bikes during your time with us, reach out to find out more about our special partner rate with Bowen eBikes, located right in Snug Cove at the ferry terminal.
8 locals recommend
Bowen eBikes
431 Bowen Island Trunk RdIf you haven’t yet ridden an e-bike, now’s your chance to join in the fun! If you have, then we don’t need to sell you on just how enjoyable this mode of transport is. Bowen Island is the perfect place for e-bikes with the slower speed limit and island time driving. With so many great places to explore, an e-bike allows for adventuring at a relaxed pace. Riding around on our e-bikes is some of the best fun we’ve had on the island. We have 4 bikes available for you to rent. If you would like to book additional bikes during your time with us, reach out to find out more about our special partner rate with Bowen eBikes, located right in Snug Cove at the ferry terminal.
For such a small island, we sure have a lovely golf course. Great views and lots of fun. Derek is an avid golfer and really enjoys this course. The laidback vibe makes it comfortable even for someone not super skilled (I can vouch for this). Stick with the 9 holes, or double it up for the full 18. Enjoy a cold bevvy and a bite to eat on the patio to round out the perfect day. Call ahead to book your tee time.
28 locals recommend
Bowen Island Golf Club
810 Beach DrFor such a small island, we sure have a lovely golf course. Great views and lots of fun. Derek is an avid golfer and really enjoys this course. The laidback vibe makes it comfortable even for someone not super skilled (I can vouch for this). Stick with the 9 holes, or double it up for the full 18. Enjoy a cold bevvy and a bite to eat on the patio to round out the perfect day. Call ahead to book your tee time.
Experience the shores of Bowen and the Unesco Biosphere Region of Howe Sound from the water. Kayak and paddle board rentals, as well as tours.
30 locals recommend
Bowen Island Sea Kayaking
Experience the shores of Bowen and the Unesco Biosphere Region of Howe Sound from the water. Kayak and paddle board rentals, as well as tours.
I didn't realize I loved cider until I stopped for a tasting at this local, family run business set in an incredible heritage apple orchard home to some of the most tree varieties one can find in North America. After a tasting, grab a bottle to enjoy on their beautiful outdoor patio. Tip: bring your own picnic charcuterie spread to nosh while you sip.
Riley's Cidery
I didn't realize I loved cider until I stopped for a tasting at this local, family run business set in an incredible heritage apple orchard home to some of the most tree varieties one can find in North America. After a tasting, grab a bottle to enjoy on their beautiful outdoor patio. Tip: bring your own picnic charcuterie spread to nosh while you sip.
Forest Bathing
My favourite part about Bowen? The trees! Here are some of my favourite walks and hikes…
This beautiful spot is just a short walk down the road from our place. Go just to sit by the shores and soak up the view (lovely first thing in the morning) or do the lake loop hike which is one of our favourites - apart from one short steep bit it's a nice flat walk through forests and wetland.
Grafton Lake
This beautiful spot is just a short walk down the road from our place. Go just to sit by the shores and soak up the view (lovely first thing in the morning) or do the lake loop hike which is one of our favourites - apart from one short steep bit it's a nice flat walk through forests and wetland.
The reason so many people visit Bowen. We like the access point on the West Side from Laura Road. It’s a nicer walk up, in our opinion, than the more popular route from Mount Gardner Road. Bonus: you drive or bike right past the cidery to get there. Just sayin' :)
22 locals recommend
Mount Gardner
The reason so many people visit Bowen. We like the access point on the West Side from Laura Road. It’s a nicer walk up, in our opinion, than the more popular route from Mount Gardner Road. Bonus: you drive or bike right past the cidery to get there. Just sayin' :)
For the loveliest seaside walk on Bowen, head to the Cape. Park at the Lighthouse, and once you’ve explored the view head on the seaside trail that takes you to the other end and back. It’s a fairly flat easy trail, except for one steeper part after Roger Curtis Beach. We got married at the tip on the other end, so it’s a special place for us and one of our favourite spots to enjoy the sunset . Keep your eyes peeled for orcas.
29 locals recommend
Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse
1652 Whitesails DrFor the loveliest seaside walk on Bowen, head to the Cape. Park at the Lighthouse, and once you’ve explored the view head on the seaside trail that takes you to the other end and back. It’s a fairly flat easy trail, except for one steeper part after Roger Curtis Beach. We got married at the tip on the other end, so it’s a special place for us and one of our favourite spots to enjoy the sunset . Keep your eyes peeled for orcas.
For a great view over West Vancouver, take this short but steep hike up from the Cove. It’s a fun vantage point of the Cove and the ferry on the way up.
8 locals recommend
Dorman Point
370 Robinson RdFor a great view over West Vancouver, take this short but steep hike up from the Cove. It’s a fun vantage point of the Cove and the ferry on the way up.
Beautiful hike around the lake, takes about 1.5 hours. Not too difficult.
38 locals recommend
Killarney Lake
Beautiful hike around the lake, takes about 1.5 hours. Not too difficult.