Sometimes it can feel daunting to plan a vacation for any number of reasons – constraints of time, budget, or the challenge of aligning days off with others. Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful spots to inject a dose of R&R well within reach. One of the easiest places to get to from Vancouver is Bowen Island, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver – shorter than a typical commute to work!
What to do on Bowen Island
Step off the ferry and immediately switch to island time. First order of business: eats. We recommend making your way to Rustique Bistro for a French meal, and most definitely include a crepe or galette in your order. Or, wander over to the right side of the dock for a light lunch at Shika Provisions, which serves tasty rice bowls, grilled rice balls, and ice cream (their Instagram feed will give you a taster). Next door, the duo behind formerly Vancouver-based Gamla Design has set up a charming shop called Branch 01. Thoughtfully stocked with beautiful things made by independent makers, you will find local faves like Sunday Dry Goods blankets as well as Woodlot and Noble candles. On the other side of them is Lime & Moon Pie Company, where we picked up a summery slice of key lime pie.
Bowen Island Roasting coffee in hand, fuel up with snacks and supplies from The General Store or The Ruddy Potato for organics (don’t miss the weekend Farmers & Tailgate Markets). While you’re there, stroll through Artisan Square, a plaza of with studios, galleries, and a smattering of shops. Worthy stops: Artisan Eats for a drink, pastries, or a light meal and Cocoa West Chocolatier for a sweet treat. With its stunning water views and ephemeral scents, it’s pretty hard to resist stepping into The Soap Box, which locals love for its refill station of natural products.
You’re probably here to enjoy the outdoors, though. The trails for hiking and mountain biking vary from an easy walk in the woods to challenging loops around Mount Gardner. Take a picnic and chill out by the serene Killarney Lake, or head down to one of the sheltered beach coves that line the island’s perimeter. Sandy Beach, Tunstall Bay, and Bowen Bay will not disappoint. Go for a swim, explore the water further by kayak (grab a rental from Bowen Island Sea Kayaking), or take a boat into one of the three marinas.
With a population of 3,400 residents who deeply appreciate laidback rural living, quiet time, and the arts, Bowen Island provides a picturesque setting to pop out of the city for a day or weekend getaway.
How to get to Bowen Island
The BC Ferries (car and foot passengers) from Horseshoe Bay is a 20 minute ride, while English Bay Launch Water Taxi (foot passengers only, departs from Granville Island) averages 30-35 minutes. Those wanting to be their own captain can rent a boat from Sewell’s Marina in West Vancouver.
Where to stay on Bowen Island
Because of its proximity to the mainland, Bowen Island is most often done as a day trip. However, you can of course opt for a longer stay. Check out some of these accommodations:
- Sugar Cube Cabin is steps from the ferry and so preciously named (bonus points).
- Bowen Island Hideaway B&B is tucked away with views of Killarney Lake; has on-site spa services
- Nectar Yoga B&B has bright and pretty cottages coupled with an outdoor yoga dome. Very popular with the Instagram set, and with good reason – sounds like an ideal place for a rejuvenating savasana moment.
- Xenia Centre is a nature sanctuary – the converted sheep farm is home to horses, the 1000-year-old Opa Tree, and a Labryinth. They host various creative workshops as well as silent retreats to restore inward focus.
- Green Glass Studio was our home base for this trip, booked from a bunch of great options listed on AirBnB. Similarly, check out listings on VRBO and HomeAway.