Bowen Island is located 12 miles Northwest of Vancouver in the entrance to Howe Sound. It is a short, relaxing, 20 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Since the early 1900's Bowen has been a favourite destination for Vancouverites looking for a quiet retreat or a place to get together with friends.

Bowen is also a popular destination for boaters who experience sheltered bays and safe anchorage, salmon fishing, dive sites and clean swimming beaches.

Bowen Island contains 13,000 acres of treed land which is perfect for hiking and picnics. Grouse, mink, eagles, ravens, cormorants, deer and at least two colonies of blue herons call Bowen home. The island's total size is 20 square mile. More than 1/3 is Crown land and 650 acres is parkland. Its coastline covers 23 miles with several public beaches available for swimming and beach combing, interesting dive sites and kayaking destinations. Bowen has one of the mildest climates in Canada.

Visitors will find several picnic grounds, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, stores and gift shops to explore in Snug Cove near the ferry dock and two new commercial areas with shops and services are located a short walking distance above Snug Cove.

The island is the permanent home of approximately 3,500 people. Over 400 artists and writers live on the island providing a strong arts community.

For more information
Current ferry schedule to & from Bowen Island


BC Ferries