Bowen Island is one of the gorgeous islands along BC's Sunshine Coast. Bowen is dotted with beautiful cafes, stunning hikes and beaches and island cottages galore. The moment our final exams were over, Nelli and I took the ferry across to Bowen Island to see what adventures we could find.
How to Get to Bowen Island
BC Ferries run frequently between Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver and Snug Cove on Bowen Island. Foot passenger tickets cost $12.10 roundtrip (no tickets are required on the way back, basically) and can be bought online from BC Ferries in advance or at the ferry terminal. The ferry crossing is about twenty minutes, and from the terminal you can walk straight onto the Bowen Marina and into Snug Cove the main little island town.
Where to Eat on Bowen Island
Brunch at Snug Cafe
The island's best breakfast and brunch spot is nestled in Snug Cafe, a sweet little cabin with lovely staff and delightful food. I recommend their almond chai lattes - one of the best I've ever had, and I drink a lot of chai lattes!
Lunch at Tuscany Pizza
The lovely Tuscany Pizza place also had the epitome of what I want in a front patio; we could have sat under the cherry blossoms all afternoon.
Dinner at Rustique Bistro
Complete with a French waitress and baskets hanging from the ceiling, Rustique Bistro offers a fantastic soup and baguette combo which was a perfect way to end a day on the island.
Things to Do on Bowen Island
Hike Dorman Point
Upon arrival, we took on the short but strenuous hike up to Dorman Point. The hike starts in Snug Cove and can be reached by walking along the boardwalk on the edge of the beach and marina. A big field will lead to Dorman Point and is a straight forward steep hike up the hill to a view of Howe Sound on a clear day.
Hike Killarney Lake
Our second hike of the day after our yummy brunch took us up to the beautiful Killarney Lake. At the local market at the edge of Snug Cove, turn right. You can't miss the sign post for Killarney Lake. On the very clearly marked trail, you will pass the Bowen Island Fish Hatchery in Crippen Park. The views of the lake are some of the island's best.
Explore Deep Bay Lagoon
On the way back from Killarney Lake, instead of walking back the way you came, cross over the road and head down into Crippen Park. A small trail winds down to the beachfront where a gorgeous lagoon with a spectacular view offers prime duck-watching and rocks and boats to clamber past.
Go Paddle-boarding
When it's summertime and hot, Bowen is my favourite place in BC to go paddle-boarding. Boards are available to rent right next to the ferry terminal for $20/hour and you can hang out on the ocean surrounded on all sides by islands and mountains: perfection.
Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
