From cozy cabins and breathtaking hikes to art galleries and unique shops, there really is no shortage of things to do on Bowen Island, the only island municipality belonging to Metro Vancouver.
This compact island (which is only 12km long and 6km wide) has long been the go-to spot for Vancouverites to escape the chaos of the city, with an abundance of pristine nature, well-marked trails, and cozy activities to take your mind off life’s most taxing stressors.
Located just a 20 minute ferry ride away from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, this beautiful gem in Howe Sound is one of our favourite day trip adventures… and if you’re looking for an amazing day out without a car, then it’s about to become one of yours too.
Wondering what Bowen Island has to offer? In this post, we’ll be sharing the top things to do on Bowen Island, whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or quirky little shops.
Hike up to Mount Gardner
One of the best things to do on Bowen Island is hiking, and if you’re up for a challenge, why not tackle the most rewarding hike that Bowen has to offer? We’re of course talking about the hike up Mount Gardner.
This picturesque hike may be one of the more challenging adventures to tackle on Bowen, but those who brave the 17km roundtrip journey are treated to serene views over West Vancouver, the Burrard Inlet, Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast. After all, this is the tallest mountain on the island, standing at 714m elevation.
There are a few trails that take you up, but the most popular route goes via Krippen Regional Park and the scenic Killarney Lake.
Learn more about the trail and route here.
Walk around Killarney Lake
Even if you’re not able to do the full journey up to Mount Gardner, visiting Killarney Lake and opting for the (much easier) roundtrip loop here is definitely a worthwhile Bowen Island must-do… especially due to its convenient location in Krippen Regional Park, whose entrance is steps away from the ferry terminal.
Doing the entirety of the 9km Killarney Lake Loop Trail takes about 2.5 hours, but it’s a relatively flat and easy path, with idyllic views every step of the way.
Learn more about the trail (and others on Bowen) here.
Hike up to the Dorman Point Look-out
Another great outdoorsy activity on Bowen Island (again in Krippen Regional Park) is the hike to the Dorman Point Look-Out.
This relatively short 2km hike takes only an hour roundtrip, and while it’s steep in parts, it’s a much less gruelling alternative to the famous Mount Gardner hike.
Once at the top, you get magnificent views that can stretch as far as Vancouver Island when the weather conditions are right. Not a bad reward for only an hour’s work!
Learn more about the trail (and others on Bowen) here.
Go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding
For those more into watersports than hiking, one of the best outdoorsy things to do on Bowen Island is kayaking… or stand up paddle boarding, for those blessed with balance.
Don’t have equipment of your own? Don’t worry! Bowen Island Kayaking is conveniently located at Snug Cove, right by the ferry terminal, and offers a variety of rentals whether you’re looking for singles or doubles. They also have a super simple online reservation system so you can book your rentals in advance (a necessity during peak periods).
For those in search of a more guided experience, they also have tours and lessons…. some of which even take place at special times like sunset or during the Full Moon! See more on their website here.
Go on an e-bike tour
Another great way to explore Bowen Island is via e-bike, especially if you want to cover a lot of ground in a short span of time.
The aptly named Bowen eBikes offers this surface on the island, with rates starting at $48 for two hours. These bikes make exploring an absolute breeze, and most conveniently, they can be picked up and dropped off at their main office just 20m away from the ferry terminal!
Catch sunset from Tunstall Bay
If you’re lucky enough with your timing, then another amazing thing to do in Bowen Island is stay and enjoy the sunset!
While the island has a variety of stunning viewpoints to choose from, Tunstall Bay is perhaps the best known for its sunset views.
This sandy and rocky beach originated as a retirement community back in the 50s, and it’s not difficult to see why it was such a sought after place to retire. Our tip? Bring a blanket, some drinks, and take some time to soak it all in… just make sure you don’t miss the last ferry out!
Enjoy some beach time
Speaking of beaches, Bowen Island has several. If you’re looking for a low-key way to enjoy your time on the island, then lazing out on a beach could be just the thing you need.
While almost 50 municipal beaches and coastal access points exist on the island, there are a few classic go-tos for visitors thanks to their excellent amenities and accessibility.
These so-called “Community Beaches” are…
- Sandy Beach
- Tunstall Bay Beach
- Bowen Bay Beach
- Roger Curtis Beach
Click here to learn more about Bowen Island’s beaches.
Unwind at Snug Cove
Snug Cove (in addition to having the most adorable of names) is where you’ll find main ferry terminal on Bowen Island. This means that any visitor from the mainland will inevitably pass through Snug Cove at some point, which means visiting is both a mandatory and fun thing to do while on Bowen Island.
What is there to do at Snug Cove, exactly? All the best things – namely eat, shop, and relax! Not only will you find a small but mighty selection of eateries and cafes in the cove and its immediate vicinity, there is also the Bowen Island Pub, and Visitor Information Centre as well.
Many use Snug Cove as a starting point for all their Bowen Island adventures, but make sure you don’t miss exploring the area a bit as well – it truly is lovely.
For breakfast, we highly recommend stopping by the ultra cozy and cute Snug Cafe, which has amazing breakfast burritos and coffee:
And we can highly recommend grabbing some Earnest Ice Cream (some of Vancouver’s best ice cream!) from Branch & Butter as a little treat before getting on the ferry back. Just don’t overestimate your time and miss the ferry buying ice cream like we did…
Enjoy some local art galleries
With Bowen Island being such a naturey paradise, many visitors are surprised to hear that it is in fact considered the 5th most artistic community in Canada (when counting the number of residents who rely on art for their main source of income).
This means that yes, indeed, Bowen Island is an artists’ community, with plenty of great activities to offer lovers of art and culture.
Not sure where to start? Artisan Square is home to a number of great galleries and shops.
Click here for more information about the art galleries you can visit on Bowen Island.
Visit the world’s smallest candy store
As far as unique shopping opportunities in Bowen Island are concerned, few are as sweet as Candy in the Cove, the self-proclaimed “smallest candy store in the world”.
Here, you’ll find an eclectic but tasty mix of candies from all around the world, from nostalgic and novelty picks to tempting bulk bin goodies.
And while we can’t really confirm that this IS the world’s tiniest candy store, it’s still well worth checking out thanks to its convenient location steps away from the ferry.
Head to the Bowen Island Museum and Archives
Looking for rainy day things to on Bowen Island? History buffs should definitely make a point of visiting the Bowen Island Museum and Archives, which is home to a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions that preserve and honour the history of the island.
Spread over two buildings, visitors can view a variety of items, from historic photos and artifacts to local maps and biographical records. Best of all, admission is by donation.
Scope out filming locations
Just as one of the top things to do in Fort Langley is look out for quaint filming locations, the same is true when on Bowen Island, which has been used as a filming location for many, many productions over the years.
So, if you’re looking for something a bit dorky to do while exploring Bowen, why not do some research and DIY a little tour of filming spots you recognize?
Some famous productions that have filmed at Bowen Island include The Wicker Man, Virgin River, and Riverdale.
Rent a cozy cabin
Lastly, while Bowen Island is an easy day trip to do from Vancouver, those looking to really get away from it all can take advantage of the (small but mighty) selection of cabin rentals available on the island.
Wildwood Cabins for instance offer rustic accommodation hidden away in a lush forest, with its own on-site yoga studio and fresh, local eggs.
Union Steamship Historical Cottages also offer heritage-style accommodation right by the water.
NOTE: Bowen is a small place, and tends to book out well in advance due to its popularity. To maximize your chances at securing your dream cabin rental, be sure to plan very far ahead!
Did we miss any of your favourite things to do on Bowen Island?
Let us know in the comments so we can add more recommendations to our list!