Day trip to Bowen Island ⛴️ How to get there & what to do on this whimsical coastal retreat
- Megan Brillos
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Updated: May 1
Bowen Island is a cozy, magical oasis that makes you feel like you're walking around a Hallmark movie set in coastal Canada. It has the kind of magic that makes you forget you're less than an hour from downtown Vancouver.
We went on a bank holiday Friday in late April, and of course brought along our furry labrador Daisy for the ride. One of my favorite things about this trip was how dog-friendly it was. Vancouver ferries allow dogs on board in designated dog areas. So my baby Daisy got to venture across the stunning landscapes of Howe Sound—many passengers even see whales in Spring and Summer, as they migrate back north. We were lucky enough to see a few seals!
Another favorite part of this trip was that it requires very minimal planning. For your dog, of course bring a leash, water bowl, and poop bags. But for the ferry you don't need a reservation, you can just show up to Horshoe Bay and walk on the ferry. Maybe look into reserving online if you want to drive onto the ferry and explore deeper into Bowen Island, but for a first time visit, there's so much to explore in walking distance! It's the perfect mini escape.
Getting There
The journey to Bowen is truly one of the best parts. Drive to Horsehoe Bay (in West Van) or take the bus there—there's paid parking available onsite and transit users can map the route via CityMapper (it takes about an hour). We recommend getting there 15-30 mins ahead of time as you can walk around the town and grab food—the views will already be mind-blowing before you step onto the ferry. Walk up to the ticket booth and grab your $14 ticket (no reservation needed for walking on). If you have a dog you'll be sent to the front of the ferry, and we think this is the best spot for wildlife sightings anyway! The views are incredible and the 20-min ferry ride will go quickly.
Pro Tip: If you’re bringing a car, try to go off-peak (weekday mornings are clutch) and get to the terminal a bit early—ferries can fill up fast, especially in summer.
What to do on Bowen Island
Pedestrians will step off the ferry, you will almost immediately be in Snug Cove and feel liek you're on the set of a Hallmark movie. Snug Cove is adorable and very walkable, with local shops, cafes, and easy-access trails.
Start with a coffee at Tell Your Friends Cafe or The Snug—both dog-friendly and full of small-island energy.
Explore Crippen Park for mellow trails and forested walks. Daisy was living her best life. We walked the whole of Killarney Lake Trail (commonly referred to as a top-tier Vancouver area hike) which is about 2.5 miles long. It loops around through a lush forrest and around stunning lake (which locals told us is leech-infested so be careful letting your furry friends near water). The trail itself is full of wildlife—we saw deer, a wide-awake owl, and harmless garter snakes to name a few.
Take a lunch break at Doc Morgan’s Pub & Restaurant, located at 439 Bowen Island Trunk Road. This oceanfront venue offers gourmet comfort food, including fresh seafood, steaks, and pastas, all served in a cozy setting. We reallly enjoyed the beer.
Hike to Dorman Point for a quick uphill trek with killer views—it’s about 30 minutes up, and you’re rewarded with a view over Howe Sound that makes the burn worth it.
Check out Artisan Square if you have time. It’s a bit of a hike up the hill (or drive), but cute galleries and shops are tucked up there.
If you’ve got your dog (or just want to chill near water), Sandy Beach and Pebbly Beach are great for a picnic or letting your pup splash around. No huge waves, lots of sun spots.
Getting Home
Similar to the way you got back, just hop on the same ferry back to Horseshoe Bay (your original ticket includes the return fare so you don't have to book anything else). Do note that on our trip, the ferry to get to Bowen Island was on time, but the ferry back was late by over an hour. The ferries back to Horseshoe Bay do come very often (seemed like once an hour), but the time they advertised wasn't quite right! Not a big deal because they come often, just something to note.
Vibes + Final Thoughts
Bowen feels like the kind of place where time slows down and everyone you meet seems to have just come from a swim or a studio. The locals are also so lovely and we had so many long conversations with them! It’s the perfect city escape that doesn’t feel like a big production. Just pack a day bag, hop the ferry, and let the island set the pace.
It’s also super dog-friendly, which makes it even better in my book.
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