Bowen Island

Bowen Island is a small island in Howe Sound off the coast of British Columbia, part of the Metro Vancouver region and known for its village atmosphere and outdoor recreation. The island combines coastal scenery, forested hills and a central village harbour.

Outdoor activities include hiking, sea kayaking, cycling and shoreline walks; short routes and day-trip options are the most common visitor activities. The island has a few main concentrations of services and accommodations clustered around the ferry terminal and Snug Cove.

Historically a logging and small‑scale fishing area, Bowen Island developed into a residential and recreational community through the 20th century and is now a commuter and leisure destination within the Vancouver region.

Bowen Island lies in Howe Sound off the mainland coast of British Columbia, about a 20-minute ferry crossing from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver). The island is within a short drive of Greater Vancouver.

• Ferry access: Regular vehicle and passenger ferry service connects the island with Horseshoe Bay with a crossing time of roughly 20 minutes.
• Local services: A compact community character with local shops and artisan businesses concentrated around the Snug Cove harbour.

What to See #

• Snug Cove: The island's main ferry terminal and village, located at the sheltered harbour used by BC Ferries services from Horseshoe Bay.
• Crippen Regional Park and Killarney Lake: A network of protected parkland and trails that includes forest, shorelines and Killarney Lake; popular for walking, mountain biking and picnics.
• Mount Gardner: The island's highest point at about 719 metres, offering ridgeline hiking routes and views across Howe Sound to the mainland and Vancouver.