Just 20 minutes from Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island feels worlds away. With its rugged coastline, forested trails, waterfront restaurants and easygoing charm, this West Coast gem is the kind of place you’ll visit once—and immediately begin planning your return.
Linked to the mainland by the sparkling waters of Howe Sound, Bowen Island has long been one of British Columbia’s favourite weekend escapes. Home to just over 4,500 residents, the island packs an impressive amount into its compact footprint, from scenic hikes and hidden beaches to art galleries, cafés, cideries and boutique shops, many of them clustered around the picturesque village of Snug Cove.
Our adventure began not with the ferry, but aboard a sailboat from Vancouver. After a leisurely two-hour voyage, we arrived at the historic Union SteamShip Company Marina, where weathered boardwalks and heritage buildings hint at Bowen’s storied past. Once operated as one of the province’s premier holiday resorts, the marina welcomed as many as 150,000 visitors annually during its heyday in the late 1930s and ’40s, earning Bowen its enduring nickname: “The Happy Isle.”
After tying up the boat, we settled into one of the marina’s charming waterfront cottages, where sweeping mountain views and the gentle sound of the ocean provided the perfect soundtrack for the next two nights.
Our first stop was Bowen Cider House, a family-run cidery tucked into a pastoral setting where horses, deer and sheep occasionally wander past the orchard. Owner Alastair Johnstone walked us through more than 700 apple trees representing over 55 heritage varieties—all grown exclusively for cider rather than eating. The result is a rotating selection of handcrafted pours, from crisp and bone-dry to fruit-forward and barrel-aged in whisky and red wine casks. Paired with an apple and brie flatbread, fresh garden salad and house-made pulled pork sandwich enjoyed on the orchard-view patio, it made for an idyllic island evening.
The following morning, breakfast at Tippy’s Cookhouse fuelled the day ahead. My avocado toast arrived topped with a perfectly poached egg, pickled onions, arugula and a drizzle of sriracha maple syrup, while Trace opted for the hearty Cookhouse Benny, featuring honey ham, poached eggs and a crispy potato latke.
Then it was time to explore.
A rental from Bowen E-Bikes, conveniently located near the ferry terminal, proved to be one of the smartest decisions of the trip. Bowen’s rolling hills and winding roads become far more approachable with a little electric assistance, allowing us to spend two hours discovering dramatic coastlines, forested trails and breathtaking viewpoints without worrying about burning out our legs.
That evening, we embraced cabin life, firing up the barbecue, pouring a glass of wine and lingering on the deck long after sunset. Sometimes, the best luxury is simply slowing down.
The next morning, we grabbed coffee and warm fruit scones from the beloved Snug Café before splitting up for our own adventures.
Trace headed to the Bowen Island Golf Course, a scenic nine-hole course tucked among towering trees near Point Cowan. With ocean views framing both the opening and closing holes, plus vistas stretching toward Lighthouse Park, Cypress Mountain and downtown Vancouver, it offers one of the most picturesque rounds you’ll find anywhere on the coast.
Meanwhile, I checked into Artebella Skin Health for what became one of the trip’s most indulgent experiences. My customized two-hour facial included both red- and green-light therapy alongside Sircadia skincare products tailored specifically to my skin’s needs. Whether you’re looking to hydrate, clarify or simply recharge, co-founder and master aesthetician Kira Ptak delivers a treatment that leaves skin noticeably smoother, brighter and glowing long after you’ve left the spa.
Feeling refreshed, I laced up my hiking shoes for one final adventure through Crippen Regional Park. Starting just minutes from Snug Cove, the trails wind through lush forest before climbing steadily to Dorman Point, where panoramic views over Queen Charlotte Channel provide a fitting farewell to the island.
Before long, we were sailing home.
But Bowen has a way of staying with you.
Maybe it’s the dramatic scenery. Maybe it’s the welcoming locals, the thriving food scene or the slower pace that encourages you to put your phone away and simply be present. Whatever the reason, this little island tucked into Howe Sound has perfected the art of the weekend escape—and we already can’t wait to return. —Michelle Hopkins
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