Bowen Island
Bowen Island (known as Beoghan in my mind) is an island in Howe Sound. Located just over 30 km from Vancouver, it is a part of Metro Vancouver. Approximately 4,000 to 5,000 people reside on this 6 x 12 km island. When you arrive at Snug Cove via the ferry, it’s hard to believe that this tranquil little place is less than an hour away from Downtown Vancouver. While I’m not much of a writer, I’d like to share my thoughts and invite you to enjoy my photos from Bowen Island.
In the summer of 2023, shortly after finding a place to live, I had my first visit to Bowen Island. It was during the peak of wildfire season in Canada, and the skies were an eerie shade of orange. Despite the unusual atmosphere, we decided to explore the island.
Oh Deer
The day before, we had hiked to Saint Marks Summit and came close to conquering Unnecessary Mountain. Our legs were weary, and we craved a more relaxed experience. On Bowen Island, the views of the mainland and the Sunshine Coast were barely visible due to the haze.
Accompanied by my friends Jonathan, Miyuki, and Hannah, we spent the day around Snug Cove, enjoying the tranquil beach. To nurse a hangover (courtesy of one unnamed member of our group), we made a stop at The Snug Cafe. Next, we wandered through the charming Artisan Lane, where had to buy a sticker for my water bottle. The lane is a full of locally made goods, definitely worth exploring.
As the day unfolded, we found ourselves on Pebbly Beach—accurately named. There, we read, swam, and had some encounters with local wildlife. Otters and seals played in the water, and we even spotted a lone deer on our way back home. Bowen Island left a lasting impression, so much so I wanted to go back.
View of Mount Wrottesley From Mount Gardner Dock Bowen Island
From that original visit, I knew I’d be back again, as I wanted a clear day and a chance to explore more of Bowen Island. This time, we drove to Horseshoe Bay, caught the ferry across, and made a beeline for The Snug Cafe. If you want to beat the queues and secure a seat, be among the first to board the ferry. Trust me, it’s worth it—especially for their awesome Breakfast Burrito, which, on both my visits, was out of stock before I left.
Hannah and I are planning to tackle the West Coast Trail in May, so we wanted to get our legs in shape with a walk around the island to see where we are at fitness wise. Our first stop was Killarney Lake, where we reveled in the quiet. It felt like an incredible escape after a winter cooped up in the city. From there, we continued to Grafton Bay, admiring the woodlands. We were greeted with an awe-inspiring panorama of the Sunshine Coast, Gambier Island, and the mountains beyond.
After, we circled around to Galbraith Bay, where we discovered another rocky beach. We relaxed here where I finish reading “Project Hail Mary” (highly recommended), while we watched the water, relaxed, and occasionally saw BC Ferries disappear and reappear behind Hutt Island on their way to Langdale.
Our peaceful day concluded with a stop at the Bowen Island Pub for a drink before catching the ferry back home. I can’t express how much I love visiting this place, and my next visit will definitely include another swim and a climb up Mt. Gardner.
Check out my video below for some more sights from my most recent visit to Bowen Island.
