Bowen Island: A Cycling Guide

The “And Beyond…” feature of our blog is intended to inspire travellers, especially cyclists, to leave the city in search of adventures beyond the city limits. Vancouver holds a plethora of opportunities for fun and exploration, but some of the best thrills can be found over the bridges and through the hills. Those mountains and coastline are more than beautiful elements of our daily landscape, they are also dynamic features just waiting to be explored.

Bowen Island Basics

One of the most accessible adventure spots from the downtown core is Bowen Island. A thirty minute drive, 45 minute bus or our preferred, 70 minute cycle, will get you from downtown to Horseshoe Bay for your ferry to Bowen. The ferry takes approximately 20 minutes and runs 15 round trips a day. Operated by BC Ferries, the boats are reliable, but can fill up on long weekends and during the summer months. The ticket price for a walk-on traveler is $10.45. If you’re cycling you will need to pay an extra $2.00 (saving the world fee). A vehicle will cost you $29.60. Sales stop 10 minutes before sailing on the Horseshoe Bay side and 5 minutes prior on the Snug Cove side. All tickets are round-trip purchases. 

Many of the island’s amenities (restaurants, accommodation, shopping, rental services) are located an easy walking distance from the terminal on Bowen. Shoppers can stroll through the Artisan Square, grab lunch at a number of bistros or step back in time at one of the many heritage/museum sites.

Kayaking

But for those with adventure on the mind..time-is-a-wasting. If you’re looking to see the island from the ocean, head to Bowen Island Sea Kayak Rentals and Tours. They have three hour, all-day and multi-day tours available. Unfortunately they are closed during the winter months, but will be reopening on April 8th. 

Cycling

Cyclists, get ready for a workout with rewards. The Gulf Islands are all pretty hilly, so prepare for dramatic elevation gains. There are lots of beautiful spots that be reached by bike. A few of our personal favourites are Tunstall Bay and Hood Point. Outdoor Therapy has a wonderful island cycling guide for sale online that we would definitely recommend downloading before you leave. 

Hikers, you too can start your adventure right off the boat with hikes to Mount Gardner, Crippen Park and Dorman Point Lookout.

Liquid Rewards

And after a day of activity, may we suggest a cold one at the Bowen Island Pub. They serve a nice choice of beers from Steamworks. For something different, ask for the ‘Vampire’ (a stout beer layered on raspberry sour).   

Last ferry leaves at 10:00PM.