It's a 20-minute ferry ride (5.6km/3 nautical mi) from the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver to Snug Cove at Bowen Island. Water taxi service from downtown Vancouver and West Vancouver is also available.
Bringing a car is an option for getting around Bowen Island, but isn't necessary. There is some public transportation available on the island. Biking and hiking are also options.
Drivers can bring their cars on the ferry or park at Horseshoe Bay. There are no car rentals on Bowen Island. Check the BC Ferries website for up-to-date schedule information.
Water Taxi Travel
Three water taxi services connect Bowen Island with Vancouver.
English Bay Launch offers a "Bowen Island Express" run with morning, afternoon, and evening service. The trip in an enclosed 12-passenger boat takes about half an hour from Granville Island, located under the Granville Street Bridge in downtown Vancouver. Advance online and phone bookings are available, and bikes can be brought on board.
Coastal Link Ferries provides several daily trips between Coal Harbour (west of Canada Place) in downtown Vancouver and Bowen Island. The 64-passenger boats have restrooms and a snack bar. Crossing time is about 40 minutes. In addition, Cormorant Marine offers a late-night water taxi service to and from Horseshoe Bay.
Bus Travel
The Bowen Island Community Shuttle offers public transportation around the island. Bus departures are scheduled to coincide with BC Ferries arrivals in Snug Cove. Drivers are happy to offer travel tips about the island. Beachgoers can take the shuttle to popular swimming destinations like Bluewater Beach or Tunstall Bay.
Visit the Bowen Island Municipality website to get the Bowen Island Community Shuttle schedule.
Other Travel Options
Getting around Bowen Island on foot is a possibility, especially for those who wish to visit, shop, and relax in the areas near Snug Cove, such as Village Square and Artisan Square. Hiking around Killarney Lake or Mount Gardner can also be done without bringing a car.
Kayaking around Bowen Island is popular, and kayak rentals are available through Bowen Island Sea Kayaking. Mountain biking is another option, although cyclists should be aware there are many steep hills. There are no bike rentals on Bowen Island.
Boat owners can travel through Howe Sound by sailboat or motorboat to Bowen Island. Marinas with docks and moorage are available in Snug Cove (three marinas) and Galbraith Bay (one marina). Floatplane charters to Bowen Island can be arranged from downtown Vancouver.
For more details on Bowen Island transportation, head to the Visitor Centre (432 Cardena Rd).
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