Bowen Island's marinas provide an ideal jumping-off point to explore the pristine, mountain-flanked waters of Howe Sound in a yacht or powerboat. Spend the day sailing up the Sunshine Coast, around Keats Island and Gambier Island, or off West Vancouver. Or find moorage at one of Bowen Island's marinas for a short stop or an overnight stay.
Marinas in Snug Cove
Three of Bowen Island's marinas - Union Steamship Company Marina, Bowen Island Marina, and the Bowen Island Municipality Wharf - are in Snug Cove. The cove is located on the east side of the island where BC Ferries and water taxis arrive. The marinas are available year-round. Snug Cove is just 5.6km/3 nautical mi from the Horseshoe Bay marina in West Vancouver.
Union Steamship Company Marina
Ringed by boardwalks and heritage buildings, the Union Steamship Company Marina (USSC) is Bowen Island's largest marina. It's named after the company that used to operate Bowen Island as a holiday resort until the mid-20th Century. The shoal-free marina provides moorage with stable floats for boats between 10ft/3m and 200ft/61m. To get a slip reservation, call (604) 947-0707 or VHF Channel 66a, and report to the chandlery to check in after arriving. Amenities include 30 and 50 amp outlets, garbage disposal, sewage pump-out facilities, water, showers, and laundry. Yachting gear and gifts are sold here.
Different rates apply for temporary, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly moorage rentals. Contact the Union Steamship Company Marina for details.
Bowen Island Marina
The Bowen Island Marina (also known as The Pier) has year-round moorage with 45 berths. During the high season, overnight moorage is limited. As with the Union Steamship Company Marina, there is easy access to dining, sport fishing licences, kayak rentals, and other amenities near the marina.
Bowen Island Municipality Wharf
For moorage, the Bowen Island Municipality Wharf offers limited day use on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a maximum stay of four hours and a nominal fee. Vessels must depart before 8pm. Annual berthing, monthly berthing, or an annual day use pass at the Bowen Island Municipality Wharf requires a licence available from the municipality.
Practical Points
- A fourth marina, Mount Gardner Dock, is located in Galbraith Bay on the northwest coast of Bowen Island. It provides monthly berthing with a licence.
- Marine fuel is not sold on Bowen Island. Head to nearby Horseshoe Bay, Gibsons, or Vancouver to fuel up.
For more information on marinas and moorage on Bowen Island, contact the Visitor Centre or the individual marinas.