Bowen Island

Located just 12 miles northwest of Vancouver, Bowen Island is a place like no other.

A scenic 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver brings you to Snug Cove, the heart of Bowen. Be prepared to leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind you. The magic of Bowen is that it offers the peace and tranquility of country living yet is so very accessible to the amenities of the city.  Both ferry and water taxi service can get you to Vancouver in less than an hour. 

Our community consists of just over 4000 full time residents, many of whom commute daily to work in Greater Vancouver. Bowen is home to a diverse people; families, business people, retirees, farmers and more. Our vibrant Arts community is world renowned. It is this eclectic mix that helps make living here so enjoyable and exciting.

The Island caters well to the needs of the local residents. We have a general grocery store, organic produce, building supply, garden center, marina, pubs, fitness center, 9 hole golf course, retail shops, and daycares to name just a few of the local services. Bowen is home to an excellent elementary school as well as the private Island Pacific middle school. Secondary students travel by bus to the North Shore. Bowen's safety needs are met by a local RCMP detachment, a volunteer fire department and full time ambulance service. We have a complete professional community including resident medical practitioners, veterinarians, accountants and lawyers.

Getting back to nature is a big part of life on the Island. You are likely to have regular sightings of whales, dolphins, eagles, seals and deer (probably eating your garden!). There are beautiful beaches to explore and miles of walking or hiking trails to follow through the forests. There are several local farms producing seasonal crops and foods to be found at our local farmers markets.

I will admit that occasionally the ferry can be a bit of a pain and the local NIMBY politics hard to swallow at times but all in all Bowen is a great, caring, safe, happy place to raise your family and enjoy your life. Having lived on both the North Shore and in Europe, as a comparison, I can readily say that there is no where I’d rather stay put than here.

Bowen Island, it’s a really great place to live...