Living on Bowen Island

A favourite retreat for over a century — now your home

A Treasured Destination Since the 1900s

Since the early 1900s, Bowen Island has been a favourite destination for Vancouverites seeking a quiet retreat, a place to experience the full extent of British Columbia's natural beauty, and to engage in fun, family-friendly activities on land and water.

It's the second-largest island in Howe Sound, and the only one with car ferry service, with many of its 4,200-plus full-time residents making the daily 20-minute ferry commute to Vancouver. Ferries depart from both Snug Cove and Horseshoe Bay more than a dozen times per day.

Bowen Island waterfront views

The Island's Village Hub

Snug Cove village is the island's hub, with restaurants, retail stores, medical offices, a pharmacy, a public library, a post office, museums, a credit union, a public elementary school, a private middle school, and many other useful amenities.

Nearby, Artisan Square is home to artist studios and galleries, boutiques and cafés. Crippen Regional Park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking through uniquely wonderful ecosystems, and the trails to the top of Mount Gardner must not be missed.

Snug Cove village on Bowen Island

The Best of Both Worlds

Experience the peace and solitude of island life — and when you crave the Mainland, Horseshoe Bay is just 20 minutes away.

Nature & Trails

Crippen Regional Park, Mount Gardner trails, old-growth forests, and stunning lookouts over Howe Sound.

Beaches & Water

Beaches for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterfront relaxation.

Arts & Culture

Artist studios, galleries at Artisan Square, dynamic theatre and music scenes, and boutique cafés.

Schools

West Vancouver School District — public elementary, IB middle school, and nature school programs on the island.

Daily Essentials

Restaurants, pharmacy, medical offices, post office, library, credit union, and retail stores in Snug Cove.

Ferry Access

Hourly car ferry from 5:15 am to 11:30 pm. Just 20 minutes to Horseshoe Bay and West Vancouver.

Island Moments

Artisan Eats Café in Snug Cove Howe Sound beach and mountains Village street at golden hour Walking in Snug Cove

Make Bowen Island Home

Get in touch to learn about current availability, pricing, and tour opportunities at Arbutus Ridge.

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