About Bowen Island
Lush Bowen Island is nestled in Howe Sound on the west coast of British Columbia. It's close to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, but a world apart with its slower pace of living, winding country roads and thriving wildlife.
When asked what appeals most to them about Bowen, most residents will mention the community itself. Children form a large part of the community, and it has been said that Bowen has the largest number of children per capita of any BC municipality.
This mountain island has several peaks, lakes and streams. Bowen is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Mammals include deer, otters, porpoises, seals and sea lions. Birds large and small call the island home, such as herons, eagles, ospreys, woodpeckers, owls and seagulls. There is an annual salmon run in the fall, and many other marine creatures populate the surrounding sea.
Many folks on the island commute to work by ferry, while others work via Internet or in businesses on the island itself. Bowen has many musicians, writers, artists and technical professionals, and is prominent among retreat destinations for corporate groups and personal counselling programs.
The island the only island municipality in the province, and is also overseen by the Islands Trust organization which governs the rest of the Gulf Islands.
Bowen land values have risen rapidly along with Vancouver’s, but still remain relatively lower than in the city, particularly in view of the spectacular scenery and unique privacy provided by the enveloping forest.
The hourly ferry provides easy access by car and on foot. Bus service coordinates with the ferry schedule. Many residents have kayaks, canoes, sailboats or motor boats. Majestic cruise ships to Alaska pass by the southern shore.
Visitors depart from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver by ferry and arrive twenty minutes later at Snug Cove. The view from the ferry is a spectacular panorama of forest-covered, snow-capped mountains plunging into the blue ocean. Water taxis also ply this route, offering charters and providing vital support for everything from emergency services to movie productions.
Snug Cove features a marina, kayak rental centre, restaurants, galleries and shops. Not far up the hill is Artisan Square with more galleries, shops and eateries.
Near the Cove is the Lagoon, where salmon rest in the fall on their journey upriver, where birds and otters play and where a cantankerous swan bullies the ducks. A trail connects the Lagoon with Killarney Lake through Crippen Park for a series of relaxing walks. Along the way it passes Bridal Falls, a waterfall especially powerful in the spring and fall.
From Snug Cove one can journey north west or south to other areas of the island. A government dock allows easy access at the north end of the island. On the west side are several pleasant beaches including Tunstall Bay and Bowen Bay.
