ACTIVITIES
Bowen island things to do, fun activities you shouldn't miss, and lots of tips!
ACTIVITIES
VISTITOR INFORMATION CENTER
For more information on seasonal happenings, as well as print brochures and maps, head to the Visitor Information Centre, located at 432 Cardena Road. Open seasonally.
BOWEN ISLAND TOURS
604-812-5041
"We know that travelling and visiting a new place can be confusing and challenging. Bowen Island Tours is here to help you make the most of your visit and we are happy to share our knowledge and experience.
Please contact us if you have questions or would like more information about any of our regularly scheduled tours. We welcome private and group requests and our bespoke trip planning provides you with custom options, too.
BOWEN ISLAND MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES
604-947-2655
Hours: Open 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, 7 days a week, May – August, or by appointment
1014 Miller Road
P.O. Box 97
Bowen Island, BC
V0N 1G1, Canada
Admission is by donation
BOWEN ISLAND SEA KAYAKING
www.bowenislandkayaking.com
1-800-60-KAYAK / 604-947-9266
Bowen Island is a natural wonderland and the nearest to Vancouver of all the southern Gulf Islands. What better way to explore than by kayak?
"We also rent paddle boards, among the fastest growing sports of all time, and surf skis, for the more experienced paddler. Our colourful fleet of new and well-maintained boats and boards is located in Snug Cove on the Bowen Island Marina dock, a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay.
The kayak season starts approximatley the beginning of April and we are open every day until mid-October. Hours of operation may vary due to wind, weather, and tidal conditions.
HIKING AND WALKING
Hiking and walking the many trails on Bowen Island is one of our most valuable natural amenities to offer our guests. Whether the easy tree-covered 4K / 3 mile hike around Killarny Lake or the more intensive day hike up to the summit of Mt. Gardner, you will love the quiet sounds of nature, the fresh oxygen-rich air and the spectacular views.
Read more about hiking Mt. Gardner here.
For a donation you can pick up the Bowen Island Trails hiking map at the Visitors' Center just after you exit the ferry. The visitors center is next door to the library.
Here is your BOWEN ISLAND TRAILS MAP.
Check out one of my favorite hikes, which is up to the peak of Dorman Point. Once up there one can relax in the sun, enjoy the expansive southerly views and maybe catch the grey whale that lives off of Dorman Point.
CRIPPEN PARK
www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/parks-greenways-reserves/crippen-regional-park
Metro Vancouver maintains this gorgeous expansive park on Bowen Island. Bring along a picnic or buy a picnic lunch and enjoy one of the many park areas just within walking distance of the ferry landing in Snug Cove.
BOWEN EBIKES
Bicycling on Bowen is a major mode of transportation for the physically fit. We have many visitors that arrive via bicycle........know that Bowen is a series of hills from one end to the other. If you underestimate the challenge, no worries, the Bowen shuttle bus will be along within the hour and you can hitch a ride with their bike rack.
New July 2020 ~ Rent electric bikes on Bowen.
To reserve: email rentals@bowenbikes.ca or call 778-956-7946
Other options for bike rentals are off the island and located in Vancouver. Consider renting a bike from English Bay, Granville Island or Stanley Park during your stay.
BOWEN ISLAND GOLF CLUB
Book a tee time: 604-947-4653
This 9-hole golf course carved from a West Coast rainforest on Bowen Island, BC features magnificent views of Howe Sound. The 3,003 yard, par 35 layout designed by Russ Olson offers three sets of tee boxes that ensures challenge and reward for players of all skill levels.
FISHING
604-763-5460
The salmon are biting off the beautiful waters of Bowen. Schedule a day or two of chartered fishing with Bonchovy Fishing Charters.
Follow their daily fishing report here.
You can also buy fishing tackle from the USSC Marina gift shop in Snug Cove, and purchase a fishing license here.
Check out Sewell's Marina, below, for other fishing charter options.
BOAT RENTALS AT SEWELL'S MARINA IN HORSESHOE BAY
604-921-3474
Hours: 8:00am - 8:00pm
"Since 1931 Sewell’s Marina has introduced over 3 million visitors to our Ocean Playground in Howe Sound. Fishing Derbies, Sea Safari Eco Tours, Company Scavenger Hunts and our famous self-drive boat rental fleet have provided great days on the water. Join us on the “deck of the bay” and enjoy the ocean view, the majestic mountains, some great conversation and if you want to feel freedom, wind in the hair and spray in the face or the thrill of a fishing rod; we can help you get to your next dream! Sewell’s Marina at Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver is one of the premier moorage locations in the lower mainland. The best boating, fishing, wildlife, sailing, marine parks, quiet bays and island retreats are just minutes from your protected berth in our marina. Howe Sound offers over 300 sq. miles of sheltered islands and bays to explore. The Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands are within easy sailing distance of Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver."
ZOOM ZOOM BOWEN SCOOTER RENTALS
Scooter Rentals - Hourly, Daily, Weekends or Longer
"Whether you need a scooter for a few hours, or a few days, we can accommodate your needs. Our Yamaha Vino 49cc scooters will allow you to explore the island, from its stunning beaches and trailheads to its many restaurants and shops."
SOCCER
Bring along your soccer ball and cleats and join in a co-ed pickup game or two, which happen seasonally, usually during summer and winter, between Co-ed League fall and spring seasons. Mingle with the local soccer enthusiasts and keep playing the game. Check out their Facebook page to see when the next pick up game is happening..........young to old.......everyone joins in for the fun of the match.
Ask us about summer soccer camps for the youth. Your soccer player will love playing on Bowen.....and maybe even among the deer grazing on the field.
A few years back the Bowen Island Football Club, along with a government grant, built a half-field in astro turf with lights located at the Bowen Island School. This ended up being a fantastic gathering place for young kids, teenagers, and adults.
True to island living there were a handful of islanders against building the field as a few trees would need to be cut down and the light pollution......oh my!! In the end, it has been a real healthy living asset appreciated by many on the island.
THE ARTS
Bowen Island has a large population of very creative people. Based on a recent national study of communities with a population of less than 50,000 people, Bowen Island was identified as the 4th most artistic community in Canada.
Click here to see our Arts page, which includes gallery listings and crafts markets.
CRUISE WITH FAIRWEATHER CRUISES
604-438-4960
"Fairweather Cruises, your charter boat experts representing all of the charter boats in Vancouver. Whether you are looking for a boat for a small group of 10 or a large boat event for hundreds of people we will provide all of the information as well as quotes on all of the boats that are suitable for your event. We will organize the food, beverages, entertainment, transportation to the boat making the whole process stress-free. Make one call or send an email to Fairweather and we will respond immediately to your inquiry. Our mission is to make sure that you have and your guests have the best experience possible."
BOWEN ISLAND ADVENTURES
For travelers who desire to have fun outdoor experiences in a relaxed island setting, Bowen Island Adventures is a learning-based adventure company that provides unique activities and programs that share the wonders Bowen Island and the natural world have to offer. Whether you want to play in the mountains, forest, or sea, there are an abundance of outdoor activities such as kayaking, standup paddle boarding, sailing, open-water swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, slacklining, hiking, foraging, horseback riding, and more. Contact them at: play@bowenislandadventures.com
WHALE WATCHING AND ISLAND HOPPING
www.pacificferries.ca/whale-watching/
Observe the whales of Howe Sound and Georgia Straight on the completely enclosed vessel provided by Pacific Ferries. The guides will identify the species and their pods while you enjoy them in their natural habitat.
"The onboard guide will engage you with points of interest, historical and fun facts of Vancouver and of course, impress you with their knowledge of the wild species you will get to see while on board the whale watching tour." ENJOY THE ADVENTURE!!