Whether you're buying a home, selling your home or relocating to Bowen Island, the following information, resources and tools will help to guide your decision.

 

Bowen Island lies near Vancouver, B.C. in Howe Sound with regular ferry service from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.

 

In 1791 the Spanish explore Narvaez had named this island and one to west "Islas de Apodaca" after Sebastian Ruiz de Apodaca, a Spanish naval official. It was renamed in 1860 after Rear Admiral James Bowen in recognition of his wartime efforts in defeating a French fleet in 1794, while serving Admiral Howe. Rear Admiral Bowen never actually visited the island.

 

Since the early 1900s Bowen Island has been a favourite destination for Vancouverites looking for a quiet retreat or a place to get together with friends. Bowen Island is also a popular destination for boaters who wish to experience sheltered bays and safe anchorage, dive sites and clean swimming beaches. Boater will find two marinas upon their arrival at Snug Cove.

 

Visitors will find several picnic grounds, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, stores and gift shops to explore in Snug Cove near the ferry dock. Two commercial areas with shops and services are located a short walking distance above Snug Cove. Visitors can also access many fine accommodations on Bowen for extended stays (no overnight camping or trailer parking is permitted on the island). Outdoor opportunities in Crippen Regional Park allow for hiking trails in varying ecosystems. Hikers may also traverse Crown land to Mount Gardner to enjoy the panoramic view of Georgia Strait.

 

The temperate climate, the mildest in all of Canada, makes the Gulf Islands the perfect destination almost any time of the year. Enjoy spring as early as February; warm, sunny, and dry summers; the vibrancy of fall; and winters perfect for hiking, cycling, or kayaking.

 

Bowen Island is the first island municipality within the Islands Trust with an RCMP detachment, an elementary school, a BC ambulance station and a volunteer fire department. The island is the permanent home of approximately 3,500 people.

 

Visitor information is available at the Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce

 

Community Links has more great links to help you get to know Bowen Island and all it has to offer.