If you are visiting Island, the. I recommend visit the small Artisan Village Square they have which is only few minutes away from the ferry terminal. It’s a small area and not quite the idea of a “square” but they have the best breakfast/brunch place in town there which makes that area worth visiting. Read on to find out what that place is 🙂

How to buy ferry ticket

To get to Bowen Island, you will need to take a 20 minutes ferry ride and would costs 11.70CAD round trip. You can buy the ticket at the Horshoe Bay Ferry Terminal. Unlike other busier BC route where you can buy the ticket online, this one is an exception. Because this is a short and less busy route, tickets are sold onsite. It is a short cheap ferry ride which makes Bowen Island a great day trip get away. Have a look at this video here to get an idea how to get to the Horshoe Bay Ferry Terminal and what the ferry ride looks like.

What is there to see and do?

Bowen is a small island but there’s more than enough activity that you can do for the whole day. If you plan to do more hiking and exploration of the place, I suggest doing an overnight trip so as not to rush the trip.

Aside from hiking, you can do kayaking, biking, walking in the park and promenade, have snacks and meals in the cafes and restaurants, a bit of shopping in the quaint shops in the island. This is definitely a more quiet island as compared to Victoria, a really laid back and relax trip for sure.

• Restaurant: Artisan Eats Cafe
• Address: Artisan Ln, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0
• Website: https://artisaneats.ca/
• Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Sunday ; 9:00AM – 4:00 PM

If dining is what you are looking for especially for brunch, the Artisan square have the BEST breakfast or brunch place in my opinion. That alone is the reason why I go to this area even if I have to walk 20 minutes, it’s worth it. You can dine and have breakfast or brunch.

There are quite few places to eat but I highly recommend the Artisan Eats Cafe. They are a bit farther from Snug cove, a 15 – 20 minute uphill walk but it is totally worth the visit.

I have dedicated a separate post and video for this place, that is how much I like it. I cannot wait to go back and visit this place again. Please take not of the hours of operation so as not to be disappointed.

What is a summer trip without an ice cream? Head to Cocoa West for an ice cream treat or at the snug cove at Lady Alexandra Promenade. If you do not feel like walking far at all, Branch just few steps away from the ferry terminal laso have gelato & tacos 🙂

• Restaurant: Cocoa West
• Address: 581 Artisan Ln, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
• Website: https://cocoawest.com/
• Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Sunday ; 9:00AM – 4:00 PM

There is also an ice cream and chocolate shop called Cocoa West located juts across the Artisan Eats. If you haven’t hit your sugar limit, stop by and sample some of the items in this place. I tried the Pistachio and Mango &Guava flavors. I also bought small box of chocolate for almost 20CAD. Quite expensive for few pieces but it’s not everyday that I go here.

They also have fragrance shops, flower shops, boutiques, wellness center and gym.

How long do you need to allocate for the visit?

Artisan Village Square is very small area with cafe and shops. Not a tourist attraction but they have good eats in this area. The amount of time depends on how long it takes you to have breakfast or brunch or if you also want to enjoy ice cream and few pieces of chocolate or perhaps to do some shopping. They have nice stores that sells fragrance there. I would say 1 1/2 hr should be enough. This is more of a place to have something to eat more than an activity place, unless you consider eating as part of your activity which I actually do 🙂 Food trip as I call it is always part of my trips regardless of short or long.

How to get there?

As I mentioned earlier, you will need to take a ferry ride. BC ferries operate a route to take you to Bowen. Have a look at this video to get an idea.

Once you get to the ferry, the Artisan Square is about 20 minutes walk (uphill) and less if you are driving. There is also a bus that stops in the square.

What is the best time to visit?

Even if it is just a day trip, I suggest coming early on a Summer day. End of Summer, around September are better are the weather is cooler but still sunny. This makes walking around and exploring the place more enjoyable.July to September are great time, but I prefer the month of September for a cooler weather. You can still get lucky and have a nice day on October but the chances of rain as more as Fall is starting.

Tips for the Trip

1. Plan Ahead – Weather you are driving or walking when you get to Bowen, it is always good to plan ahead. Weekdays are better time to visit as it is not as busy, but if weekend is all you have alloted then that is good as well. Bowen Island is not as busy as other Vancouver Island which makes it a great option for a quite and more relax get away.
2. Check the weather– Always check the weather before you go especially if you are visitng early Spring or Fall. Here in BC, we get more rain during Fall so just be prepared, it won’t hurt to bring an umbrella or poncho with you.
3. Wear proper clothes for the weather: Whatever season you visit, dress for that season. Summer could be hot, do not forget to bring sunscreen or wear a head covering. Early Spring could still be cold and wet, same with Fall. Bring your cold and rain gears with you. Lastly, Winter is definitely going to be cold, mitten, toque and warm jacket are advisable. I personally recommend visitng Bowen during Summer for better experience.
4. Bring Snacks – There are quite a few places to eat in the island but when you do the hikes, there are no food or drinks places inside or even close to the trail. I highly recommend to bring drink or light snac with you just in case you get hungry while doing the hike.
5. Come in Early – Bowen Island is a small p lace, but if you are only doing a day trip it is a good idea to take the earlier ferry. This will give you enough time to check the island and stop for a meal or snack.

Bowen Island Videos:

• A Ferry ride from Vancouver to Bowen Island
• Easy 45 mins Hike to Dormat Point
• Good hike close to the ferry terminal – Kilarney Lake Loop Trail
• Quick stop for snack at Tell Your Friends Cafe
• A lovely promenade to relax at Lady Alexandra Promenade
• The BEST brunch place, The Artisan Eats Cafe
• A stroll at the Artisan Village Square
• A short hike away from the crowd at Wild Coast Nature Conservatory
• Cannot miss the Lighthouse at Cape Roger Curtis
• No effor hike at Sea Walk

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