Lighthouse is always my favorite. If there’s any accessible trail that leads to a lighthouse, I am all for this. In our trip to Bowen Island, we managed to find a lighthouse trail that is not too far from the ferry.

The great thing about the lighthouse trail, is that there is also an easy nice Sea Walk trail right beside it. That’s what I am showing you today. Let’s get to it!

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, snacks and meals in the cafes and restaurants and shopping in the quaint shops in the island. This is definitely a more quiet island as compared to Victoria which is a more popular tourist destination.

While you are in the area, don’t forget to check the lighthouse. This is going to be the highlight of your hiking trip in this area. Walking the Sea Walk trail however is also a nice walk to do while you are there. You can do both of this in one visit.

How long do you need to allocate for the visit?

Just the hike or walk alone, probably 1 – 1/2 hr depending on how long you want to stay there. I highly recommend bring some snack with you, having a meal in the lighthouse area is quite nice. There are no tables and chairs just so you know but it’s nice to sit on the rocks or large trunk of trees.

There is also a man area at the far end of the Sea Walk trail where you can swim. That’s also a great place to spread your blanket and have a snack.

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.

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. Although these 2 hikes are inside a forest, there are some areas that are open. July to September are great time, but I prefer the month of September. You can still get lucky and have a nice day on October but the chances of rain as more as Fall is starting.

Highlights of the Visit

Although this post is about the Sea Walk trail, the lighthouse which is at the same area as the Sea Walk was the highlight of the trip. Me and lighthouse 🙂

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.

Other Hike Suggestions:

If you still have time, check out these 2 easy hikes that you can also do while in Bowen Island. These 2 are the most visited trail for visitors doing a day trip with or without a car.

Kilarney Lake Loop Trail

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 effort hike at Sea Walk

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