In the last few weeks, I had been sharing with you my Bowen Island adventure. This is the 3rd installment of that series. I shared with you our hiking adventure at Wild Coast Nature Reserve and the Sea Walk Trail. Now we’ve come to the highlight of that trip, which is the visit to the lighthouse at Cape Roger Curtis.

If you are travelling with a car, I highly recommend a visit to the lighthouse. It is beautiful, peaceful and relaxing. Let me show you around.

• ime & Elevation: 45 minutes with return to start, but allow more time to visit the lighthouse, 350 ft.
• Difficulty: Easy
• Access: By car only, via Whitesails Drive from Tunstall Bay
• Main Attraction: Views over Georgia Strait
• Website: https://bowentrails.ca/cape-roger/

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.

How long do you need to allocate for the visit?

30 minutes is more than enough or even less if you just want to take a quick photo. If you have snack with you, this is a great place to have snack and recharge. This is such a beautiful spot anytime of the day. I can imagine this is even more stunning during sunset or sunrise.

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.

The lighthouse trail is quite far from the ferry terminal. You will need a car to access this place, just keep that in mind.

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

We had few other stops when we visited Bowen and so far between the Wild Coast Nature Reserve and this one, the lighthouse wins. I love light houses and so they always comes first in my list.

On the same area as the light house is the Sea Walk Trail which I highly recommend you do if you are in the area anyway. It’s an easy walk and there is even an area for swimming if you feel like it.

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

If you have a car with you, check out the Wild Coast Nature Reserve.

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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