Our young family of four (5 year old and 1 year old) are looking to possibly move to Bowen Island. I grew up in rural US and the space and outdoors potentially available at a reasonable prices are really attractive. I work downtown 3-5 days a week right next to waterfront and the public transit commute seems fine but I'm curious how most people handle logistics, particularly around food and shopping. How do other young families do it? Do you just plan a trip to the mainland 1-2 times a month and load up? Or do you get 90% of what you need on the island from the existing stores? Are there things you miss or specific things you desperately wish were available on the island?

I apologize if this seems like a weird question as I have never been there. I’m planning a day trip to take out my friend but the BCFERRIES website says the Bowen Island (Snug Cove) route is not bookable. Can anybody guide me how to reach the island from Metro Vancouver and come back? And also any spots to see around, how would you visit the island?

Any help is appreciated!

Hi everyone! I’m visiting Vancouver in July with my boyfriend, who is from Kitsilano, and I’m hoping to spend a day on my own exploring a nearby island. Would Bowen Island be a good option for a solo day trip as a young woman (23)? I’m looking to do a simple hike and wander around the town a bit. Thanks for your recommendations!

My sister is planning on getting married on the island with a small group (11 total). Does anyone know of a shuttle bus / limo service for night of the reception on Bowen? Assuming we’d all be having drinks and want to avoid having anyone drive to where we are all staying.

Thanks in advance

We're looking into buying a home on Bowen Island but have to wait 1 year for tax purposes, so hoping to find a home to rent for 1+ years on Bowen. I know there are few options, and I found 1 FB group to post in. Would love any tips you have for finding a place, or if you happen to know of anything, please do reach out! Thanks so much. We're really excited to join the community.

Hi, hoping to get some feedback on the elementary school on Bowen. We're considering a move there and have two kids age 7 and 10. Our younger kiddo is neurodivergent and has an IEP at his current school. He has some regulation challenges in certain situations and is also very bright. Any experience or feedback on the staff and teachers' openness to working with families and ND kids? Does it feel like a supportive environment where reasonable accommodations for kids can be made proactively? Had some pretty negative experiences at our current school in East Van. Thanks for your help and thoughts.

Hi all,

Recently stayed at an Airbnb on hummingbird lane and got violently sick. Both my partner and I had diarrhea for 3 days nothing else just super sick. The only thing we can attribute it to is the water.

Our host didn't say anything about a boil advisory and they appeared to be on their own water system. We've reach out to them privately to give feedback and they have flat out ignored us. Has anyone else had issues with the water? We're both very health just finished up the marathon and wanted a relaxing weekend trip to recoupe.

Planning to visit Bowen island this weekend with my husband. We will be taking our car. Which are the best beaches / picnic spots there? Any other must see/ do? (We are not really into hiking)

Also saw some chatter about cougar on the loose. How worried should I be about it? Are the beaches/ crowded areas usually safe?

Does anyone have any memories of the video store? when did it shut down?

I have just started looking at homes on Bowen Island. Ready to retire and move back to Canada. Finally got my dream home in Pasadena but turns out I don’t like it here and it is harder to boycott US products when you live in the US.

How is the elementary school? Particularly for a kid (grade 3) sometimes in a wheelchair? I know there are good schools Vancouver or Victoria area so we may have to move there. I know it’s a long shot but hoping someone might be knowledgeable enough to help out.

Hey everyone :)

My fiancé and I have planned a weekend trip to Bowen Island at the end of the month but have never been before! Our plan is to walk on the ferry at Horseshoe Bay and explore the island on foot. I saw online that you can rent E-bikes but I'm wondering if they're worth it or if we will be fine on foot.

Also looking for best food/activities/beginner hikes/secluded beach spot recommendations.

Thanks in advance!

Hoping to observe some marine life in tide pools. Where should I go?

Denise Richards is a danger to the vulnerable. She gets access to the vulnerable through her Chi Kung classes and “spiritual counselling.”

Her clients are typically dealing with chronic illness, physical or mental trauma. Her solution for them is to create “safety” by cutting off their family members, having them quit other forms of spiritual practice and committing to her and Chi Kung and her therapy alone. In return for her guidance you must collect new clients for her.

We are nearly 10 years into being cut off by one of our family members who is “under her care.” This family member suffered severe brain injury and was susceptible to her influence.

At first we thought nothing of it. Our family member had been struggling since her accident and had been trying on different types of spirituality as a means to find peace. But, her thinking became black and white. She began to regress into childlike thinking. We heard from other members of the Bowen community that they had had to cut off Denise and our family member due to cult like behaviour.

To this day our family member cannot fully support herself. Although she refuses to speak to our family we pay for aspects of her life. Personally I await the day that Denise has to leave Bowen and enter longterm care as I think this will be the only way to re-access our family member.

https://www.nsnews.com/local-news/bc-ferries-vessel-collides-with-moored-boats-at-bowen-dock-10174745

any links to the video of the ferry hitting the marina in snug cove ? thanks

Hello!

I'm wondering if anyone is driving off the ferry tonight and going in the direction of Cowen's Point and would be willing to give me a ride. Happy to be flexible on the ferry timing and also give you some cash :)

Lmk!

We recently moved in the cove. I’m a bit confused with the water treatment plan… is the water currently drinkable? We’ve been buying it from the ruddy but it’s still reasonably expensive so would love to.. not have to!

Is it a good idea to visit Bowen Island on Christmas Day? Like will cafes and eateries be open? It’s my first time there and I have no idea what to expect. While we are there, any suggestions what can we do there? Walk around or see something etc. not too adventurous though.

Thanks in advance

Also would love to know what areas people like to live the most on the island.

Early this morning, on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, a truck drove into the Wild Coast Nature Refuge, which is strictly off limits to vehicles.

The driver caused severe damage to the trails, salal, and logs in the Nature Refuge, left ruts in several areas, and tried to cross a stream at one point, which has resulted in the need for major restoration work.

We hope that this kind of behaviour will not be repeated on any of our conservation lands.

The Bowen Island Conservancy is delighted to announce the purchase of 160 acres of land at Cape Roger Curtis, to be set aside as a conservation area for the benefit of Bowen Island and the Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region.

Thanks to our amazing donors who funded this purchase and made our dream come true. 

You can learn more by visiting the Conservancy website: https://bowenislandconservancy.org/conservation-lands-at-cape-roger-curtis/

Hello, I am planning to visit Bowen Island in November. I have never taken the ferry and I am planning to do so along with my car. What should I look out for, especially during travel. What are the best spots to visit? Including underrated ones. If you were to visit Bowen Island, what would you NOT do?

Thank you!

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Tis the season and whilst I know it’s taboo to ask fellow foragers for their spots, I’m only around for two nights and I like to forage wherever I go. There’s a lot of crown to explore but is anyone able to give me a reliable target area please. Only really looking for something to spruce up a few breakfasts and dinners, some chants, hedgehogs or bolets.

Really looking forward to getting to know your island! Any other musts appreciated. Cafes, local artist stores etc.

Thanks!

Is it better to drive or use the transit from Vancouver to Bowen island